By now most Chicago Bears fans have largely given up on Kevin White. That’s no surprise. The NFL is a what-have-you-done-for-me-lately league. If you fail, or in this case get injured one too many times? Your credibility is shot and you’re declared a bust. White came into the league with so much promise too. He looked like a potential stud at wide receiver. Yet three-straight times his body betrayed him. Nobody would bat an eye if he were cut. Except the Bears aren’t ready to give up just yet, and Mitch Trubisky is leading the charge.
There’s a reason excitement permeates Halas Hall these days. Trubisky is a breath of fresh air at quarterback this organization hasn’t had for a long time. He showed glimpses of his talent last season in some solid performances. Yet that’s only part of it. What has really stood out is what he’s doing off the field. His tireless work ethic is infectious and his willingness to embrace his role as team leader continues to expand.
That became apparent during an interview Bears All Access with 670 The Score. During it, he talked about his eagerness to work with head coach Matt Nagy and the new offensive staff. It was then he dropped a minor nugget that signals his determination to help his team in any way possible. Including a possible revival of once touted draft pick.
On #Bears All Access, Mitch Trubisky said WR Kevin White went to California to train with him this week.
— Patrick Finley (@patrickfinley) March 7, 2018
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Mitch Trubisky doing right by working with Kevin White
White has not played a snap since opening day of the 2017 season. That was when he suffered a freak injury that resulted in a broken shoulder blade. It marked the third-straight time he’d gone on injured reserve as a pro. All told he’s only played five games in his career. One wouldn’t be surprised if he decided it might be better to retire and seek other opportunities.
That isn’t White though. He’s no stranger to adversity. He never should’ve played college football, never should’ve played Division I ball and never should’ve been a first round pick. Erasing doubts is something he’s used to. All it takes is hard work and willpower. Based on the latest indicators, his body is back to full strength.
Ran into the family of #Bears WR Kevin White, who is recovering from a shoulder injury. I asked how he’s doing, and his father sent me this: pic.twitter.com/75MUQ5HRfJ
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 3, 2018
The question is can Trubisky and Nagy do anything with him? It’s worth noting that Nagy has successfully pulled career-best seasons from underachieving receivers before. In 2016, former third round pick Chris Conley had over 500 yards after being invisible as a rookie. This past year he got over 550 yards from Albert Wilson, a former undrafted free agent. White is more talented than both of those players.
At this point, 500 yards from him would be considered a blessing. Credit to Trubisky for putting in the effort to make it happen.
