The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Trubisky winning over the hearts of Bears fans
Free-agent signee Mike Glennon is likely beginning the season as the Bears starting quarterback but fans in the Windy City are ready for the Mitchell Trubisky era to start.
Dave Trubisky was simply looking for a quiet Uber shuttle through the busy streets of Chicago.
Instead, he was treated to a story of a love affair with the city and their rookie quarterback — Dave’s son Mitchell.
The conversation went something like this — the driver asked what his passenger was doing in town, to which Trubisky said he was going to the game.
“You know someone on the team?” the driver asked, to which Trubisky answered, “Yeah my son plays.” “Who’s your son?” “Mitchell Trubisky.” Then the gushing began. By the time Trubisky and his wife arrived at their destination, it was evident at least one Chicagoan was ready for the Mitchell Trubisky era to begin with the Chicago Bears — and begin as soon as possible.
Turns out, that Uber driver isn’t alone in his thoughts.
A walk through the streets of Chicago and a random chat with those passed by reveals many — if not most — fans of the Chicago Bears are ready for the rookie from Mentor, to lead their team this coming season.
Trubisky started the preseason finale against the visiting Browns on Aug. 31, but played only four series, completing 2 of 5 passes for 10 yards.
The depth chart in the game program shows Mike Glennon as the starter and veteran journeyman Mark Sanchez No. 2 behind Glennon. Then there’s Trubisky.
But many seem ready for the Trubisky era to begin now.
“Trubisky,” said longtime Bears fan Joe Estep, naming his choice for a starter. “If you’re going to pay a rookie that much money, play him. He’s supposed to be the future of the Bears, so give him his shot.
“They need a quarterback, and I don’t think Mark Sanchez or Mike Glennon is the answer.”
The Bears signed Glennon to a three—year, $43.5—million contract in early March then signed Sanchez to a one—year deal later in the month.
Then came the drafting of Trubisky with the No. 2 overall pick in the draft.
“To be honest, I wasn’t sure about (drafting him),” said Jeramiah Smith. “It took me seeing him a few preseason games, but I’m sold on him.”
One person who didn’t need to be sold on Trubisky is Josh Heerdegen. A lifelong Bears fan, Heerdegen got hooked on Trubisky’s play because his sister went to college at North Carolina along with Trubisky, and told her brother he had to watch the Tarheels’ quarterback.
Wandering through a fanzone area just south of Soldier Field on Aug. 31, donning a Bears shirt and a matching cape, ala Superman, Heerdegen pointed to a young fan wearing a Bears’ No. 10 jersey and acknowledged in an emphatic manner.
“Yeah, Trubisky!” he yelled, pointing his finger.
“I say put him in now,” Heerdegen said. “The way he is presenting himself, his poise in the pocket, his ability to make plays — it’s impressive. He reminds me of Jim McMahon. Hopefully he can win us a Super Bowl.”
Mark Graham, another Chicago cab driver, appreciates Trubisky’s total skill set, too.
“I heard he can run, too, which is good because our line isn’t very good,” said Mark Graham, discussing the quarterback situation while weaving through traffic on the streets of Chicago. “I had enough of Cutler. I’m ready to see what