It happens every year. Certain rookies who are added to the Chicago Bears roster become instant fan favorites for a variety of reasons. Maybe it’s because they play with grit and toughness, or perhaps it’s a result of an inspiring backstory. Regardless of the why, it’s a certainty to occur again in 2019.
One of the early candidates to be that guy this year is Canadian-born pass-rusher, Mathieu Betts. The product of Laval University in Quebec City, Betts was signed by the Bears as an undrafted free agent to compete for a job as an edge defender. The 6-3, 250-pounder was rated the No. 1 defensive lineman available in the Canadian Football Leauge draft and was selected with the third pick overall by the Edmonton Eskimos on May 2.
In what normally would be a moment of celebration for any player drafted that high, Betts had no idea. He was in the middle of Bears team meetings when the selection was made.
“It’s a weird feeling because you worked so hard to get there and you don’t appreciate it,” Betts said via the Bears’ website. “But the main goal for me is to stay with the Bears. I want to do the best I can with the Bears. [The Eskimos] are totally aware of the situation. Maybe one day I’ll be able to play with [Edmonton]—I would love it—but for now, my feet are here. The plan for me is to be a Bear as long as I can.”
Meanwhile, the Eskimos know they’re taking a calculated risk selecting Betts with such a high draft asset.
“At the end of the day, you’re looking at depth and we’re hoping Betts comes here at some point,” said Eskimos head coach Jason Maas via the Edmonton Sun. “We realize there is a risk that he may not show up this year.
“There’s a lot of special qualities about him,” Maas said. “I don’t think there’s anything not to like about the guy.”
