Legendary Bears Corner "Peanut" Tillman Addresses Rookies at Halas Hall
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THIS.
Matt Eberflus is the new head coach of the Chicago Bears and it's clear to me that he gets it. He understands the heartbeat of the Bears faithful and how important the players who have been a part of this franchise's history are to the organization's identity and the connection they have to the city. THIS is the culture you build. Okay let me take a step back b/c you're probably reading going hey relax man it's a former player talking to the team, doesn't everyone do that?
The answer is the great teams do. For too long the business side of the Bears organization and the product on the field have virtually been a separation of church and state. Former players who have put their literal blood, sweat, and tears, for this organization have generally been thought of as an afterthought after their playing days are done. That's just unacceptable. Chicago sports are a very special part of my life. I'm part of a community that shows up every year no matter what the outlook is and that's what Chicago sports fans are. We will die before giving up or not having some form of optimism for the players that put it all on the line for this city.
Coach Eberflus inviting Charles "Peanut" Tillman to speak to the team is an effort that tells me this guy understands what needs to change in that building to be successful. Players like Tillman, Brian Urlacher, Lance Briggs, Olin Kreutz, Devin Hester, etc, understand first and foremost what it takes to win in the NFL and what it takes to win over our rabid fan base. To bring in Tillman to deliver that message to these rookies is powerful. It's powerful because they're listenting to a guy who has lived it. He's not blowing smoke. He's been on successful Bears teams and knows how that energy feels in Soldier Field when winning is happening consistently. And that's how you build a winning culture. It's not rocket science really bu the Bears have not had a leader at the helm who understood this enough to reach out to Bears alumni and not be afraid to go hey we would love for you to speak to the team. We appreciate what you did in your career for this team and would love for you to share that knowledge with the team. That's an incredible moment and I guarantee it meant the world for Tillman to hear before coming in.
To me personally, the quote that Peanut says at the top of this blog says it all. If you work hard for this team, I swear to you this city will love you. THAT is Chicago sports. Give us the effort and desire to be the absolute best. Play with passion and be relentless. That's what the identity of Chicago and the Bears has and always will be. If we see that displayed on the field, we have your back forever. In a way, Eberflus bringing in Tillman makes me feel like we're in this together. City, fans, team, and organization.
THIS is who the Chicago Bears should have always been. All in on the Eberflus/Poles era.
Full article here:
-Peanut
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