Prior to the NFL draft back in 2017, Mitch Trubisky was seeking advice. He eventually got in contact with two all-time greats, Peyton Manning and Ben Roethlisberger. Both had great words of wisdom but admitted it was Roethlisberger’s who stuck with him the most. The Pittsburgh Steelers legend told him to “take control of your career.” Trubisky thought he knew what those words meant at the time.
It became clear he didn’t. One thing that became apparent about the young Chicago Bears QB was his attitude. Personally, he was a terrific kid. Classy, loyal, and nice to anybody and everybody. Very easy to like. The problem was for all the leadership he’d show to teammates, it didn’t always go in the direction of the coaching staff.
Trubisky came across as too much of an automaton.
Somebody who regurgitated what the coaches were saying. He didn’t have a mind of his own. Trubisky seemed less like a field general and more like a loyal sergeant following orders. Whatever the coaches wanted? He’d go along with it. The guy didn’t want to rock the boat. That is not what good leaders do, right? Except that approach wasn’t doing him any favors.
As time went on and Nagy implemented more of the offensive scheme he wanted, it became obvious Trubisky wasn’t comfortable. He struggled to adapt and started making mistakes. He became passive and less willing to take risks. Eventually, he was benched in favor of Nick Foles. One of the lowest moments of his career. Some wondered if he’d ever see the field again.
It appears Mitch Trubisky himself did too. However, after a time he started to embrace his new role and also a new mentality. If he ever got another chance, things were going to be different.
Mitch Trubisky found his voice when he returned
It appears Roethlisberger’s words finally clicked in his head when the Bears made him the starter out of the bye week. One thing coaches began to notice was Trubisky’s assertive nature. He was giving strong opinions on how he wanted the offense to run. How he felt was the best way to help himself and the team score points. More running the ball, more play action, and more tight end usage.
Nagy admitted to Peter King of NBC Sports that the 26-year old quarterback isn’t the yes-man he once was. He’s become a true leader.
“Mitchell’s always been a pleaser,” Nagy said from Chicago. “He wanted to please his teammates, his coaches, the fans. But now he’s more about organic leadership. He’s not trying to please everybody—he’s trying to lead.”
The results speak for themselves. After going 2-5 with Foles, the Bears are 3-2 since Trubisky stepped back into the lineup. The offense has scored at least 25 points in those five games with him throwing 10 touchdowns to just four interceptions. His season passer rating is nearing what it was back in 2018 and some would argue he’s playing even better right now than he did two years ago.
This is why rumors are hot the team might re-sign him.
It will be fascinating to see how Mitch Trubisky finishes the season. He’s about to face a Green Bay Packers team he’s beaten only once in his career. A team that is considered the best in the NFC. If he gives a strong performance, that could be the final push necessary to get him an extension. Something that nobody dreamed possible a few months ago. Part of the credit will have to go back to Roethlisberger.
That advice still rings true even today.