Justin Fields credits Andy Dalton for being a mentor in 2021
When Justin Fields was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the spring of 2021, it brought hope and optimism that the team had finally solved their dreadful quarterback woes after years of ineptitude. It also brought the potential for a very awkward situation with veteran Andy Dalton, who signed a one-year, $10 million deal to be the starter just a month and a half earlier. It turns out the two players not only navigated a rocky situation effectively, but became extremely close in the process.
Fields recently spoke with Barstool Sports’ Pardon My Take Podcast and discussed a variety of topics, including his and Dalton’s relationship through an uncertain time.
“Andy’s amazing,” Fields said. “I mean, even this year he was texting me after good games that I had and said ‘I saw your game. Great job bro.’ Just his family, his wife, his kids. They’re amazing. Andy and Nick [Foles] they taught me a lot last year just with the life of being an NFL quarterback and he kind of took me under his wing. I’m definitely very appreciative of that and I wish Andy nothing but the best of luck.”
Fields went on to explain that Dalton was able to look past any potential awkwardness with the impending quarterback controversy and be there for the rookie when he needed it.
“He’s always been great to me. Always seen the bigger picture, not really getting that confusion,” Fields said. “Just the situation we were in last year, not getting in the way with our relationship. Always kept it cordial with me and was kind of a big brother to me.”
The situation Fields mentions was the inevitable passing of the torch. Dalton was a stop gap and Fields was the future. It only took two weeks for that to get into motion when Dalton went down with an injury in the Bears’ Week 2 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, with Fields getting the start in his place in Week 3 against the Cleveland Browns. Despite the horrific offensive showing, the Bears committed to Fields for the season and Dalton’s assurances of being the starter were all gone.
Dalton didn’t owe Fields anything and might have felt slighted by him or the team for their decision to move up for a quarterback. Dalton started just six games in 2021, throwing for 1,515 yards with eight touchdowns and nine interceptions during his lone season in Chicago. Fields officially took over as the top quarterback and Dalton signed with the New Orleans Saints last offseason as a backup but wound up starting 14 games.
Though their time together was short, Dalton clearly made a lasting impact on Fields, giving him a needed mentor at a critical time. Perhaps that makes the signing and “QB1” tweets all worth it.
