Meet the Rookies

Gervon Dexter Sr., an impressive talent drafted in the second round from the University of Florida, brings a level of athleticism that serves as a crucial addition to the Bears' defensive line. During his formative years at Lake Wales High School in Lake Wales, Florida, Dexter primarily focused on basketball, showcasing his skills on both the school team and a travel team that included the current NBA power forward for the Toronto Raptors, Scottie Barnes. However, it was in his final two years in high school that Dexter made the transition to football, embarking on a path that led him to the NFL.

Kyler Gordon earned the nickname "Mr. Spotlight" at an early age after surpassing all ceilings in competitive dance and Kung Fu, but the pressure of being on the stage by himself pushed him to explore other sports eventually leading him to a football field. Before he was a Chicago Bear, Washington Husky, or All-Pac 12 corner, his determination to excel carved out a legacy that is still being admired today.

A bond formed through devastating loss and hard work drove Jaquan Brisker out of his circumstances and onto the field of Penn State University. Although he took an unconventional route to the Nittany Lions football program—making a stop at Lackawanna College along the way—his hard work and determination kept him competing at a high level. The Bears' newest safety brings excellent instincts and a ball-hawking ability that is capable of putting on a show come gameday.

Velus Jones' path to the NFL was anything but ordinary. He played six seasons of college football—starting at USC and finishing at Tennessee—and ended his collegiate career as one of the most improved players in the nation. Despite coming into the NFL at 25 years old, Jones, with his rare combination of size and speed, is determined to prove that his age is irrelevant by staying true to the mantra "Head up, faith strong."

Justin Fields has been showered with honors throughout his football career, but the quarterback is nowhere near satisfied. From his time being followed by the documentary series "QB1: Beyond the Lights" as a senior in high school, Fields has constantly been in the spotlight and now, he is in Chicago as the newest first-round draft choice of the Bears.

Learn more about Bears rookie offensive lineman Teven Jenkins, who has a reputation for being nasty. The six-foot-six, 320-pound offensive tackle from Oklahoma State describes his ability to "flip the switch" from his self-proclaimed goofy off-field persona to his tone-setting "controlled aggression" on the field and reveals how his late mother motivates him today.

The Chicago Bears will launch their three-part documentary series "Meet the Rookies" brought to you by Dr Pepper Zero Sugar on Tuesday, featuring behind-the-scenes footage with offensive lineman Teven Jenkins, running back Khalil Herbert and quarterback Justin Fields. The series tells the story of each player's journey to the National Football League in their own words. This marks the seventh year of the Bears "Meet the Rookies" series. From Tuesday through Thursday, one episode will be released per day at 8 a.m.

Growing up in Warren, Ohio, with a dad who played football at Ohio State University, becoming a Buckeye seems like a natural fit, but not for James Daniels. Daniels committed to the Iowa Hawkeyes as a four-star recruit to play alongside his big brother. His versatility as an offensive lineman and controlled movements as a run blocker caught the attention of NFL scouts. One thing he couldn't control was his emotions when the Bears called Daniels in the second round of the 2018 NFL draft.

Anthony Miller walks the streets of Memphis and describes the "Memphis grind," an attitude that propelled him from a walk-on at Memphis to a second-round pick in this year's draft.

One of the most unique characters in this year's draft class is fourth-round pick Joel "Iggy" Iyiegbuniwe. The linebacker recently graduated from Western Kentucky University and one day plans on attending medical school to become a pediatrician.

Head to Macon County, Ga to learn more about Roquan Smith. Nearly 900 miles from Chicago, viewers will find the same hard-nosed, blue-collared work ethic that Bears fans take so much pride in. With a population of 3,500 people, the small town of Montezuma, Ga., produced the Bears' top draft pick.

Meet the Rookies will launch June 25th at 7:00pm with the first episode featuring Roquan Smith.

Hear from the rookie quarterback Mitchell Trubisky on his ascent from Ohio high school star to first-round NFL Draft pick. Family members and a former coach help illustrate how football isn't just a game to Trubisky, it's a way of life.

Tarik Cohen burst from the tiny hamlet of Bunn, N.C., and arrived at Halas Hall as a fourth-round Draft pick. The shifty running back explains why the one college scholarship offer he received was enough and how he thrives on the doubts of others. His mother and college position coach reveal exactly how long his odds seemed and how belief can change everything.

Once an accomplished small college basketball player, Adam Shaheen explains what led him to abandon that plan and not only change schools, but shift his athletic pursuits entirely. It's a long road from Division II to the NFL and a former coach backs up why he always believed it was a path the Bears second-round Draft pick could successfully travel.

