The Chicago Bears’ offseason program has looked a little different than in years’ past due to the coronavirus pandemic. But they’ve handled free agency, the 2020 NFL Draft and now their virtual offseason program with ease.
Now, they’re tackling rookie minicamp, where Chicago’s rookies are getting a unique welcome to the franchise.
The Bears’ Twitter account shared a video that gave fans a glimpse into how the team has been working around the social distancing guidelines that come with this virtual offseason.
Rookie minicamp looked very different this year, but our guys made the most out of it. 😄 pic.twitter.com/2PiICtJ84d
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) May 14, 2020
The rookies got a welcome from their new teammates — virtually, of course — as well as held a virtual meeting with head coach Matt Nagy, general manager Ryan Pace and other coaches, where Nagy presented the rookies with a look at the Bears’ culture.
Nagy continued to stress the “Be You” mantra that has been his calling card since he arrived in 2018, which included a Tik Tok video of defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano dancing. If there’s one positive to come out of this virtual offseason, it’s been the intimate looks at these players and coaches at their own homes.
We caught some quick glimpses of Nagy getting to know his new players, including their hobbies and quizzing them on random things like country capitals.
While the rookies haven’t had a chance to show their coaches what they’ve got on the field, they’re getting to know their coaches, teammates and the playbook from the comfort of their own homes.
It’s still unclear when teams will reopen facilities for players and staff, but the hope is before training camp begins in late July. The Bears will continue their virtual offseason with the start of organized team activities (OTAs) and minicamp in the coming weeks.
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