Rookies Bunmi Rotimi and Cavon Walker wash a dog at Lambs Farm.
When Roquan Smith was selected by the Bears with the eighth pick in the draft, the inside linebacker never dreamed that he'd spend a day on the job shearing a sheep.
But that's exactly what transpired Monday as Smith and the rest of the Bears rookie class traveled north up I-294 to volunteer at nearby Lambs Farm in Libertyville.
"Shaving a sheep, I never really envisioned myself doing something like that," Smith said. "I was around animals [growing up], but it was more so cows and goats here and there and dogs and cats. I've petted a sheep before, but never actually flipped one and shaved one."
Smith and fellow rookies Shaq Roland, Garrett Johnson and Kevin Toliver II assisted a few Lambs Farm employees in shearing the sheep.
Bears rookies spent 90 minutes at the farm on a rainy and wet Monday morning, splitting into groups to volunteer in the café, pet shop, bakery, thrift shop and farmyard.
"It's awesome just being out here with these guys, bonding and giving back to the community and doing things for individuals that can never repay us," Smith said. "That's definitely huge."
Lambs Farm is a non-profit organization that provides vocational and residential services for more than 250 adults with developmental disabilities. It's located on a 72-acre site and also includes a restaurant, petting zoo, miniature golf course and small rides.
Michael Joseph, an undrafted rookie cornerback from Dubuque who grew up in the Chicago area, volunteered in the thrift shop, setting up a Father's Day-themed display.
"It's definitely a bonding experience getting to know my teammates," Joseph said. "We're creating a good bond. It's also good to do some community service. I know that's big in the NFL and just as a citizen as well, so I'm glad I'm able to do some community service."
Other Bears rookies who attended Monday's volunteer event were Ryan Winslow, Matt Fleming, Anthony Miller, Rashard Fant, Ryan Nall, John Franklin III, Tyrin Holloway, Nick Orr, Andrew Trumbetti, Kylie Fitts, Elijah Norris, Joel Iyiegbuniwe, Dejon Allen, Jeremi Hall, James Daniels, Bunmi Rotimi, Abdullah Anderson, Cavon Walker, Javon Wims and Bilal Nichols.
