Both Mitch Trubisky and Mike Glennon have kept things professional throughout the process of them becoming members of the Chicago Bears. Knowing the media as it is, they’d take every opportunity to stir things up and create controversy As the old saying goes, “Controversy creates cash.” Regardless, the two men have adhered to the insistence that they’ve maintained an open, friendly working relationship.
Nothing out of Bears camp over the past couple months has changed that. No rumors or the like that would indicate tension. In fact the two joined their new teammate Kyle Long at his house to watch the NBA Finals between Cleveland and Golden State.
The shit talk is so real in here right now pic.twitter.com/GV4qbJjYCJ
— Kyle (@Ky1eLong) June 10, 2017
So the two have kept it cordial to this point. At the same time, bubbling beneath the surface, it’s also apparent they’re starting to rev up the competition in subtle ways. Not so much in terms of trash talk, but work ethic. Each is embracing the total dedication it takes to master an NFL offense. Even going so far as to use virtual reality equipment to get extra practice reps in.
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Mitch Trubisky and Mike Glennon desire the same thing
The thing about rivalries is they’re all born out of a similar scenario. There is only one of something special, and both men want it. Yet only one of them can have it. This creates competition and sometimes tension as well. Glennon talked with Pro Football Talk in a recent interview. His motivations as a teammate were clear, but so were his goals.
“Glennon said this morning on PFT Live that he and Trubisky work well together in the quarterback room, and he’s happy to help Trubisky adjust to the NFL while also competing to keep the No. 1 quarterback job.
“Mitch has done a great job,” Glennon said. “I’m going to help him out as much as I can, but at the same time my job is to get ready and win games for the Chicago Bears. Along the way I’m going to help him, I’m going to be a great teammate, but my mindset is to get myself ready as much as I can, and along the way if I can help him, that’s great.”
Indeed a number of other teammates have come out saying how hands-on Glennon has been thus far on and off the field. Wide receiver Kendall Wright alluded to it during his interview after the first minicamp practice.
Kendall Wright said of Bears QB Mike Glennon: "It's like he was born to be a leader. He's taken that role and this team like it's his."
— Chris Emma (@CEmma670) June 13, 2017
Glennon was said to be encouraging guys to push hard in the weight room. He contacted Victor Cruz shortly after the receiver signed with the team so they could meet for dinner. He’s reportedly built a strong relationship with Kevin White already. The guy is doing everything he can to show that locker room he can be the one to lead them to success.
Trubisky refusing to go away quietly
That’s all well and good, but make no mistake. Trubisky has had enough of riding the bench. He had to do it for two thirds of his entire college career. One of the big reasons he only started 13 games. Not being able to play because of a veteran in front of him is not a scenario any competitive young man wants to relive. So the young man has reportedly been working his tail off for long hours.
The results are already starting to show.
#Bears TE Adam Shaheen said that his roommate — QB Mitch Trubisky — is spending late nights at Halas Hall every day.
— Adam Jahns (@adamjahns) June 13, 2017
#Bears minicamp Day 1 in books. Impressed by Mitch Trubisky's RZ precision. He threw beautiful back shoulder TD to Wheaton, among other TDs.
— Arthur Arkush (@ArthurArkush) June 13, 2017
Trubisky was lauded for his work ethic coming out of North Carolina. It’s serving him well thus far. He knows the football bottom line. Performance gets the best player on the field. Training camp and the preseason will be his high noon. If he can go toe-to-toe with Glennon and handle the NFL speed, then there’s a good chance he might steel the starting job.
At the end of the day the Bears are obligated to put the best quarterback they have under center. That’s why they created this competition. It’s not about making those two men feel comfortable. It’s about making them play good football. History shows that men play their best when they feel their job is on the line.
Rivalries are good for business. Whether they admit it or not, Trubisky and Glennon have one now. And it’s growing.
