Who's Been the Biggest Influence on Justin Fields? His Answer Might Surprise You

However, Fields is not alone in this journey. His teammates offer unwavering support, lightening his load, acting as sounding boards, and bolstering his confidence. But who among these teammates has influenced Fields the most?

According to Fields himself, that person would be Darnell Mooney. Fields shared his thoughts on Mooney during an episode of The Q with Quincy Avery, stating, "Not really many people know his story. He went to Tulane, late round pick. Came in, had a pretty good rookie year."

Indeed, Mooney's story is a fascinating one. Selected by the Bears in the fifth round of the 2020 NFL Draft, this receiver from Tulane had an immediate impact, logging 631 receiving yards and four touchdowns in his rookie season alone. His success continued into his second year, during which he amassed over 1,000 receiving yards and an additional four touchdowns, emerging as a critical player in the Bears' offensive line-up.

However, his third season was less favorable. Mooney's performance fell below expectations, with fewer than 500 receiving yards and an injury that cut his season short. As he recovers from a broken ankle and waits for discussions about his rookie contract extension, his future remains uncertain.

Fields draws parallels between his and Mooney's dedication to the game. A feature story by The Athletic during the 2022 offseason documented Mooney's commitment, highlighting his late-night practice sessions and his personal investment in training equipment. Similarly, Fields is known for his early mornings and late nights at the training facility, according to Tremaine Edmunds' comments on NFL Network. This shared dedication has helped Fields and Mooney to forge a strong bond.

"As soon as I joined the team, we clicked instantly," Fields revealed. "I was instantly struck by his passion for the game, his work ethic, and the effort he puts into every match. He possesses all the qualities you would want in a teammate.

"Our friendship has grown exponentially since my rookie year."