Don’t let anyone ever tell you that NFL executives only see data spreadsheets and numbers while doing their job. There is a distinct and crucial human element to running an entire franchise as a general manager. One that will inevitably crush you here and there because it’s just the nature of a cruel business.
Bears general manager Ryan Poles was a classic example of this on the last episode of this year’s Hard Knocks.
On final cutdown day, journeyman safety Adrian Colbert — who conducted himself like a consummate professional in Chicago — was released by the Bears. But a combination of Colbert’s inspiring story where a car tragically hit him as a child along with his steadfast dedication to playing football appeared to really move Poles.
While knowing he still had to make the tough decision of cutting Colbert, Poles left the meeting room to cry and compose himself for a moment as soon as their conversation began.
#Bears GM Ryan Poles became very emotional when he had to inform Adrian Colbert that he was being cut.
As a kid, Colbert was hit by a car going 55 mph, leaving him in a coma for two weeks and being told he'd never play football again. He defied the odds.pic.twitter.com/18QPi8R5Ru
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) September 4, 2024
That’s special right there.
That’s a GM who cares about his team and his players first and foremost. That’s the tough balance of doing what’s best for everyone as a leader while the emotional human being inside of you tugs and pulls at your decision. It’s not easy, and it never will be.
Thanks to Caleb Williams and a young, exciting roster, the Bears have a lot of warranted hype entering this new NFL season. If you’re a Bears fan, you should feel even better about the team’s prospects after seeing how invested your GM is.
