Stroud doesn't want to be drafted by Bears: That's Fields' team
C.J. Stroud doesn't want to be picked first overall by the Chicago Bears, but he has a pretty noble reason for his lack of interest.
When asked if he's thought about landing in Chicago, the Ohio State product advocated for former college teammate and current Bears quarterback Justin Fields.
"I don't want to go there," Stroud said Friday at the NFL combine. "That's (Fields') team. I got to go do my thing. I got to go build my legacy, and I know he's real to me. ... Me and him are brothers for life."
Bears general manager Ryan Poles said earlier this week that he plans for Fields to be the 2023 starter but still intends to do his homework on this year's draft class. Poles' comments came after a report stated that Chicago is leaning toward trading the first overall pick.
Fields took a step forward as a passer in his second NFL season, throwing for 17 touchdowns to 11 interceptions with an 85.2 passer rating. However, he made the biggest impact with his legs, rushing for 1,143 yards and eight scores.
Stroud defended Fields from criticism over the Bears quarterback's passing ability.
"He ain't no damn running back," Stroud said. "He's a quarterback. He can sling that rock. I'm going to stand up for my brother every time, and he's going to do great things in his career, and I'm excited to play with him."
A two-time Heisman finalist, Stroud is projected to be one of the first quarterbacks drafted in April.