Danny Trevathan Ready To Be Face Of The Bears' Defense

By Chris Emma--

CHICAGO (CBS) -- During his rise to NFL prominence, Bears linebacker Danny Trevathan's reputation began to precede him.

With each passing season after being drafted in the sixth round by the Broncos in 2012, the once-unheralded Trevathan improved. During his four years in Denver, Trevathan emerged as the heart of the Broncos' defense, their leader in tacklers and spirit.

Now, the 26-year-0ld Trevathan aims to do the same for the Bears, and he wears a Super Bowl ring on his index finger as a constant reminder of his goal in Chicago. The newly signed face of the Bears defense embraces the pressure of being the man.

"I love being in the front, and I love working my tail off," Trevathan said Tuesday. "I like to show it, I don't really like to talk about it too much. It's a great opportunity for me to go out there and showcase I can play whatever, especially with the attitude of this defense, I'm loving it. We got a great team."

Tuesday brought a glimpse of Trevathan's role as a leading figure for the Bears. He was out at Wrigley Field, throwing out the first pitch prior to the Cubs' contest with the Mets.

Fans mobbed Trevathan as he walked down the aisle toward the field level. He took pictures, signed autographs and showed off that shiny championship ring.

"They're everywhere," Trevathan said of Bears fans. "I love them. They don't mind making you feel like you're home already. They really want to win here, and I hate losing. I fit right in."

Trevathan was a part of the Broncos' championship core on defense. With that experience, he wants to help rebuild an identity for the Bears' defense. He's the new heart and soul for the unit, a player who the Bears have already looked toward for leadership.

Next week brings the beginning of training camp in Bourbonnais, with the Bears reporting to Olivet Nazarene on Wednesday and starting up practices Thursday. After a 6-10 mark in John Fox's first season as coach, the Bears are younger and more talented. One of many offseason additions, Trevathan is eager to lead the Bears into training camp.

"I'm ready to go," Trevathan said. "It's football time now. It took a while. But this is where we really get in that work. We get a feel for each other and get in that hustle time. This is where the work decides the rest of the season. I'm looking forward to being with a great group of guys."

In part because he was a late-round pick, Trevathan plays like he's constantly being doubted, even as he rose to Super Bowl and Pro Bowl stardom.

No matter how much he accomplishes -- perhaps even earning another ring -- Trevathan is always striving for a higher goal.

"I want to be known as one of the greatest of all time to ever play," he said. "It comes with work. I don't like to talk about it, I like to go out and showcase it."

Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for CBSChicago.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 and like his Facebook page.