BOURBONNAIS, Ill. (670 The Score) -- A year ago this time, Khalil Mack was working quietly and alone without much of a clue as to where he would be playing.
Mack wasn't reporting to the Raiders' training camp and understood his holdout would likely lead to the inevitability of a trade. All he could do was keep working and wait. The deal came in the form of a trade to Chicago just a week before the regular season started, after which Mack signed a record contract for a defensive player and then set out to elevate the Bears' defense to become one of the game's best.
On Thursday afternoon, Mack arrived to his first training camp in two years ready to keep building on what he and the Bears started last season.
"I'm glad the Bears gave me that opportunity," Mack said. "I'm still trying to make the most of it."
The four-time Pro Bowl pass rusher Mack certainly accomplished plenty in his first season with the Bears, recording 12.5 sacks in 14 regular-season games and helping Chicago lead the NFL in scoring defense and takeaways. He earned All-Pro recognition for the third time in his young career.
After bringing dominance to the Bears defense, Mack entered the offseason with his sights set on being even better. His vision fits with that of his team, which still feels the disappointment of a wild-card round playoff exit last January.
Mack "inspires you as a player to want to continue to get better," as receiver Allen Robinson put it.
"He's just one of those players that fits perfectly into our culture," quarterback Mitchell Trubisky said of Mack. "He makes people around him better."
There will be some subtle differences for Mack at Olivet Nazarene, like sleeping in a dorm room for the first time since his early college days at Buffalo. Then there's the task of adjusting to what new defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano presents to his unit.
Mack has been there every step of the way this offseason. While many star players sit out voluntary workouts and optional practices, Mack was present for every rep in the weight room and practice field.
Reporting to training camp is just the next step for Mack, who's ready to shoulder grand expectations for himself and his Bears.
"We're hungrier than last year," Mack said. "I'm speaking for myself as well. I'm way hungrier than I was last year. It definitely wasn't good enough. I'm just looking forward to this year and getting better.
"It's just a part of me. I want to be the best. A part of being the best is working hard along with talent. That's what I've been taught throughout my whole career. Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard."
Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670.
