Mitch Trubisky knew the expectations were set against him when the quarterback competition began in July. The Chicago Bears had traded for Nick Foles. A Super Bowl MVP. They declined his 5th-year option. It was a crystal clear message. Either meet the challenge and keep your job or be relegated to the vast dustbin of other quarterback busts in NFL history.
To his credit, Trubisky put in a ton of work during the offseason. Specifically on areas of his game that were considered a big weakness. He performed well in practices. Far sharper and more efficient than in 2019. Teammates and coaches alike said they were pleasantly surprised by how he embraced the competition and refused to back down. In the end, he got the job done.
So how was he able to navigate such a tough past few months?
Trubisky is an avid reader. One book he found that seemed to resonate with him. It’s called “Can’t Hurt Me.” The author is named David Goggins. He is a celebrity in the world of physical fitness. The man went from being overweight and physically abused youth to the only one to ever become a Navy SEAL, Army Ranger, and Air Force Tactical Air Controller. Goggins served in the second Iraq War.
After his military career ended, he got into marathon running. Despite no prior experience, Goggins once ran 101 miles in 19 hours and six minutes. Then he finished the notorious Badwater-135 (a 135-mile ultramarathon) in 3rd place in 2007. He’s since gone on to win multiple such races, becoming one of the best in the world.
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Oh and just for good measure? The man has asthma and a congenital heart defect.
Mitch Trubisky has taken lessons from that book
Based on how the 26-year old quarterback attacked the offseason, it’s apparent Goggins’ story affected him. The former SEAL holds the personal belief that humans on average access just 40% of their true potential. If one works hard enough and has a steadfast belief in themselves, they can accomplish so much more than they realize. He’s a shining example of that reality.
Trubisky has said the biggest thing about this offseason was he managed to regain his confidence. Something that seemed shaken after last year. He’s not focused on all the talk anymore. It’s about action now. He wants to get out there and show everybody he can be better. Winning the competition was merely a stepping stone.
