LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) -- Future Hall of Famer Tom Brady famously can name each of the six quarterbacks selected before him in the 2000 NFL Draft, which turned into one of the great motivators in his career.
Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes once counted to 10 on his fingers at Soldier Field to remind the Bears where he fell to in the 2017 NFL Draft, which featured Chicago selecting Mitchell Trubisky at No. 2 overall.
Justin Fields doesn’t draw from the same playbook after being the fourth quarterback selected in 2021, when he dropped to No. 11 overall. He doesn't hold it against the Jaguars, Jets and 49ers for picking their respective quarterbacks instead of him.
The 23-year-old Fields explained that isn't what drives him – and why he doesn't feel added motivation in facing fellow second-year quarterback Trey Lance and the 49ers on Sunday in the Bears' opener.
“I don’t take anything personal,” Fields said. “And I’m glad to be here, so I’m glad that they passed on me.
“The draft is the draft. The draft order doesn’t matter at this point.”
Fields' stressed that his biggest motivation is playing for his Bears teammates and guiding them forward. They recognized that by recently voting Fields one of their four season-long captains along with defensive end Robert Quinn, offensive lineman Cody Whitehair and linebacker Roquan Smith.
Being a captain is a role that Fields earned, as the Bears have sensed his internal drive.
“Justin has always been a winner,” said Bears running back Khalil Herbert, who entered the NFL in 2021 with Fields. “Just that winning mentality. Last season, we don’t like to talk about it, but it didn’t go the way we wanted it to go. The way he approached from when we came in here in April, the one thing on his mind is winning and he’s going to do everything to win. He attacks every day with that mentality.
“Just seeing how he’s grown, how he’s matured, how he’s taken hold of the team and the offense, it’s amazing to see.
“I want him to be my captain.”
After being signed by the Bears in March, veteran offensive lineman Lucas Patrick quickly noticed Fields’ determination.
“He just doesn’t want to lose at anything,” Patrick said.
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As a rookie last season, Fields endured struggles, as did the Bears in their 6-11 season. He completed 58.9% of his passes for 1,870 yards, seven touchdowns, 10 interceptions and a 73.2 quarterback rating over 12 games. The Bears went 2-8 in his 10 starts last season.
Fields lost just two games in his two seasons at Ohio State. So he isn’t a player who's used to losing and doesn’t want it to become an acceptable habit at Halas Hall.
Ultimately, that's what drives Fields to be great.
“It’s about us,” Fields said. “It’s not about the 49ers this week. It’s about us -- how we play, how we execute. So, I’m just playing for my teammates, playing for my coaches and going out here and executing to the best of my ability.
“My goal is just to win every game.”
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.
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