Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Perhaps the nerves of the fans watching, wondering if he was the right choice were calmed when they saw Bostic’s first action on the field. In Week 1 of the preseason against the Carolina Panthers, Bostic made a very Brian-esque move to intercept the ball and run it back for a touchdown. This video shows his good instincts as a linebacker and why he may be able to step in and make a huge impact on a struggling defense:
“I’m excited to see Jon Bostic play,” Larry Mayer told me during his “Lunch with Larry” segment. “He’s a fast, explosive, and instinctive linebacker who will make impact plays. Really the only downside I see is his lack of experience. But he’s playing between two seasoned pros in Lance Briggs and James Anderson who will definitely help him.”
Bostic has made good impressions since the very first day he started playing for the Bears to the players and the coaches.
“Jon certainly has the tools and traits to be an NFL starter,” Bears GM Phil Emery said. “I’m confident that he will earn that level at some point in his Bears career and I feel that Jon has the dynamic play-making ability as a linebacker to contribute to Bears’ wins and championships.”
In his second preseason game Bostic was fined for a hit on Chargers receiver Mike Willie. The $21,000 fine, a game’s pay for Bostic, came as quite a surprise to Bostic as he thought the hit was legal. He took to his twitter account mentioning he wasn’t sure where to go from there but that the league would let him know and he would try to learn what to do differently.
Several Bears players, starting with retired Anthony Adams, were rumored to have pooled some money together to pay part of the fine for the young rookie, an act that shows the promise he has and the bond he’s already made with his teammates. This was never confirmed nor denied though Adams’ twitter account stated first that he’d put money towards it and several current players agreed.
One of the reasons everybody has taken to him so well is his willingness to learn. He’s learned to backup all three linebacker positions in case it has been needed and has recognized the position that he’s in.
“I’ve got guys who played a lot of football in front of me,” he said. “I’ve really been out there just trying to learn as much as I can day by day from the coaches and the players. I’m really just looking to make the team and help out any place that I can. I just want to learn each and every day.”
Bostic has dreamed of being in the NFL since his father played for the Lions from 1985-1987. His passion for football has always been there. He gives thanks to his parents for all the help they’ve given him on and off the field.
“They have been there for me from day one. They have taught me right from wrong. They always pushed me academically and made sure I graduated from college. The athletic part basically took care of itself,” he said.
Bostic will be challenged immediately against the Washington Redskins before hitting the bye week to further develop his role as the new starting middle linebacker for the Chicago Bears, a position that holds very high prestige. Fans, coaches, and players are all excited to see what he can do on the field and if he’ll be able to provide the spark it seems the defense has struggled to find all season.
The chants of “Brian, Brian, Brian,” used to ring about the field and perhaps on November 10th, the Bears first home game since Bostic steps in as starter, you’ll hear a similar ring but with a slight alteration, “Bostic, Bostic, Bostic.” Same first consonant, same syllables, very different person. Most likely mistakes will be made as he settles into the starting role, but look for Bostic to make an impact. From a fan and a writer, let’s hope Bostic can start to fill his shoes.