Justin Fields. Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports

Justin Fields reflects on time with Bears following trade to Steelers

By Mike Santa Barbara | Last updated 3/16/24

Shortly after news broke that the Chicago Bears had traded quarterback Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers, the former first-round pick reflected on his time with the franchise.

Via X, Fields humbly thanked Chicago and the Bears.

"Can't say thank you enough to the city of Chicago for taking me in and embracing me," Fields wrote. "Thank you to the entire Bears organization and ownership for allowing me the opportunity to be part of such a historic franchise."

Can’t say thank you enough to the city of Chicago for taking me in and embracing me. Thank you to the entire Bears organization and ownership for allowing me the opportunity to be part of such a historic franchise. But most of all thank you to my all my brothers that I played… pic.twitter.com/fT1dORwFU5
— Justin Fields (@justnfields) March 16, 2024

Fields concluded his goodbye by saying he was ready for the next chapter with the Steelers, and it's hard to blame him. Since being selected No. 11 overall by the Bears in the 2021 NFL Draft, the former Ohio State standout has been under an intense microscope.

He didn't find much success over three seasons in Chicago, going 10-28 as the starter. But, many would argue that roster and coach turnover never offered him a fair shake.

Either way, the Bears have decided to move on and most likely have a QB in their sights, armed with the No. 1 pick in April after balking at the opportunity to pick first a year ago.

Like his turbulent time in Chicago, Fields handled his exit with class. However, if the Bears felt as grateful over Fields' time with the franchise as he seemingly does, they certainly didn't show it.

Recently, general manager Ryan Poles said he wanted to "do right" by his now ex-QB once rumors of a trade began to swirl. Instead, the team waited for a carousel of quarterbacks to change teams before dealing him to the Steelers, where he'll be Russell Wilson's backup.

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