The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
NE Ohio native Trubisky excited for Canton visit, likely won’t play
Mitchell Trubisky has never played at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, which for years was known as Fawcett Stadium in Canton.
It’s sounding as if the Mentor graduate won’t get that opportunity on Aug. 2 when the NFL season officially gets under way. The Bears and Vikings will play in the 2018 NFL Hall of Fame game as a kick off to not only the preseason but Hall of Fame festivities during the weekend. The 2018 Hall of Fame class will be inducted Aug. 4.
With the Hall of Fame game on its preseason schedule, the Bears have five preseason games. With that extra game, it’s understandable why the team will likely be cautious with its starters. Bears No. 1 running back Jordan Howard said on NFL Network this week he’s not playing Aug. 2, and also added Trubisky is “probably not” playing as well.
Asked on Aug. 1 if he’s been informed of plans for the preseason opener, Trubisky said: “Whatever coach releases is what’s going to happen so I’m just preparing. I don’t want to be the first to say anything.”
Regardless of if he plays or not, Trubisky is excited for a return to his home state to a location about an hour from his hometown of Mentor.
Trubisky said there will be about 20 friends and family in attendance at the game.
Trubisky has visited the Hall of Fame a few times. The first was when he was a Mentor ball boy and the Cardinals played in back-toback Division I state championship games in 2006 and 2007, and again later on a visit with his family when he was a high school junior.
“So many legends getting inducted this weekend,” said Trubisky. “Looking forward to coming back (to Ohio). Hopefully it’s inspiring for the team and helps us for what we’re trying to accomplish. It’s just a cool place to go back to and see all those great players.”
The class of 2018 inductees include Randy Moss, Ray Lewis, Terrell Owens, Brian Dawkins, Brian Urlacher, Robbert Brazile, Jerry Kramer and Bobby Beathard
“It’s definitely exciting for me,” said Trubisky about the buzz he’s feeling from fans in Year 2 of his career. “I definitely feel like I have a lot of ownership and responsibility for how this season goes, and I’m definitely going to have to produce. But that doesn’t come with any added pressure for me. It just makes this process more and more exciting. “Hopefully I can give the fans what they deserve and win a bunch of games with the Bears. But it’s definitely an honor to see my jersey out there being sold, and that a bunch of fans are buying it. That just motivates me more than anything.”
That being said, Trubisky has taken a break from social media, saying he’s “tired of all the doubts.” Instead, he’s focused on improving the Bears from last year’s 5-11 season and last-place finish in the NFC North.
In 2017 as a rookie after being the No. 2 overall pick in the draft, Trubisky played in 12 games and threw for over 2,000 yards and seven touchdowns.
If Trubisky doesn’t play Aug. 2 in Canton, his first preseason action will likely be in Ohio on Aug. 9, when the team is on the road at Cincinnati.