Rookie Tory Taylor and the adjustment he has to make in the NFL

Every NFL rookie goes through an adjustment period.

Yes, even a punter like rookie Tory Taylor, who was drafted in the fourth round by the Chicago Bears.

As part of a Q&A series with college coaches who have had Bears rookies under their wing when they were on campus, the Chicago Tribune’s Colleen Kane speaks with Iowa special teams coordinator LeVar Woods and reveals what might be the biggest adjustment punter Tory Taylor will have to make when moving from college to the NFL:

When he walks into Kinnick Stadium here in Iowa City, everyone who sees him goes crazy. The fans go crazy. They introduce him in the pregame warm-ups and the fans go crazy. His first punt of every game, we had to use a silent rhythm because the fans go crazy. They cheer. They’re waving Australian flags in the stands.

I told him, “This isn’t real football. When you go to the NFL, as soon as the punter steps on the field, everyone boos. They don’t want to see you on the field. They want to see somebody else.” I think that’s something he’s going to have to deal with, or something that’s a little different.

I hadn’t really thought about it that way, nor would I have bothered to. But it makes sense. Tory Taylor was a star on the Iowa football team, so it’s understandable that he got a rousing applause when he walked onto the field. It was almost as if Hawkeyes fans knew that when he entered the game, he would give them the best chance to win. I would definitely argue that Taylor’s punting prowess was a major factor in Iowa’s success.

But let me add this: If Taylor is as good at punting in the NFL as he was in college, he will have a similar following in Chicago.

Tory Taylor still has what it takes to become the next cult hero of the Chicago Bears’ special teams

Chicago football fans have a unique relationship with special teamers. It goes back to before I was born, when Bears fans gravitated toward Kevin Butler, whose kicking career began as a rookie with the team that won Super Bowl XX. Since then, we’ve seen that fan base rally around all sorts of special teams stars. Robbie Gould kicked his way to the gold standard at the position, eventually becoming the franchise’s highest-scoring player. The reverence for Devin Hester’s Hall of Fame career began during his time in Chicago. Jerry Azumah became a fan favorite for his Pro Bowl-worthy performances as a return specialist.

Hell, Bears fans are still discussing what a shame it is that former special teams coordinator Dave Toub never got the chance to become a head coach.

MORE: Tory Taylor gave it his all at the Chicago Bears minicamp

All of that to say this: If Tory Taylor blows us away as a punter, throws some big kicks, and shakes up the field game, he’ll be the next Bears specialist to win the hearts of this fan base. And when that happens, Taylor will at least be accustomed to an adoring crowd cheering his presence when you’d normally expect fans to grumble.

I have high hopes for Taylor’s rookie season in Chicago. Granted, the Iowa product comes just after the Trenton Gill era – which was disappointing and short-lived. The bar is pretty low for Bears punters after Gill had one of the worst years of any player at his position. And Tory Taylor should clear that with ease.