NEWSLETTER
Every NFL rookie goes through an adjustment period.
Yes, even a punter such as Chicago Bears rookie fourth-round pick Tory Taylor.
As part of a Q&A series with college coaches who had Bears rookies under their wings back when they were on campus, the Chicago Tribune’s Colleen Kane catches up with Iowa Special Teams Coordinator LeVar Woods. And in doing so, uncovers what might be the biggest adjustment that punter Tory Taylor will have to make as he transitions from college to the NFL:
When he walks out into Kinnick Stadium here in Iowa City, anybody that sees him, they go crazy. The fans go crazy. They introduce him in pregame warmups, and the fans go nuts. His first punt of every game, we had to use a silent cadence because the fans are going crazy. They’re cheering. They’re waving Australian flags in the stands.
I told him, “This is not real football. You go in the NFL, once the punter hits the field, everyone is booing. They don’t want to see you on the field. They want to see someone else.” So I think that is going to be something for him to deal with or something that is slightly different.
I hadn’t really thought of it like that, nor would I have put my brain in a position to do so. However, it makes sense. Tory Taylor was a star on the Iowa football team, so it makes sense that he would get a rousing ovation when he made his way onto the field. It was almost as if Hawkeyes fans knew that him getting into the game was going to give them the best chance to win. I’d certainly make the argument that Taylor’s punting prowess was a main contributing factor in Iowa’s success.
But let me add this: If Taylor is as good at punting in the NFL as he was in college, then he’ll get a similar type of following in Chicago.
Tory Taylor is still in line to be the next Chicago Bears special teams cult hero
Chicago football fans have a unique relationship with special teamers. It dates back to before I was even born with how Bears fans gravitated to Kevin Butler, whose kicking career began as a rookie with the Super Bowl XX championship-winning team. Since then, we’ve seen this fan base rally around all sorts of special teams standouts. Robbie Gould kicked his way into becoming the gold standard at the position and eventually became the franchise’s highest-scoring player. Adoration for Devin Hester’s Hall of Fame career began during his stint in Chicago. Jerry Azumah became a fan favorite for his Pro Bowl-caliber exploits as a return specialist.
Heck, Bears fans still discuss how it is a shame that former special teams coordinator Dave Toub never got a shot to be a head coach.
MORE: Tory Taylor Was Crushing It at Chicago Bears Minicamp
All that to say this: If Tory Taylor rocks our socks as a punter, sets off some booming kicks, and flips the field position game on its ear, then he will be the next Bears specialist to capture the hearts of this fanbase. And if that happens, at least Taylor will already be accustomed to having an admiring public cheering his presence at times when you’d otherwise expect fans to grumble.
I have high hopes for Taylor’s rookie season in Chicago. Granted, the Iowa product arrives on the heels of the Trenton Gill era — which was underwhelming and short-lived. The bar is pretty low for Bears punters after Gill had one of the worst years among players at his position. And Tory Taylor should clear it with ease.
