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Bears’ Ian Wheeler’s journey unveils unique side of team’s coaching, management originally appeared on NBC Sports Chicago
One of this offseason’s “Hard Knocks” diamonds in the rough, Ian Wheeler, has one of the team’s most fascinating stories.
He’s on a path to go to medical school in hopes of becoming a doctor. But he also wants to be an NFL running back. And he’s attempting to reach those dreams with the Bears, deferring medical school to pursue his athletic career.
But his journey unveiled a side of the Bears coaching staff and management fans likely didn’t expect.
Exhibit A: running backs coaches Chad Morton and Jennifer King.
“He calls himself type A. I can agree with that,” Wheeler said of Morton. “Chad, he expects a lot from me. And I appreciate him pushing me to be the very best I can be.”
There are ample moments in the episode of both Morton and King ripping into Wheeler. Whether it’s about protecting the ball, running low instead of high, or getting the choreography correct to his rookie performance of a Chief Keef song, there isn’t anything both coaches aren’t ready to coach Wheeler on.
It’s not because Wheeler is low man on the totum pole. It’s not because he’s a new member of the team, or the fact that he isn’t the best player on the team. It’s because the Bears see potential in his talent.
“I’m on him all the time just because I know his potential. His talent is ridiculous,” Morton said on the show. “I mean, he runs a 4.3 (40-yard dash). And so I’m gonna get that out no matter what.”
These moments are why “Hard Knocks” is a thrilling show. I’m sure not many Bears fans knew how aggressive the coaching styles of both Morton and King are, especially the former. It’s incredible to see the coaches have a tangible effect on young, up-and-coming players in the league.
Unfortunately, his hopes of making the Bears roster came to a screeching halt during the Bears-Chiefs preseason finale. Wheeler suffered a tear in his ACL during the game. The Bears placed him on…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/bears-ian-wheelers-journey-unveils-225551249.html
Author : NBC Sports Chicago
Publish date : 2024-08-28 22:55:51
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