Rashaad Coward details the hardships and hurdles he encountered not only playing football, but simply growing up in the urban hub of Brooklyn, N.Y. Former coaches detail how Coward focused his attention and energy on football to escape the inner city and earn an NFL opportunity.

Meet the Rookies showcases personal profiles of four members of the Chicago Bears 2017 rookie class (Mitchell Trubisky, Adam Shaheen, Tarik Cohen and Rashaad Coward) as they each take their first steps toward establishing an NFL career. Meet the Rookies is produced by the Chicago Bears Network and hosted by Jeff Joniak.

Learn more about rookie running back Jordan Howard as he begins his NFL career on Meet the Rookies.

Learn more about rookie tight end Ben Braunecker as he begins his NFL career on Meet the Rookies.

Learn more about rookie wide receiver Daniel Braverman as he begins his NFL career on Meet the Rookies.

Meet the Rookies showcases personal profile of Leonard Floyd as he takes his first steps toward establishing an NFL career.

A preview of our four part series, 'Meet the Rookies' brought to you by Chicago Tribune digitalPLUS.

Learn more about rookie wide receiver Kevin White's unique path to the NFL on 'Meet the Rookies' brought to you by Chicago Tribune DigitalPLUS.

Learn more about rookie wide receiver Cameron Meredith's unique path to the NFL on 'Meet the Rookies' brought to you by Chicago Tribune DigitalPLUS.

Learn more about rookie offensive lineman Hroniss Grasu's unique path to the NFL on 'Meet the Rookies' brought to you by Chicago Tribune DigitalPLUS.

Learn more about rookie offensive lineman Tayo Fabuluje's unique path to the NFL on 'Meet the Rookies' brought to you by Chicago Tribune DigitalPLUS.

A preview of our four part series, 'Meet the Rookies' brought to you by Chicago Tribune digitalPLUS.

Head coach Marc Trestman and defensive coordinator Mel Tucker were mic'd up for the final day of practice and two players are invited to join the Bears on the final episode of Inside Rookie Minicamp.

Running back Jordan Lynch adjusts to his new position and defensive line coach Paul Pasqualoni discusses the importance of detail in his meeting on episode four of Inside Rookie Minicamp.

Offensive coordinator Aaron Kromer introduces the rookie offensive lineman to new techniques and special teams coordinator Joe DeCamillis emphasizes special teams on episode three of Inside Rookie Minicamp.

The rookies hit the practice field for the first time and coaches Jon Hoke and Chris Harris have their first opportunity to work with defensive backs Kyle Fuller and Brock Vereen on episode two of Inside Rookie Minicamp.

Take a look behind-the-scenes as the rookies arrive at Halas Hall to begin their journey towards becoming a Chicago Bear on episode one of Inside Rookie Minicamp.

A behind-the-scenes look at the Bears rookie minicamp. Episode five takes you through the final day of camp.

A behind-the-scenes look at the Bears rookie minicamp. Episode four takes a look inside the offensive huddle with new offensive coordinator Aaron Kromer.

A behind-the-scenes look at the Bears rookie minicamp. Episode three takes a look inside the defensive huddle with new defensive coordinator Mel Tucker.

A behind-the-scenes look at the Bears rookie minicamp. Practice begins in episode 2, as Special Teams Coordinator Joe DeCamillis emphasizes the importance of the Bears teams unit.

A behind-the-scenes look at the Bears rookie minicamp. Episode one greets the rookies at the airport and follows them through their journey towards becoming a Chicago Bear.

Episode five: Final practice, some tryout players make it, others depart. Part five of the five part series that takes you behind closed doors as the Bears 2012 rookies get their first taste of the NFL.

Episode four: day two of practice. Part four of the five part series that takes you behind closed doors as the Bears 2012 rookies get their first taste of the NFL.

Episode three: practice begins. Part three of the five part series that takes you behind closed doors as the Bears 2012 rookies get their first taste of the NFL.

Episode two, equipment fitting and introductory meetings. Part two of the five part series that takes you behind closed doors as the Bears 2012 rookies get their first taste of the NFL.

Episode one, arrival day. Part one of the five part series that takes you behind closed doors as the Bears 2012 rookies get their first taste of the NFL.

Part six of a six part series taking you behind closed doors for an exclusive look at Bears rookie minicamp.

Part five of a six part series taking you behind closed doors for an exclusive look at Bears rookie minicamp.

Part four of a six part series taking you behind closed doors for an exclusive look at Bears rookie minicamp.

Part three of a six part series taking you behind closed doors for an exclusive look at Bears rookie minicamp.

Part two of a six part series taking you behind closed doors for an exclusive look at Bears rookie minicamp.

Part one of a six part series taking you behind closed doors for an exclusive look at Bears rookie minicamp.