New Bears outside linebacker Khalil Mack—acquired in a blockbuster trade with the Raiders Saturday—spoke exclusively to ChicagoBears.com upon arriving at Halas Hall:
What was your immediate reaction after being informed you had been traded to the Bears?
"I was definitely shocked. I couldn't believe it at first. I didn't know if it was really going to happen until I got on the plane. I was shocked and surprised. That was my immediate reaction. I really couldn't believe it. I was like, 'Wow.'"
What were your thoughts once the news sunk in?
"There were a whole lot of things that rushed through my mind, thinking about the Bears and the defense and the rich history of the Bears. Not only that but understanding that here in Chicago there are a lot of different things going on in the community and there are a lot of things you can help with as far as the community. I thought about all kinds of stuff. I even thought about Kayne [West] and [his song] 'Chi-Town.' That kept playing in my head. It was amazing. I couldn't believe it."
What did the bold move the Bears made to acquire you tell you about how much they wanted you to play for them?
"That definitely let me know they wanted me here and they wanted me to come in and make an impact for their team, and I'm ready to win."
What type of pressure does that put on you?
"It's a great pressure for me, understanding that you want to be wanted. This lights a whole other fire up under you and I'm ready to give this team all I've got."
What type of conditioning have you been doing and do you think you will be ready to play Sunday night against the Packers?
"I made sure I was ready. It was tough because you're doing it on your own. But I wanted to make sure I was ready for this moment. If it's possible, I want to play [in Green Bay]."
How much do you know about the current team and the Bears tradition?
"You're talking about a rich tradition, you're talking about Mike Singletary, Brian Urlacher, Lance Briggs, Dick Butkus, Walter Payton. There's so much rich history. Then when we talk about the current team and the young players, you've got [Mitchell] Trubisky, Kyle [Fuller] and Prince [Amukamara] on the outside at corner, Leonard [Floyd] coming off the edge and Akiem Hicks. All these guys look like they love the game. That's what I looked at when I turned on the film. I wanted to see what jumped out at me and I saw that love for the game, the love for the competition. You want to go out there and play with some dogs. That's what it's all about."
What excites you most about this opportunity?
"When you think about being a part of the Bears defense, it's kind of self-explanatory in a sense. You understand where you're at and how rich the history is and what it's going to be like when you win games and win championships. That's all that's on my mind."
What is your message to Bears fans?
"I want Bears fans to know that they're getting somebody that's hungry. They're getting somebody that's ready to come in here and win. It's as simple as that. I don't talk much, just know that. My actions speak louder than my words."
