The Mitch Trubisky development at quarterback didn’t begin in high school or even Peewee. In truth his molding to that position started when he was still learning to coordinate his limbs. Much of that is due in large part to his father. Trubisky credits the man with instilling a lot of the attributes in him that make up the core of his game at the position.
An in-depth story by Chicago Tribune columnist Rich Campbell revealed that there were two notable names involved in that teaching process. Maybe not directly of course but their influence was always present. They were the benchmark Trubisky’s father saw and geared his lesson around what he learned from watching those men play.
The fact that both are Pro Football Hall of Famers certainly doesn’t hurt.
Mitch Trubisky development built on a “perfect” legacy
“Dave Trubisky gave Mitch his first football, a small aqua-colored Dolphins ball, before Mitch could catch it consistently. Dave, now 51, was an honorable mention all-state quarterback at nearby Perry High in the early 1980s. He had an affinity for the Dolphins because of quarterbacks Bob Griese and Dan Marino.
He and Mitch would play catch in the backyard. To this day, Mitch considers himself a visual learner. As his dad preached basics, such as gripping the laces to control the ball, he absorbed what he saw.
Dave prioritized completions over mechanics, hence Mitch’s ability to make the “funny-body throws” with which Bears general manager Ryan Pace became enamored.”
At first it might seem over the top but when one starts to watch Mitch play, there are certain elements he seems to have incorporated from both. With Griese it’s the methodical style, the ability to string completions together and execute a drive. Managing the clock and knowing how to leave as little time as possible for the opponent. With Marino? It’s the tight delivery with the downfield accuracy. The willingness to pull the trigger with zero hesitation.
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Maintain the balance
Of course that doesn’t mean Mitch’s career is going to end up the same way. He’s not the same as those men. It’s merely the fact that he took what was great from their games and molded it to his own that’s so encouraging. In many ways Griese and Marino would make the perfect QB together. One the calculating, unselfish winner and the other a gunslinger wizard who attacks defenses without fear.
If Trubisky can somehow strike that balance moving forward, he has a bright future with the Chicago Bears. Something fans are desperately hoping to see. Credit to his old man for having the common sense to approach his teaching in that way.
