It is only May and we’re already getting our Best Shape of His Life™ reports from Bears players.
Not only that, we’re getting them from someone at at an all important position.
In addition to confirming his new role as the Chicago Bears’ first-string right tackle (h/t Zack Pearson), Teven Jenkins provided a glimpse at what he has done this offseason in order to position himself for his best year yet:
Bears RT Teven Jenkins gives a shoutout to Superior Pilates in Lake Forest where he’s worked out this offseason. It’s helped him strengthen his core and he said he isn’t thinking about his back at all. He’s also slimmed down to 325 and has cut his body fat from 30% to 24%.
— Kevin Fishbain (@kfishbain) May 24, 2022
More Pilates, less beer. Teven Jenkins is working to improve his body, trying to fit into the Bears' new offense and battling to prove to Ryan Poles, Matt Eberflus and Co. that he belongs in the team's long-term plans.
From Halas Hall …https://t.co/YNiBXwSYqR
— Dan Wiederer (@danwiederer) May 24, 2022
Wow! Jenkins must’ve really taken it to heart when GM Ryan Poles came to Chicago and made it known that he was (1) intent on re-shaping the offensive line and (2) wanting players to slim down and shape up. And by committing to Pilates and re-shaping his body, Jenkins told reporters he cut his weight down to 325 pounds. Additionally, he has sliced his body fat from 30% to 24 percent. These are pretty drastic cuts for an offensive lineman looking to establish himself in Year 2 while playing for a new general manager and head coach. And we shouldn’t look past that factor in this situation. Because while we often think about how regime changes impact front offices and coaching staffs, we shouldn’t lose sight that changes at the top can have a trickle-down impact on returning players.
No one wants to make a bad first-impression on the new guys. And by being progressive in making changes that will make him better as a player, Jenkins clearly has eyes on earning the trust and respect of a front office and coaching staff who inherited him. I wonder how many others will follow suit.