BOURBONNAIS — Before he came to the Bears, Khalil Mack was known mostly superficially in Chicago — a dominant player seen through highlights, an occasional televised game and a resume that included four Pro Bowl selections and the 2016 AP Defensive Player of the Year Award.
As it turns out, he was much more than even that impressive standing with those lofty credentials. Mack’s presence invigorated the entire team from the moment he arrived, and his work ethic raised the bar for the Bears’ defense. Like Julius Peppers — known as a sack specialist who took plays off; and Marian Hossa — known mostly as a goal-scorer — the 28-year-old Mack is a superstar acquisition whose overall game exceeds his reputation.