Turns Out Justin Fields’ Rushing Greatness Has An Origin Story

Justin Fields never planned to become a running quarterback in the NFL. While he had plenty of success running with the ball in college, he’d always preferred to be a passer first. However, it became apparent early in 2022 that the only way the Chicago Bears would succeed on offense is if Fields took advantage of his legs. A few months later, he became only the third quarterback in history to crack 1,000 yards. He has three games left to possibly claim the single-season record of 1,206 set by Lamar Jackson.

Most people chalk up this success to his otherworldly speed. Fields is noted for running a 4.4 at his pro day, but many believe it’s actually in the 4.3 range. Combine that with the fact he’s 6’3 and 230 lbs; it’s easy to see why defenders have nightmares trying to get him on the ground. However, more goes into such success than simple athleticism. If this were true, every runner who is that fast would be a star. There is also a mental side to it. People constantly underestimate how determined and competitive Fields is. Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune states that mentality has a genesis point.

It occurred four years ago when he was a freshman at Georgia.

In a November 2018 game against Massachusetts, he broke to the left sideline and had a step on a couple of defenders. But he lost his footing and was caught from behind at the 20-yard line for a 47-yard run rather than a touchdown.

“Last time I got caught, I’ll never forgive myself,” Fields said. “It was just straight grass for like 40 yards. I got too excited to where I was just like, ‘Oh, my gosh, I’m going to score.’ I started losing my balance, and I got caught.”

If Fields ever looks back on one of his breakaway touchdown runs, that’s why, he said. He’s determined not to get caught.

That is another reminder Justin Fields takes everything personally.

It’s almost an insult when somebody else can make him look foolish for one reason or another. That helps to explain why he rarely makes the same mistakes twice. He wants to be great. Getting caught from behind by players that aren’t in his league isn’t how you become great. So he fine-tuned his training regimen to make himself stronger and faster. At the same time, he started running with more focus and confidence. That is how a guy sets the NFL record for most runs of 50+ yards for touchdowns in a season.

The next step for Justin Fields isn’t to make himself the greatest running quarterback that ever lived. He doesn’t want that distinction. He desires to become one of the best passers in the league. Making a life out of running the ball is painful. While he is plenty tough enough to handle it, Fields understands it’s not conducive to a long career. Only by learning to play from the pocket can he maximize his chances of going down as one of the greats. Still, his accomplishments to this point have him well on his way.