D.J. Moore Reveals Why He Was Genuinely Moved By Captaincy Selection

The Chicago Bears made their selections for team captain known recently. Justin Fields claimed the honor for the second year in a row. Eddie Jackson got his for the first time, as did new teammate Tremaine Edmunds. The biggest surprise of the group was wide receiver D.J. Moore. It appears he's made a strong enough impression on and off the field to earn the necessary votes from the locker room. It isn't hard to understand, given the way guys have talked about him for the past few months.

One person who was shocked? Moore himself. He told the media something that wasn't common knowledge. He'd never once been voted a captain during his time with the Carolina Panthers. This was a five-year span during which he was one of the best players on the team. Perhaps the most egregious time it happened was in 2020 when Teddy Bridgewater and Russell Okung, both new arrivals, became captains over him. Both players were gone after that season. Moore admits he was thrilled when the Bears finally gave him the honor.

D.J. Moore already feels more at home in Chicago.

He's a big family man. This Bears regime has worked hard to foster a family-like culture. Yes, it's competitive, but everybody is working towards the same goal. Moore is far more appreciated in Chicago. Part of that is because they view him as a true #1 wide receiver. It never quite felt like that was the case in Carolina. If it were, they wouldn't have traded him in the first place. Either way, the receiver is anxious to build a new legacy with the Bears, and he gets to do it as a captain. That means he's finally getting some respect.

That said, captains are expected to lead by example on the field. His first test will be a big one. The Green Bay Packers had a top 10 pass defense last season, anchored by Pro Bowl cornerback Jaire Alexander. D.J. Moore came over to help the Bears win against teams like this. If Justin Fields wants to get this team to the promised land, he must do it with his arm. Weapons like Moore are exactly what's needed. The receiver seems ready. His strong performance in the preseason said as much. The fun begins in a few days.