Ryan Poles' Unforgettable First Experience of Tough Feedback
When Ryan Poles took over as the general manager of the Chicago Bears last year, he thought he was prepared for the challenges that come with managing an NFL team. However, the league quickly taught him a lesson in humility. During a recent interview with Roman Harper and Charles Tillman on NFL Players: Second Acts, Poles was asked about his "Welcome to the NFL" moment - a situation that every player and coach encounters.
For head coach Matt Eberflus, it might have been his first game against Green Bay, while for rookie quarterback Justin Fields, it was his challenging start against Cleveland. Poles' moment came when he realized the delicate nature of a general manager's job after failing to sign defensive tackle Larry Ogunjobi in free agency last year.
The Bears had identified Ogunjobi as a critical addition to their rebuilding defense, as he possessed the talent and character they sought. However, when Ogunjobi failed his physical, Poles faced a difficult decision and ultimately chose to back out of the deal. Ogunjobi was devastated, and his agent gave Poles an earful.
Some NFL teams might have overlooked the failed physical to secure their desired player, but Poles refused to take that approach, believing it would be bad business. If Ogunjobi had continued to struggle with health issues, the Bears would have been burdened with a hefty contract they couldn't escape.
In hindsight, Poles' decision may have been wise, as Ogunjobi went on to sign with the Pittsburgh Steelers and recorded only 1.5 sacks, a significant decline from the seven he notched in 2021.
This experience proved to be an important lesson for Poles, who is committed to maintaining honesty with his players. He personally delivered the news to Ogunjobi and, although he anticipated the agent's reaction, it was a humbling moment.
As Poles continues his mission to rebuild the Bears, the insights gained from this experience will undoubtedly be invaluable.
as seen at: Ryan Poles Will Never Forget First Time He Got Ripped By An Agent
| POLL | ||
7 AVRIL | 88 ANSWERS Ryan Poles' Unforgettable First Experience of Tough Feedback Do you still believe in Ryan Poles moving forward? | ||
| Yes | 75 | 85.2 % |
| No | 13 | 14.8 % |
| List of polls | ||
