Justin Fields, Bears offense build on chemistry as minicamp ends
Head coach Matt Eberflus said he's liked how Fields has grown as a leader, which gives him confidence in his quarterback heading into camp.
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Matt Zahn joined CBS News Chicago in October of 2016 as a sports reporter and fill-in sports anchor, and what a time to come to Chicago. Matt arrived just as the Cubs won the World Series.
Matt has covered many other great sporting events in his career including The Masters, the Super Bowl, the Rose Bowl, and the College Football Playoff.
Prior to joining the team, Matt worked in Augusta, Ga., as the sports director at the local ABC station WJBF. He hosted and produced their award-winning Masters Report and Football Friday Night programs.
Matt is originally from Wisconsin where he also started his broadcast career in Wausau before moving on to Madison. He attended the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay after growing up in the small town of Rosendale, about an hour north of Milwaukee.
Matt lives in the western suburbs with his wife and three young children.
Head coach Matt Eberflus said he's liked how Fields has grown as a leader, which gives him confidence in his quarterback heading into camp.
"I'm one of the top dogs, and so for me to go fight [Gokhan Saricam] and win this fight, you know, to get a shot at the world title after this, that's always been the goal."
"We're committed to getting this thing turned around. They added a lot of good pieces to accomplish that."
The Hounds are building the foundation for what they're hoping is a bright future.
Johnson, who is eligible for a contract extension, said his absence from the voluntary practices was not even close to a holdout.
The Hickory Hills native went undrafted out for DePaul University. He signed a free agent deal with the Boston Celtics, eventually ending up in Miami.
"That moment was monumental for me. (It) let me know that I can get to where I want to be if I put the work in. That is my ultimate goal."
Offensive lineman Cody Whitehair is going into his eighth season with the Bears. The veteran is making another position switch, going back from guard to center.
It's familiar territory for head coach Kelly Amonte Hiller, who once led the cats to 10 straight final fours.
Moore said the on-the-field connection is a work in progress, but it's not just about their time during practice.
The program is heading into the third year of the Bielema era coming off their first bowl appearance.
The Chicago native said he's worked out for the Celtics and Cavaliers but hasn't talked with his hometown Bulls who don't have a first-round pick.
Last year, Bret Bielema led the Illini to their first winning season since 2011, and their first eight-win season since 2007.
Garrett Crochet hasn't pitched for the White Sox since the 2021 season, but 13 months after having surgery, he's back hoping to bolster the bullpen.
Meanwhile, Head Coach Chris Collins proved his doubters wrong last season – leading the 'Cats back to the big dance after five straight losing seasons.