Bears linebacker and Lake Villa, Ill. native T.J. Edwards signed a two-year contract extension with the team last Thursday. Learn more about the seven-year pro and core member of the defense as he sits down with ChicagoBears.com to discuss his favorite memory as a Bears fan and player, what duties he assigns to rookies, his "dynamic" ability as a high school quarterback and more.
What was your "Welcome to the NFL" moment?
I didn't really understand the "getting snacks for the veterans" deal until the first away trip. They hit me with a massive order from Popeyes and it was like an hour before the plane ride and we had to be in full suit and tie, all that. So I'm in Popeyes, I've got like 30 minutes left and I got probably 30 chicken sandwiches, this massive order. I fully sweat through my suit. Gray suit, so full sweat. Smelled just like Popeyes. I'm a mess and had to just get on the plane after that. So realizing the rookie duties was something I definitely did not plan for.
What rookie duties do you give out now?
I'm just big on there's gotta be snacks in the room and if we can get some candles in the room so the room smells good. Rookies need to have jokes ready. In case there's a little break in meetings, we need a joke. That's a big thing. But other than that, I'm chill.
What's the go-to candle scent?
That's a good question. I love the holiday ones. So any type of October or Christmas-type scent, I'm good to go.
What's your hidden talent or a random fact about you?
I don't really have a hidden talent. I mean, I can hit a golf ball pretty well. I wish I could sing or dance or something, but I can't do any of that. Random fact – I would say, my favorite sport was baseball growing up. That was my first love, but I couldn't hit a curveball, so I quit.
As a Lake Villa native, you know everything there is to know about Chicago. So, what's the best way to spend a summer day in the city?
I mean you can hit a number of rooftops. For me, I'm a big afternoon going into dinner type person. Have to go to West Loop, for sure. I have a new spot — Aba's rooftop. It's decent, so I would hit there and then I would go to Trivoli Tavern for dinner, and then I'm absolutely passing out because I'm done.
What's an underrated food spot in the suburbs?
Sophia Steak is great in Lake Forest. Miramar in Highwood is really good. Disotta in Highwood is good. I'm a big Highwood guy.
What was your favorite Bears memory as a child?
The Devin Hester kick return in the Super Bowl. I think either that or after Brian Urlacher's rookie year, he was actually at a local grocery store near my area, and I met him for the first time, so that was cool. I was a young kid, a little intimidated, but it was cool.
What's your favorite memory as a Bears player?
I think early on, especially me and Tremaine's first year when we got here, the Cleveland play was cool. I hit the dude, and then Tremaine scooped it and scored a touchdown. I felt like that was something that we made happen, which was cool. But I like to think my favorite memory hasn't happened yet.
You played college football at Wisconsin. Was it a struggle to be in Wisconsin territory as a Bears fan?
It's probably an hour and 45 minutes from my hometown, but I think it was definitely a little annoying for the most part, just being a Bulls fan too, the Bucks and Packers and all that. But honestly, I loved my time there. Madison is a great town.
What's at the top of your bucket list?
I would say bucket list for me includes golf, because I love golf. So it would be either going to the Masters or playing Pebble Beach in California.
What's your guilty pleasure TV show or movie?
The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air is probably my TV show. Movie is Couples Retreat with Vince Vaughn.
If football had walk-up songs like baseball, what would yours be?
I love Spanish music to be honest with you. That's such a tough question. I mean, I'm a big Drake fan, so probably something from him. It's gonna be such a stereotypical answer. I'm gonna say Somebody Loves Me.
If you could be any other athlete in Chicago sports history, who would you be?
Derrick Rose. For sure. My favorite player of all time.
You were a high school quarterback. Give us the scouting report on yourself.
I had a really good arm for a high school quarterback, I'd humbly say. It wasn't always accurate, but it was strong. I could run with the ball too. Honestly, I was dynamic. Just dynamic, hard to stop.
We've got the NFL Draft starting tomorrow. Where are you watching?
The draft party, actually. Shout out the squad right here. I'll be there.
