C.J. Gardner-Johnson signed with the Chicago Bears this week after a somewhat tumultuous past few months. After helping the Philadelphia Eagles win the Super Bowl last season, he was traded to the Houston Texans. He only lasted three games there before disagreements about his usage led to his release. Many believe it had more to do with his combative personality, which wasn't helped when he couldn't even stick on the Baltimore Ravens practice squad. Fans were nervous about letting the notorious malcontent into Halas Hall, but Jaquan Brisker loved the addition.
The Bears' safety already knew Gardner-Johnson was a good player. He has two different seasons with six interceptions. There is no doubt he can ball. Yet it's that natural gift for trash-talking that Brisker loves the most. He believes those kinds of players bring a mental edge to the game, along with energy. After all, Brisker loves jawing too, as does Tyrique Stevenson. Suddenly, the Bears have three players on defense who are outspoken and not afraid to say things that will get under the skin of opponents.
Jaquan Brisker understands the value of talkers.
The best way to counter professional athletes is to disrupt their mental focus. Often, the best way of doing that is to constantly yapping at them. It isn't exclusive to football. You'll find it in every major sport. Michael Jordan was famous for it during his time with the Chicago Bulls. Many say Reggie Miller, from Indiana, was one of the best ever. He once said that doing it served two purposes. Around 70% was just meant to get himself motivated and going. The remaining 30% was to see if he could get in the opponent's head. If you can get them to respond in anger, you've already won half the battle.
That is because their focus is no longer on winning. It's on shutting you up. Jaquan Brisker loves playing that role. Now he has two talented teammates who can do the same. People forget the Bears aren't new to this. Many of their greatest teams were stacked with trash-talkers, including the 1963 and 1985 championship squads. Attitude is something this team has been missing. Not anymore.
