Since safety Coby Bryant walked into Halas Hall for the first time March 16, Bears coaches and players alike have raved about the Super Bowl LX champion's energy, football IQ and leadership skills.
While that praise originally pertained to how he conducted himself in meeting rooms and the weight room, with the Bears now in the middle of veteran minicamp, Bryant is seizing the opportunity to showcase those traits on the field.
"He's one of those guys, he knows what good football and bad football looks like," coach Ben Johnson said. "He just came from a Super Bowl winning team. There's a premium on that experience. I think that easily resonates with all the guys in the locker room. I think there's an instant amount of respect that he's garnered because of that.
"When you watch him on the practice field, he really comes to life. DA (defensive coordinator Dennis Allen) showed a clip to the defense this morning just of him coming out of the post safety position and rallying to the football. It was all over his tape in Seattle and that's what we're getting right now. I think it's contagious."
After a strong Tuesday practice for the defense, Bryant built on the unit's production Wednesday with an interception in an 11-on-11 team period. In the middle of the field, Bryant jumped in front of receiver Jahdae Walker's route on a throw from quarterback Caleb Williams.
"Just me being me, honestly," Bryant said of the play. "The guys up front doing their job. Just everyone playing together and just me making a play. I had to get [Williams] before the offseason started as well. So I feel good about that. I know he didn't like that."
While speaking to the media Wednesday afternoon, Bryant spoke about Williams' "elite" talent multiple times, emphasizing the appreciation he has for competing against someone of the QB's caliber.
"I've got his back no matter what," Bryant said. "Great player. Just elite. He showed me something different every day, honestly. You know me and just being a leader, I try to give him a different look, honestly, and challenge him, and he challenged me for sure. He's a special talent."
The pair began building a bond right after Bryant signed with the Bears in the spring – Williams immediately reached out to welcome his new safety to Chicago. Now having spent a few months with the team, Bryant is beginning to form those close connections with the entire locker room.
"A great group of guys, honestly," Bryant said. "I'm still getting to know everyone, but just being here a short amount of time has been special. We laugh. We put in a lot of work. Guys are willing to work. It's been fun. It's going to be a great year, for sure."
Despite being one of the newest pieces of the roster, Bryant has quickly become a leader on defense, a role he takes pride in and is comfortable with.
"Not to, you know, blow smoke up on myself, but a lot of guys respect me and how I go about myself and how I practice," Bryant said. "DA, Ben, a lot of guys have commended me on that as well, and I just go out and be the example."
While Bryant can serve as an example for any player, his mentorship will be critical for rookie first-round selection and fellow safety Dillon Thieneman. Bryant shared that the biggest advice he's had for the Oregon product ahead of his rookie season is to take care of his body and be coachable.
Thieneman has made a positive impression on Bryant, who joked about the rookie's eagerness on the practice field.
"First things first, me being a Year 5 guy, he's a rookie, so he wants to go full speed in everything," Bryant said. "In individual drills, we have to tell him to slow down because I'm not running that fast. I'm 27. He's 21. The speed, he's very coachable. He's exciting to watch, man. He makes plays every day. It's been special."
After veteran minicamp wraps up Thursday, Bryant and the Bears will be off for six weeks before returning for training camp in July. He has already had a few conversations with his teammates about the intensity he should expect in camp under Johnson.
While he knows it will be tough, Bryant is excited to feel that energy from his head coach, especially after experiencing a preview of it during the offseason program.
"He's filled with fire, honestly," Bryant said. "He's an offensive guy too but we have a lot of similarities. That's why I'm here as well. He's a true competitor. Every day he competes. He likes us talking junk to him and vice versa. He talks junk to us , oo. I'll match his energy every day and vice versa.
"It's been a special offseason."
