New Bears center Drew Dalman talks with ChicagoBears.com about what it's like to block Grady Jarrett, the story behind his middle name, his hobbies outside of football and much more.
Is there anything in Chicago you're excited to see or do?
In my limited experience, being around the lake is incredible. I do love that. We played against Chicago two years ago and I walked around that night by the lake, so that's the extent of my experience. And then experiencing a new city that seems awesome, seems like it has a unique culture — one that I haven't spent too much time around — I'm really excited for that. Also a fanbase that's super in it and super happy, it seems like a fun thing to be a part of it.
You spent most of your life in California where you grew up or Atlanta with the Falcons. What do you know about the Midwest?
My girlfriend went to college in Iowa then worked there, so I've spent a few visits to rural southern Iowa, so that's my image of the Midwest. But I feel like it's awesome. It's got a really distinct beauty to it. You always hear about the people being really kind and welcoming, so that's my image of it and I'd like to experience more of it.
What's your 'Welcome to the NFL' moment?
I feel like I have a string of really critical mistakes from early on that just flashed through my mind. There were things that were really tough learning experiences in the moment, but now I look back and they taught me valuable lessons. There were a few moments where I had teammates that had been doing this for 10-12 years and sitting there watching them go about their business, seeing what a true professional looked like, I feel like that was my 'oh this is really different' moment.
Who were some of those teammates?
Jake Matthews, incredible teammate, incredible player. Chris Lindstrom, same thing. Matt Hennessy, same thing. And then veterans like Matt Ryan and Calais Campbell, guys like that you see and you're like, 'you've experienced so much NFL, and I can't imagine.'
What's a relatively unknown or underrated part of the center position?
I think people might be surprised to hear what the communication sounds like and how quickly it has to happen. A lot of fans probably know that centers have to communicate and get everybody on the same page, but a lot of that is happening in the two-three seconds you have before the defense is set and the ball is snapped.
Who's the toughest player you've ever blocked?
I mean we've got him now, but Grady. Being a rookie in training camp, trying to block Grady felt ridiculous. He's definitely up there, but there's so many great players throughout the NFL. Every defense has an excellent d-lineman and they're all incredible.
What's your favorite hobby outside football?
Anything outside. Love mountain biking, grew up mountain biking a ton. Love being on the water whether it's the ocean or the lake, just hanging out with friends, playing Spikeball, pickleball, anything outside.
Do you have a hidden talent or one thing people don't know about you?
I can juggle, like five-ball juggle with another person. Silly stuff like that.
Your dad won a Super Bowl with the 49ers. What do you remember about his career?
I don't really remember it. My most poignant memories of that time would be me being a super young kid and messing around in his old shoulder pads and his helmet. Just being pumped as a little kid, thinking that was so cool.
Your middle name is Brazil – is there a story behind that?
It's my mom's maiden name. On my mom's side of the family, my grandmother is from Brazil and also has that name. So I got that from them.
What's the first thing you think of when you hear Chicago?
Probably deep dish. I've had maybe one in my life, but it was a below average one because I haven't been to Chicago much so I'm sure it wasn't from here.
What do you like on your pizza?
I'm pretty adventurous with it. I feel like I would take any recommendations that are given.
