Bears Rookie Dax Raymond Has a Pregame Ritual You'd Never Expect

Dax Raymond was rated one of the best undrafted free agents of the 2019 college class. A tight end out of Utah State, he stood out thanks to his mixture of size and receiving ability. Two things head coach Matt Nagy always looks for at that position. So the Chicago Bears signed him and word is he's been making a good show of himself in practice.

One thing about Raymond? He's not what one would call a traditional football player. He actually was away from the game for two years after high school, serving his Mormon mission in Vladivostok, Russia. This got him closer to a different kind of culture and made him appreciate classical arts. This would help explain his embracing of a rather unique pregame ritual he developed.

During his episode of "Meet The Rookies" by the Bears media team, he explained how he has handled the nerves that typically come before games. Some players go through quiet meditation. Others try to pump themselves up. Still more use laughter and conversation to get their minds off the task at hand until it's time to go out on the field.

Not Raymond. His method involved something a little more refined. Playing the piano.

Dax Raymond understands dedication is the key

There is one thing that can be said about Raymond. He understands the value of dedication. Committing two years of your life to a faith-based mission and learning to play the piano? Those are things that demand lots of time, energy, and effort. Also three things it takes to be a success in the NFL. That is good news on his part. He won't shrink away from the need to work hard.

It will be a question of whether he can beat anybody out for a roster spot. Right now the top two spots are locked in with Trey Burton and Adam Shaheen. Ben Braunecker is also a reasonable choice to stick with his special teams prowess. So if the Bears plan to carry a fourth tight end, Raymond will have to battle with Bradley Sowell and Ian Bunting for it. Should be a fun battle to watch.