The Chicago Bears traded star linebacker Roquan Smith to the Baltimore Ravens at the NFL trade deadline last week, which marked the end of an impressive five-year stint with Chicago.
The Bears acquired 2023 second-round and fifth-round picks in exchange for Smith, and it was a move that many saw coming as Smith and GM Ryan Poles “couldn’t find common ground” on a contract extension.
As Smith prepares to make his Ravens debut on Monday Night Football, Smith shared a letter of thanks to the Bears and the city of Chicago (via Ian Rapoport).
“Dear Chicago,
Today a new chapter of my career begins, and as I write this, I’m full of gratitude. Thank you to all the Bear fans worldwide for all your love and support. Thank you to the city of Chicago for embracing me as one of your own. Thank you to Ryan Pace and his regime for believing in me. Thank you to the McCaskey Family for making my dream come true. Thank you to Dick Butkus, he knows why. Thank you to every teammate, thank you to every coach, thank you to everyone who helped me, from the trainers to the cafeteria staff; to everyone who held the standard of what being a Bear is all about.
Thank you AGAIN to every Bears fan, when my career is over, we’ll reminisce on all the good times we shared together in Chicago. I’m forever grateful for those memories.
As I begin this new chapter, I’m both excited and inspired for the journey ahead. Whatever God wants me to go through, I’ll do it chin up, chest out, sunsets…no regrets.
With love and gratitude,
Ro.”
