Coby Bryant embraces perfect Bears label delivered by Ben Johnson himself

Coby Bryant didn't shy away when asked about the identity already being attached to him as the newest member of the Chicago Bears.

Head coach Ben Johnson referred to the 27-year-old safety and recent Super Bowl champion as a "trained killer" at the owners' meetings. Bryant's reputation is already something abuzz in the offseason media, and this was Bryant's first opportunity to address it. The tone was clear, and the expectations are high. When he met with reporters at Halas Hall this week, Bryant finally had the chance to respond.

“You know, he kind of told me that when we talked, you know, when I first got here. I'm extremely grateful to have that, you know, that name behind it. You know, now I just have to put it to work and, you know, go out there and do what I do.”

Coby Bryant embraces the expectations that come with the role

The weight of the safety spot is intentionally on his shoulders, a mantle Chicago fans expect him to take up. Bryant didn't expand on it, nor did he challenge the hype. He accepted that this is where he belongs and that doing the work to prepare is part of his responsibility.

Bryant goes on to say he's been blessed with a leadership role in football, something he's embraced since he began playing football. Now, as one of the top safeties in the game, he's working his hardest to be the role model in the right way. Kevin Byard left behind some big shoes to fill, both in the locker room and on the field.

"I feel like since I’ve first started playing football, people just gravitate towards me."

The burden of leadership is most faithfully executed when it's bestowed upon those who don't ask for it. Bryant frames himself as someone who wasn't full of ego, but rather someone who would do whatever was necessary to drive the team.

Read more: New mock draft follows the Ryan Poles pattern Bears fans have seen for years

Bryant may not chase the spotlight, but the role has already found him. The expectations are clear, and so is the standard. If he can match that presence with production on the field, the Bears may have found exactly the tone-setter they’ve been looking for in their secondary.

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