DeMarcus Walker's Leadership Approach Is Blunt, Vulgar, And Perfect

The Chicago Bears brought DeMarcus Walker in because they liked his game. He's a defensive end with the size and power to kick inside to defensive tackle in certain situations. That versatility is a great fit for Matt Eberflus' defense. They need his ability to stop the run while bringing good juice as a pass rusher. However, his value goes beyond that. GM Ryan Poles wanted somebody that had an edge. They work hard and aren't afraid to call others out if they aren't doing the same.

Vocal leadership can never be understated in a locker room. Chicago didn't have enough of that last year. Well, they have plenty of it now. Most of it is being supplied by Walker. The seven-year veteran has been a refreshing gust of wind at Halas Hall. It is already apparent that he isn't letting anybody think about the frustrations of last season. That was a different team.

“I forgot about that crap. Man, honestly, the first few weeks you see what we’re working with, what’s the cause of that. But this is the 2023 Chicago Bears. We’ve got a whole new identity, a whole new defense, a whole new offense, a whole new group of guys that’s going out there willing to fight and lead.

“Honestly, fuck that shit. You know what I’m saying? Like, last year’s done.”

Saying that during a presser tells you all you need to know.

Walker doesn't care for being humble and well-spoken. Let other people worry about that. He is only interested in winning football games. Teammates are certainly getting an earful of that every time he steps on the field.

"I just know that right now we've got to compete. You know what I'm saying?. If you all hear somebody yelling 'It's time to work motherfucker' -- that's me. Every day when I step between those lines I make sure that the team hears that."

DeMarcus Walker is what the Bears needed.

History shows that their best defenses always have somebody like him in the mix. While maybe not the best player up front, he is most definitely the biggest talker. Think Steve McMichael, Adewale Ogunleye, and Akiem Hicks. They set the tone, on and off the field. He is a terrific mentor for young guys like Dominique Robinson, Gervon Dexter, and Zacch Pickens. If they didn't know what accountability was before, they will under his watch. This man played with some great players like Von Miller, Shaq Barrett, and Jeffery Simmons.

He understands the sacrifices necessary to become the best version of yourself. If you aren't willing to make those sacrifices, then you have no place on his team. DeMarcus Walker is a glue guy—maybe not the best player on the roster but somebody that is critical to making the team better. His impact won't always be noticeable on the stat sheet. It will be in how hard everybody plays. If nothing else, it's clear he will be one of the most quotable players they've had in years.