When Justin Fields said he didn’t plan to do much resting during the month-long interlude between mandatory minicamps and training camp? He wasn’t joking. During a time several players use to get away, relax, and recharge before a grueling month of work the rookie Chicago Bears quarterback has merely seen as more time to prepare. He said he wants to be great so bad. So what better way to do that than learn from guys who already are?

Part of this process is taking advantage of every connection you have. Prior to joining the NFL, the quarterback signed with top agent David Mulugheta and Athletes First. Among many of their prominent clients? Another highly successful African-American quarterback named Deshaun Watson. When an opportunity came up for the two to work together this month, Fields seized it. Mulugheta caught it on camera via his Instagram.

This is a wise decision by Fields.

Not only is Watson one of the best young quarterbacks in the NFL, but he also has the unique perspective of being black in a major media market. In this case Houston, the seventh-largest in the country. So he understands what it takes to juggle the responsibility of his job along with the inevitable scrutiny it comes with. Dealing with that kind of spotlight isn’t easy. Thus far Fields hasn’t really dealt with something like this.

Sure there were high expectations at Ohio State, but that is nothing compared to what he is about to face in Chicago. No other QB in the NFL can offer him the same perspective as Watson can. Even the short time they spend together could prove beneficial.

Justin Fields continue to do all the right things

He’s not opening his mouth. He isn’t going out to have loads of fun like a typical person his age with lots of money would. Almost every free moment he has gets devoted to making himself a better quarterback. This speaks to how smart the guy is. He understands the critical rule of the NFL. Being the most talented means nothing. It is those who work the hardest that almost always emerge as the best in the game.

Justin Fields will not be found wanting in that department. He doesn’t care that he is a freakish athlete with a live arm. That doesn’t seem to matter to Tom Brady and his seven rings. He separates himself by being more mentally quicker and tougher than everybody else. This is where Fields is trying to get. Watson is absolutely somebody who can help with that, having played in a myriad of big games during his career.

It is little wonder excitement keeps building.

Fields is setting himself for tons of future success. It comes down to whether he can master the NFL speed and whether the Bears can build a good enough roster around him. This is why people are so anxious to see him in action. The first opportunity comes on August 14th in their preseason opener against the Miami Dolphins.