Aug 14, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall (15) reacts after catching a touchdown pass against Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Will Blackmon (not pictured) during the second quarter of the preseason game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports
Brandon Freakin’ Marshall, man. It still amazes me that the Bears have a legitimate, dominant, freakishly-athletic number one receiver in Brandon Marshall. I will never forget how excited I was to hear that the Bears traded two third-round picks for Marshall in 2012. Seriously. That’s all the Bears gave up. Two third-round picks. And, given Chicago’s history of never truly having any receiving threats, Brandon Marshall swept us Bears fans off our feet. His connection and chemistry with Jay Cutler is unparalleled, and his impacts on the field are almost astounding. In his first year with the Bears, Marshall was basically Chicago’s entire offense, scoring 11 touchdowns and 1500 yards. Marshall consistently puts up numbers, and is hands down, the best blocking receiver in the NFL.
Brandon Marshall’s impact off the field is just as big as his impact on the field. Brandon Marshall heads down to Florida every offseason, and takes his fellow teammates with him. They bond, train, and grow closer together as a unit, all because of Brandon Marshall. His strides to promote mental-health awareness in America are admirable, and for an athlete to devote his time and effort to a righteous cause is truly refreshing. Here’s to hoping Brandon Marshall has his best years ahead of him, and the Bears can get him his well-deserved Super Bowl ring.