C.J. Stroud Doesn't Want To Play For Bears. He Explained Why

C.J. Stroud is considered by many to be the #2 quarterback in the 2023 draft class behind Bryce Young. The Ohio State standout finished his college career in grand fashion, nearly knocking off mighty Georgia in the college football playoffs before a missed kick ruined it. He was the best player on the field that day, throwing some excellent passes and even making several with his feet, which had been a criticism of him up to that point. Now he's hoping to become the first quarterback taken in the draft.

One would think he'd love the idea of being the #1 overall pick, whether it's the Bears or any other team. However, when asked about that possibility, Stroud balked. He didn't like the idea of going to Chicago. It wasn't for the usual reasons, though. It had nothing to do with the cold, the recent years of losing, or the team's track record with quarterbacks. He simply had no desire to replace Justin Fields.

“I mean, no, I don’t want to go there. That’s his team. I can do my thing. I can go build my legacy. Me and him are brothers for life.”

Stroud has a tight connection with Fields.

They were teammates at Ohio State. In that time, the Bears quarterback made a strong impression on his younger protege. Stroud watched what happened last season in Chicago. He doesn't understand why so many people are eager to push Fields out. He showed everything an organization could want in a quarterback.

“I was proud of him. There’s so many times when you get knocked down, but I feel like a true man’s character is when you get knocked down, you get back up. And he’s gotten up every time and he’s stepped up to the plate and he hasn’t blamed nobody, he hasn’t pointed no fingers or anything. That just shows you what type of man he is and what type of family he comes from. You get hit so many times in the face, and you have to make plays using your feet.

And he ain’t no damn running back. He’s a quarterback. He can sling that rock. I’m gonna stand up for my brother every time, and he’s gonna do great things in his career and I’m excited to play with him.”

C.J. Stroud proved one thing. Fields is an excellent influence on people.

When it comes to leadership, there is no longer any question the Bears quarterback has it. The fact Stroud doesn't want the challenge of having to follow in his footsteps again says a lot. His comments are undoubtedly powerful. They're not wrong. It would've been so easy for Fields to complain last season. He took a beating. Opponents sacked him 55 times, and his wide receivers dropped well over a dozen of his passes, several of them in crucial moments. Yet not once did he call people out publicly.

That is likely a big reason why he won so many people over. Teammates and coaches alike have spoken glowingly about him at every opportunity. There is no sense of uncertainty in their eyes. Fields is the guy. Even C.J. Stroud can sense that and he doesn't even play for them. He will likely get his wish. Somebody else will draft him next month. Everything points to the Bears moving out of the #1 spot via trade. Stroud could end up anywhere from Houston to Indianapolis, Las Vegas, Atlanta, or Carolina.