What a story Kyle Fuller has become. Think about it. Here’s a young man the Chicago Bears drafted in the 1st round in 2014. He was the 14th overall pick. That came with a great degree of expectation. He was the first defensive back the franchise had taken at the top of a draft in 18 years. Walt Harris was the last to do it.
Fuller was viewed by many as the heir apparent to aging legend Charles Tillman. He even demonstrated some of that exceptional talent early in his rookie year with four interceptions. However, things began to go south for him as the season progressed. His mistakes grew and he looked lost at times.
This followed him into the 2015 season where he was often abused by more experienced receivers. Then towards the end of the year, it looked like he was finally starting to gain his footing. His efficiency improved. The confidence was starting to show. Then it all came crashing down. Fuller injured his knee and was lost for the entire 2016 season.
At that point, people were convinced he was another busted pick by former GM Phil Emery. They never could’ve expected what would follow. Mostly because it’s never happened to Chicago before.
Subscribe to the BFR Youtube channel and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
Bears CB Kyle Fuller: “Good things happen when you get to the ball.”
— Mark Grote (@markgrotesports) November 5, 2018
Kyle Fuller late blooming has never happened to the Bears….in Chicago
Fuller began 2017 surrounded by questions. The Bears had chosen not to use the 5th year option on his rookie contract. This meant the season would decide his financial future. Would he be able to have a good enough year to earn that coveted pay raise? The answer was a resounding yes. Fuller finished with two interceptions, 22 passes defended and was second on the team in tackles.
After some drawn-out negotiations, Fuller got his new contract. A well-deserved $56 million over four years. If he could just be that player in the coming years, all would be fine. Except it seems he wasn’t satisfied with being good. Despite getting his money, Fuller has since stepped his game up again.
So far in 2018, the 26-year old has four interceptions. This puts him on pace for eight on the season which would be the second-highest total ever for a Bears cornerback behind Tim Jennings‘ nine in 2012. What’s stood out of late though is how he’s been able to help out teammates too. The game against Buffalo was a crowning example with two of his pass deflections resulting in interceptions for Adrian Amos and Leonard Floyd
Do people understand how significant this all is?
It’s rare for players to get off to a bad start in their careers and come around to play well. It’s even rarer for them to develop into a Pro Bowl-caliber talent. In fact, it’s never happened before for a Bears 1st round pick. Not in Chicago anyway. Since 1936, the franchise has taken 94 players in the top round.
Only one stood out as a similar story to Fuller, and his career renaissance happened with another team. That was Chuck Howley. A former 7th overall pick, his time in Chicago was plagued by injuries. Eventually, he was traded to Dallas where he finally shook his demons and became a six-time Pro Bowl linebacker.
Fuller went from bust to heavy Pro Bowl favorite in a span of two years, which is a telling showcase of not only his talent but his resilience. Credit the Bears for sticking with him long enough to figure it out. He may never be a superstar, but he’s without question will go down as one of the great comeback stories in Chicago football history.
