Bears linebacker T.J. Edwards knows his NFL journey is special. Going from an undrafted free agent in 2019 to a reliable starter for the Eagles in 2022 to signing with his hometown team in 2023 to inking a two-year extension with the Bears takes more than just talent.

It takes a mindset of, in Edwards' own words, being willing to "prove myself every day" and understanding what it takes to work his way from the bottom to the top. One day, when the Lake Villa, Ill., native retires, he'll look back at his story to reflect on and appreciate his path. But for now, he's still striving to improve every day, be a leader in Chicago and work toward his next extension.

"Since I got here a couple years ago, I wanted to stay here and be part of something that's special," Edwards said. "I think I probably know a little better than some that winning here is different. I want to be a part of that. I want to be a part of the group that did something special.

"It was easy for me to try to get something done, and I feel like [Bears general manager] Ryan [Poles] was open and transparent with me the entire time."

Edwards and the Bears finalized the new deal last Thursday, just off the heels of nickel back Kyler Gordon three-year extension, which was announced two days earlier. Poles, who drafted Gordon with his first selection as Bears GM in 2022 and signed Edwards in free agency in 2023, said he was "really happy to get that done."

As Poles and the Bears scouting department approach the 2025 NFL Draft, he believes Edwards' story can set a great example for the club's next group of rookies.

"Right now, our guys are going to prepare for the undrafted free agent process," Poles told reporters Tuesday. "When you see a guy like that go from being undrafted and working himself into his first contract, elevating his game again and getting a second contract, I think that's special, and I think that motivates all the other guys that come in the door. And again, no one is more deserving than he is."

Edwards still remembers the 2019 draft. He had family and friends over and as the rounds flew by, he told the group they could head out for a bit so he could have some space. He remembers thinking his dad was going to throw the TV.

While he felt real disappointment that weekend after not being selected, it fueled him in ways nothing else could.

"It's something that drives me today," Edwards said. "It really does. I never forget how that made me feel and how that still pushes me to be better than I was. There are so many things that stick with you in that sense that I still find personal. I just keep going and keep attacking it. Honestly, I wouldn't change it for the world."

Since his first days in the league, Edwards has grown each year of his NFL career. Now a core member of the Bears defense and a 2024 team captain, he's excited about the opportunity to keep playing in Chicago and start working with head coach Ben Johnson and his staff.

The linebacker described his new coach as "a guy who is going to be open with who he is" and "makes you feel comfortable."

"Coach Johnson has come in and done a great job of putting his plan out," Edwards said. "This is my seventh offseason, so I have kind of seen what this looks like. I feel like he's coming at it in a way of being open and direct. I think it's something we are all understanding to get better in general, coaches included. But I think he's done a good job of getting everyone to understand where we are at and where we are trying to go."

Edwards is also eager to learn from defensive coordinator Dennis Allen, who boasts 30 years of coaching experience. Having watched Allen's defenses in the past, Edwards expects the unit to embody an aggressive style where each player is expected to understand multiple positions, which for the veteran, entails knowing the middle and outside linebacker spots.

In Allen's eyes, Edwards already possesses the traits to excel wherever he's needed.

"You watch the tape and T.J. is highly intelligent, he makes a ton of plays, he plays the linebacker position the way that the linebackers are supposed to play," Allen said. "He plays it physical. He's probably a step faster than really what his timed speed is, because he's so instinctive in terms of how he plays."

With Phase 2 of the offseason program underway, Edwards is building relationships with new coaches like Johnson and Allen while also continuing to foster bonds with his teammates. Now having a sense of security, Edwards is looking forward to expanding his role with the Bears.

"[I'm] just excited to get this opportunity," Edwards said. "Knowing that respect in general is something I've been searching for in this league, something that since I came in as a rookie I've always wanted to get. I feel like I was finally starting to find my niche in a way and finally start to come into my own shoes in that way."