It was a moment that Bilal Nichols had only dreamt about.
Now that dream was becoming a reality as the former Blue Hen sat down to sign his first NFL contract inside Halas Hall in Chicago.
“When I sat down to sign the contract, I got emotional because it was a surreal moment for me,” Nichols said. “I had to take a moment because I got to thinking about my family, friends, coaches and teammates that helped me get to that point. It was an incredible moment that I’ll never forget.”
Nichols’ first few weeks in Chicago has been filled with surreal moments as he adjusts to life at the highest level.
“Every day is an adjustment when you get to this level. As rookies, we have a new playbook, verbiage and technique to understand, so there’s a lot being thrown at us, both mentally and physically,” Nichols said. “We already know that we’re behind as rookies, so putting in the extra work and adjusting to the things that are being asked of us has been extremely important.”
Nichols and his fellow rookies arrived in Chicago on May 10 and began rookie mini-camp the next day.
“Putting on that Bears uniform and strapping on the helmet, it was an unbelievable moment for me,” Nichols said. “But the speed of the game at this level quickly reminds you that you’re here to work. My defensive line coach, Jay Rodgers, has been a huge asset to me and helped make this a smooth transition.”
The adjustment to the NFL lifestyle has been made easier thanks to his time as a Blue Hen.
“What we were asked to do at Delaware absolutely prepared me for these moments,” Nichols said. “I don’t care what people say, if you can ball, you can ball, it doesn’t matter the level you play at. As a Blue Hen, a lot is demanded of you, both on and off the field, but that’s exactly has prepared me to play in the NFL.”
Nichols isn’t the only Blue Hen enjoying his first year in the Windy City.
“It’s been awesome to have some Blue Hens out here. Every time Coach Nagy and I see each other, all we do is say ‘It’s a Great Day To Be A Blue Hen,” Nichols added.
The Bears have OTA practices through June 1 with mandatory full-squad minicamp scheduled for June 5-7.