Chicago Bears Leverage Notorious Play to Emphasize Special Teams Impact
Chicago Bears Emphasize the Impact of Special Teams: Inspiring Stories of NFL Stars Who Started on Special Teams
In the world of football, offense and defense often steal the spotlight, but there's a crucial aspect of the game that should not be overlooked: special teams. For many players, making an immediate impact on offense or defense might not be feasible, and they find themselves in backup roles. However, this is not the end of their journey. Some of the NFL's biggest stars started their careers as backups but earned their way to prominence by making a difference on special teams. Chicago Bears coordinator Richard Hightower emphasizes this path to his young players.
Hightower's role involves deploying strong coverage, returning, and kicking units. Yet, he also plays a vital role in developing these young athletes into future starters. Convincing players to embrace the idea of contributing on special teams can be challenging, especially for those who didn't have such experience in college. To motivate them, Hightower shares the inspiring story of Terrell Davis.
Back in 1995, Davis was nothing more than a nondescript rookie backup, a sixth-round draft choice seeking his opportunity. However, during a preseason game in Tokyo, Japan, he had a game-changing moment. Davis flew down the field and made a remarkable kickoff tackle, catching the coaches' attention. That one play propelled him to an opportunity on offense, and he seized it with an impressive performance. From there, Davis went on to become a Hall of Fame running back.
The Chicago Bears have their own special teams heroes in their history. Players like Shaun Gayle, who was an ace in the 1980s, made significant contributions on special teams before becoming a starting safety and earning a Pro Bowl selection. These examples serve as powerful reminders that special teams work can be a stepping stone to bigger roles within the team.
For young players eager to showcase their talents on offense or defense, it can be frustrating to find themselves on special teams initially. But wallowing in self-pity won't get them far. Embracing the importance of special teams shows a willingness to make sacrifices for the team's greater good. Coaches notice such dedication, and it often leads to more significant opportunities down the line. Learning this lesson early on can set players on a path to success in the NFL.
| POLL | ||
1 AOUT | 32 ANSWERS Chicago Bears Leverage Notorious Play to Emphasize Special Teams Impact Is special teams a dying art in the NFL? | ||
| Yes | 16 | 50 % |
| No | 16 | 50 % |
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