There was something different about this Bears training camp compared to years’ past. A vibe, an energy that seemed to radiate through that locker room.
While fans look forward to training camp with enthusiasm, it’s usually not the players’ favorite thing in the world.
But despite the grueling summer days in Bourbonnais, this training camp was a little more fun than usual for players, especially a six-year veteran like right guard Kyle Long.
That’s what happens when you have a winning culture in place.
“Training camp usually has a negative connotation for players,” Long said, via the Sun-Times. “We’re always complaining… But coming down here with this group of guys, it was as fun of a time as I’ve had — and as productive of a time as I’ve had — in Bourbonnais.
“Having a group of guys that just understands the culture and really lives by this code — There’s a lot of things we’re doing here, and I’m excited to be part of this.”
Obviously those grueling training camp practices are made easier when you’re coming off a 12-4 season, where you went from worst-to-first, won your division and made the playoffs for the first time in nearly a decade.
But that’s not enough.
This Bears team aspires to do more than just peak at a playoff appearance. They’re working towards winning a championship and giving fans a team they can be proud of every year.
“I just know this city’s dying for a great football team,” Long said. “And I think we have one primed and ready to give to them.”
