Honestly if Mitch Trubisky asked advice of any two pro quarterbacks coming out of college, he couldn’t have picked much better than Peyton Manning and Ben Roethlisberger. It was Manning who advised him on whether he should come out of college early and what to expect in the NFL. However, the Chicago Bears top draft choice claimed it was Roethlisberger who resonated with him the most.
He didn’t really elaborate on what was said after the draft, offering a brief statement reviewing the words. With the Bears set to play the Steelers in week three though, he had a chance to better explain what the two-time Super Bowl champion and likely Hall of Famer had to say.
“One of the big pieces of advice he gave me was, really, take control of your career,” the Bears’ backup quarterback said Friday. “And I think that’s kind of how he instills how he carries himself in the locker room, on the practice field, at the line of scrimmage. The play is going to go how he wants it and that’s really how I want my career to go. Just exactly what you dream of, and take control and get everyone to buy into the same plan.
“I think that’s how you create a winning culture — really taking control, really taking ownership and hopefully that trickles down through the rest of the team.”
Mitch Trubisky asked advice from the right guy
First of all, the advice given is correct. Trubisky isn’t going to be handed anything in this league. Fans tend to forget draft status in a hurry. The only way to gain status and recognition in this sport is to take it. Take that starting job, take command of that huddle and take control of this team. It’s not about just wanting it. The great ones demand it.
Roethlisberger knows what Trubisky is facing. He was an Ohio native, like him. He came from a school (Miami of Ohio) not known for producing top quarterbacks, like him. His draft results were heavily scrutinized, like him. He was relegated behind a veteran (Tommy Maddox) most people knew he was more talented than, like him. Last but not least he faced a challenging franchise quarterback legacy upon arrival, like him.
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Despite all that Roethlisberger arguably became the best the Steelers have ever had. With respect Terry Bradshaw had far better teams and nowhere near the same numbers. He understood the expectations and knew the only way to meet or exceed them was to work hard and be himself. If he tried to be something else he would’ve failed.
It seems Trubisky is taking that to heart. Already he’s shown more progress on the field and in the locker room than anybody expected. Even the coaches. His time is coming. If he follows the same path as Big Ben, this is going to be a fun ride.
