Mitch Trubisky’s visit to Chicago this week was far from a dramatic homecoming. While practicing alongside his former team, the Chicago Bears, and his current team, the Buffalo Bills, at Halas Hall, Trubisky took the opportunity to offer Caleb Williams valuable advice about playing under intense scrutiny. Trubisky emphasized embracing the spotlight and savoring the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL experience, reminding Williams that although the pressure is high, it is also an honor.
Reflecting on his own experience, Trubisky described the NFL as “a fishbowl” where every move is watched closely. He urged,
“But at the same time, I would say, enjoy it. Take it all in. I only had it for four years. I wish I had it for longer, to be honest. So take it in. Enjoy the process. All eyes are on you in the city. But it’s really a privilege. There’s a lot of pressure that comes with that. But it’s a privilege. I miss that. It’s a lot of fun to be the franchise guy, especially in a city like this. I would say to have fun with it and enjoy the process.”
—Mitch Trubisky, Quarterback
Looking Back: Trubisky’s Positive Reflections on His Bears Days
Though Trubisky’s NFL career with the Bears did not fully meet the lofty expectations that came with being the No. 2 overall pick in the 2017 draft, his outlook on that period is notably positive. Now with the Bills after stints in Pittsburgh and Buffalo, Trubisky has matured in his perspective. He fondly recalls the camaraderie and success experienced during his time in Chicago, signaling a clear growth beyond past criticisms.
Few players remain from the Bears teams during Trubisky’s tenure. Notable holdovers include tight end Cole Kmet, kicker Cairo Santos, and Pro Bowl cornerback Jaylon Johnson. The 2020 squad, which reached the playoffs as the league’s first-ever No. 7 seed wild card, included Trubisky as a key contributor. Meanwhile, the 2018 team—known for winning 12 games and the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/nfc/”>NFC North—was the last Bears group to enjoy sustained success, and Trubisky remembers that season vividly:
“It felt like we couldn’t lose,”
Trubisky said.
“We just had a really good team. It was one of the most fun years of football I ever had. I’ll always remember that and all my teammates from that year. It was a great run.”
—Mitch Trubisky, Quarterback
The 2018 Bears: A Season of Promise and Talent
The 2018 Chicago Bears were a formidable force, featuring four first-team All-Pro players—safety Eddie Jackson, cornerback Kyle Fuller, edge rusher Khalil Mack, and return specialist Tarik Cohen—complemented by a strong lineup of Pro Bowlers including Trubisky himself, along with center Cody Whitehair, left tackle Charles Leno Jr., and defensive tackle Akiem Hicks. That season was marked by the leadership of NFL Coach of the Year Matt Nagy and his top assistant Vic Fangio, crafting a team many fans still remember fondly.
While the Bears failed to capitalize on this momentum in subsequent years, missing a chance to build on their 2018 success, the excitement and spirit of that season remain a highlight for many. Trubisky’s role as the quarterback was integral to the team’s identity during this run.
The Enduring Impact of Leadership Amid NFL Pressure
Trubisky’s guidance to Caleb Williams highlights an important lesson for any quarterback stepping into a high-pressure environment, especially in a city with passionate fans like Chicago. His advice to “have fun” and appreciate the privilege of leading a franchise underscores the delicate balance of pressure and opportunity in the NFL.
Williams, now navigating the intense spotlight, can draw from Trubisky’s experience as he adjusts to the challenges and excitement of professional football. With Trubisky’s veteran perspective, there is a blueprint for handling expectations while enjoying the unique journey.
Looking ahead, Caleb Williams will hopefully take these lessons to heart as he develops under the intense gaze of NFL fans and media. Meanwhile, Mitch Trubisky continues to carve his path with the Buffalo Bills, carrying the wisdom gained from his past into new chapters of his career.