People wouldn’t expect a Ben Roethlisberger Mitch Trubisky connection. Turns out though the two already know each other to an extent. Both are homegrown Ohio boys who are now playing for two of the bedrock franchises in the NFL. Some fans may be surprised to hear that they met a few months ago prior to the NFL draft.
Roethlisberger actually got a chance to work out and practice with the rookie. Trubisky alluded to this after the Bears drafted him. Not only Roethlisberger but Peyton Manning gave him great advice on what to expect when he got into the league. Based on how Mitch has handled himself so far, that advice was taken to heart. Roethlisberger and Manning are the epitome of NFL professionals.
What nobody knew was the impressions Big Ben came away with on Trubisky. With the Bears set to host the Pittsburgh Steelers in week three, he finally became available to provide an answer.
Ben Roethlisberger Mitch Trubisky impressive was all positive
“Pre-draft, we did. We went and worked out together. … I thought he was a tremendous athlete. I thought he could throw the ball. thought when he got out of the pocket and made throws on the run, his improvising (was notable). I got to watch some of his college tape. Just really impressed with the athleticism. The ease of throwing the ball. It just looked easy to him when he was on the run, when it wasn’t supposed to be super easy. So I thought that those were the most impressive things that I got to see.”
In other words Roethlisberger was taken by how well Trubisky could move but also how advanced he was as a passer given his limited experience. He knows how difficult the transition to the NFL is. He started after just two weeks for the Steelers in 2004. Pittsburgh reached the AFC championship game. Though it was the running game and defense that did the heavy lifting, he was able to make a fair share of plays.
Subscribe to the BFR podcast and ride shotgun with Dave and Ficky as they break down Bears football like nobody else.
Roethlisberger went on to explain that it took him a couple years to figure out the position entirely. That’s why it’s unwise to anoint or bury Trubisky if and when he does play. He also stated that while he understands the rookie is anxious to play, he should take advantage of this extra time on the bench to prepare.
