Bears' Marshall excited about 'innovative' Trestman
By Jared S. Hopkins
Tribune reporter
6:52 p.m. CST, January 31, 2013
Bears receiver Brandon Marshall said Thursday he’s impressed with Marc Trestman after talking with the team’s new head coach on the phone and hopes to meet with him soon.
“It seems like he has the ability to just bring a whole room together,” Marshall told reporters after speaking at Bradwell Elementary School, where 100 teachers from Chicago Public Schools were each surprised with $1,000 in school supplies donated by OfficeMax. “When you have a leader like him — who’s innovative and can bring so many different egos and different talents together — it says a lot and I think it’s a recipe for success.”
Marshall expressed regret when the Bears fired Lovie Smith but was upbeat Thursday about the new regime.
“I’m excited about the future, so looking forward to it, looking forward to getting healthy and starting this thing off right,” Marshall said.
Regarding his health, Marshall said he is recovering after undergoing his latest hip surgery last week and plans to be “up and running” in about five weeks.
“It’s surgery I’ve had done before and I’ll bounce back real quickly,” he said.
Marshall, who mostly has been at his home in Florida since the end of the season, entered the gymnasium in Jackson Heights with the help of crutches. He described the surgery as getting some “clean up done.”
“Feeling good,” he said. “I’ll be back in no time.”
Marshall downplayed his accomplishments in 2012, when he set franchise records with 118 receptions for 1,508 yards in his first Bears season.
“It was OK,” he said. “My No. 1 goal (is) to be in the community. So all the accolades and all the statistics — I know it and keep up with it and that’s good — but this is the No. 1 reason of being in Chicago … to make a difference, make a huge impact. If that’s on the football field Sunday sometimes, bringing joy, that’s OK. But the stuff that lasts forever (are) the things you do like today.”
When asked about Devin Hester — who has been vocal in his frustration regarding the firing of Smith — Marshall said he spoke to Hester on Wednesday and the matter will “work itself out.”
“It’s an emotional season for all of us,” he said. “I definitely feel what Devin is going through but I don’t feel it to the extent that he does because he was with (Smith) his whole career. (But) my lone year with him was amazing and man, it’s tough to see (Smith) go.”
And who is Marshall rooting for in the Super Bowl?
“Nobody,” Marshall said. “I only root for the Bears.”
Chicago Bears news: Brandon Marshall excited about playing for 'innovative' Marc Trestman - chicagotribune.com
