New Chicago Bears LB Shea McClellin dismisses reports on concussions - NFL News
The Chicago Bears surprised everybody in this year’s draft after they picked Boise State linebacker, Shea McClellin with the 19th overall pick and ahead of other more high profile prospects.
The move came in for criticism from analysts who cited that the youngster never had to face strong opponents at college.
There were also reports in news media over McClellin’s history with concussions.
However, the youngster is ready to prove all his doubters wrong and also refuted claims over his concussion history at the university on Friday.
"It did bother me a little bit. I don't know where the reports came from. I had one concussion in 2010. I didn't miss a game. I missed one practice; they kept me out. In 2009, I had concussion-like symptoms, but I was sick before that. It was more precautionary.”
McClellin also said that he changed his helmet in his final year and from then on never had any problems with head injuries.
"I changed my helmet up this last year and I haven't had a problem since. So I'm good to go; no worries for me."
The young player has to prove himself at the Bears and only performances on the field will help him in shutting down all the critics.
"To all the doubters, I'm going to have to go out there and prove myself. I'm used to that. I came from Boise State. We had to prove ourselves every week."
He will have ample opportunities to do just that at Chicago.
The Bears last season missed out on the playoffs after imploding at the business end of the season. Chicago went on to lose five games in a row to miss out on the playoffs after injuries to key players in offence completely crushed their momentum.
This year the team has made big moves in both free agency and if their draft picks deliver on their promise, the franchise has a great opportunity to return back into the playoffs and once again become a feared opponent.
Last season they ended with an 8-8 record, this year though Chicago looks much better prepared and hopes are high among fans ahead of the new season.
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