When Pernell McPhee was asked at his introductory press conference to describe his style of play, the new Bear paused, then offered, "Violent ... violent" as his self-descriptor.
Because of a couple significant injuries, a knee in 2015 and then a shoulder injury at the end of 2016, things haven't been as violent as perhaps McPhee would've liked.
But after a long recovery battle last year, McPhee did make it back on the field, earning the respect of teammates to the point of being selected as the 2016 winner of the team's Ed Block Courage Award, a prestigious honor given to an NFL player by peers for actions both on and off the field. The Ed Block award is given to a single player from every NFL team and is named after former Baltimore Colts trainer Ed Block.
Now, 25 pounds lighter, McPhee has another descriptor for what he plans to be.
"Dangerous," he said on Tuesday prior to the team's award ceremony at Maryville Academy in Des Plaines. "It's going to be dangerous. Obviously last year wasn't great and the year before wasn't a great one, so now hopefully by me losing weight, staying focused, we can turn this thing around."
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McPhee was brought in by general manager Ryan Pace from the Baltimore Ravens in 2015 as the first big defensive piece in a refashioned roster for coach John Fox. It has not worked out as he and the Bears had planned, because of injuries.
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The setbacks have been part of McPhee rededicating himself to making a difference with a team that needs one. And he has made that part of his message to teammates.
"Just stay focused and have strong faith, because anytime, any day, it can come to an end," McPhee said. "That's my main focus, just stay hungry at all times."
He is not planning any challenges to Weight Watchers, Jenny Craig or Seattle Sutton anytime soon, but McPhee used a simple "technique" to get rid of the unwanted weight.
"Don't eat after 7 o'clock at night," he said. "Just pound yourself with water. That's the only way I did it."
And the improvement was immediate and noticeable: "It was really important. Usually when I'd get out of bed, it'd take me about a good second to start walking, but I can get up and run right now. So it's a blessing coming from where I was to now.
"I feel great ... I'm sexier, it's a blessing and I can't wait till the season starts."