Sam Mustipher knew one thing entering the offseason. If he wanted to make a go of it at center for the Chicago Bears in the long term? He was going to have to get stronger. There is no question the former undrafted free agent has the intelligence and leadership to start in the NFL. That was obvious from the moment he stepped on the field midway through 2020. The issue is whether he is a benefit or a liability to his team when blocking.
In that regard, his first showing was a mixed bag. He had some good games and some bad games. Something that comes with the territory for a player with no previous experience. The Bears saw enough to have confidence he can be their guy this coming year. However, Mustipher isn’t dumb. He knows minds can change fast in this league. So he had to work hard in order to better cover up his flaws over the past several months.
By the sound of it, he got the results he was looking for.
The 24-year old sat before the media for the first time this past week. It was easy to notice he looked considerably thicker than last season. So he was asked about what he did in order to achieve this new look. Mustipher cracked a grin and revealed he ate a ton of Lou Malnati’s pizza. He had the green light to eat pretty much whatever he wanted in order to add weight. When the dust settled? He’d gained 20-25 lbs. Currently, he sits at 332, which is trimmed down from where he was in OTAs. The workout regimen he has put himself through sounds grueling.
This transformation is certainly necessary. Mustipher has to face some really good defensive tackles in the NFC North alone. Kenny Clark in Green Bay, Michael Brockers in Detroit, and Dalvin Tomlinson in Minnesota. That is before you get to guys like Cam Heyward (Steelers), Vita Vea (Buccaneers), and Brandon Williams (Ravens).
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Sam Mustipher plans to take on all comers
In truth? Optimism is high for the interior of the Bears offensive line. Cody Whitehair and James Daniels should be effective at guard while Mustipher keeps things coordinated at center. It is the tackle position that has many around the team concerned. Training camp has barely begun and already both of their starters have missed multiple practices. Teven Jenkins with back tightness and Germain Ifedi with a hip flexor.
While head coach Matt Nagy downplayed concerns about the injuries, it underscores how iffy the depth is at that position. The Bears’ defense has taken full advantage of their absence thus far. This makes the interior being steady even more important. That is why a lot of pressure is on Sam Mustipher to be ready.
He certainly seems that way.
It remains a treat to watch his story unfold. Nobody gave the kid a second glance when he arrived in 2019. He was just another undrafted free agent in a class that featured over 20 of them that year. After landing on the practice squad, most felt that was the last anybody would hear of him. Now here he is set to start his first full season for the Bears. Really cool.