Ledarius Mack was overjoyed when he got the call from the Chicago Bears with a contract offer. Not only was it his ticket to the NFL, it was also a chance to do something rare in professional sports. He’d have a chance to play with family. Big brother Khalil Mack had already spent two seasons with the team as the focal point of one of the best defenses in the league.
The younger Mack would have an opportunity to show that he too has something to offer. From most accounts, he’s handled himself quite well. Color analyst Tom Thayer even said he had some moves that Khalil himself has never shown before. Coaches say he carries himself will great confidence and has the athletic traits necessary to be a contributor.
It probably doesn’t hurt that he’s copying his brother in terms of physical preparation. When asked about whether Khalil took over instructing him on conditioning when he arrived, Mack confirmed. By the sound of things, he wasn’t quite prepared for how intense it got.
“I flew here and that’s when the grind started. Just every day. It was like two-a-days in college. It was like every day – workout…lift…run. So that’s when it started. It was definitely a lot of work put in up to this point…
…We were together every time. Everywhere he went, I was there.”
Ledarius Mack should be grateful he has his brother
The hard labor is undoubtedly a pain for the younger Mack. However, this is a great education on the realities of the NFL. He’ll have to work harder than ever if he wants to succeed at this level. Mimicking the regimen of an All-Pro like Khalil is the smartest thing he could possibly do. Maybe part of it is good luck but then again he was smart enough to sign in Chicago. He knew who he’d get a chance to work with.
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Mack isn’t likely to make the final roster this year. The lack of a preseason made it almost impossible for him to get noticed enough. That shouldn’t discourage him. He’ll end up on the practice squad and be able to spend the season honing his craft. Maybe an opportunity will come during the season. Or he can prepare for his real shot next summer.
