It isn’t during the good times when teams find out who the real leaders are. It is during the struggles. The dark years. For the Chicago Bears, it becoming more and more apparent that Roquan Smith has emerged as one of those guys. Through his first two years, the young linebacker was content to just play his part in the defense. Let guys like Akiem Hicks, Danny Trevathan, and Khalil Mack play the lead roles.
This season was different. As those three veterans endured health problems, somebody else was needed to step into that leadership void. Smith didn’t hesitate. Of all the players that have worked tirelessly on and off the field to maintain the Bears’ standard of defensive excellence and a winning mentality? It is him. With two games left, Smith has 149 tackles on the season. Four shy of Brian Urlacher’s team record of 153.
So his play speaks for itself.
This has allowed him to have a voice in the locker room and he is using it. In exactly the right ways too. Smith has reportedly given impassioned speeches to his teammates during tough losses, reminding them why they work so hard and there shouldn’t be quit in anybody. Yet at the same time, he is also reminding them that this is a game. It is okay to enjoy the victories when they happen. This clip from right after the comeback over Seattle says it all.
This reinforces how much Roquan Smith has matured. A lot of guys would be apathetic after a win like that, knowing it is ultimately meaningless to the overall season. Chicago was eliminated from the playoffs last week. However, the 24-year old linebacker understands that there are only 17 of these games each year. Winning in the NFL is hard and players should revel in each one as best they can. Careers in such a physically demanding league don’t last long.
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It is okay to have fun when they happen. All and no play as the saying goes. The Bears are fortunate Smith is in a Bears uniform. He’ll play a pivotal role in helping this team navigate the difficult waters ahead. As will other young leaders like Jaylon Johnson, David Montgomery, and Justin Fields.
