Chicago Bears star linebacker Roquan Smith was visibly emotional as he reacted to his teammate Robert Quinn being traded away to the Philadelphia Eagles - and he found out during a press conference.
Smith and Quinn were two of the best players remaining on the Bears roster - who are in a faze of rebuilding their team after already trading away a number of star players including Khalil Mack, Allen Robinson and Akiem Hicks earlier this year - but now Smith is one of the only true star players on the team. Smith has also requested a trade away from the team earlier this season after they had failed to come to an agreement on a contract extension.
And during a press conference ahead of the Bears upcoming game against the Dallas Cowboys, Smith held a press conference and was made aware by a reporter that his teammate and friend Quinn had been traded to the Eagles.
When he was told of the news, he said: "It sucks. I'm gonna take a second for a second, if you don't mind. I have a great deal of respect for that guy, you know... damn. Crazy." Smith waited for a few seconds before he got up and abruptly ended his press conference.
Quinn was traded to the 6-0 Eagles for a fourth-round draft pick in the upcoming NFL draft after coming off the back of an incredible year in 2021 finishing second in the NFL with 18.5 sacks in 16 games with the Bears. Last season took him over 100 career sacks, after spending time with the St Louis Rams, Miami Dolphins, Dallas Cowboys and Bears.
The Eagles are in the midst of another impressive season, after winning the 2018 Super Bowl. Quarterback Jalen Hurts has taken a leap in his third year in the NFL, and is playing at an MVP calibre level, along with the Eagles defensive unit impressing.
Quinn will join a loaded defensive line, along with Brandon Graham, Fletcher Cox, Javon Hargreave and rookie sensation Jordan Davis as they are now the favourites to win the NFC and compete for a Super Bowl with the likes of the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs.
For Smith, though, he is unlikely to be traded before the deadline on November 1, with the Bears reportedly keen to keep a hold of him as they go through their rebuild, with Smith being at the centre of their defensive unit.
The Bears sit at 3-4 this season, and although many would argue that they have the worst roster in the NFL, they remain well in the hunt for a spot in the playoffs.
