Did William Shakespeare take to the podium on Tuesday at Halas Hall?

No, that was actually new Bears head coach Ben Johnson.

However, the confusion is, indeed, warranted. The new coach showed off his literary and rhetorical skills in honor of Rome Odunze and T.J. Edwards being awarded the Brian Piccolo Award.

The award “is given to one rookie and one veteran who best exemplifies the courage, loyalty, teamwork, dedication and sense of humor of the late Bears running back.”

To honor their accomplishment and the late Brian Piccolo, Ben Johnson wrote “More than a Jersey”:

He wore the ‘C’ upon his chest, not just in games but in each test.
A Bear by number, name and grace, but more than that a steady face.
He wasn’t picked in any round or fame, no headlines danced around his name.
Yet still he fought and still he rose, a quiet strength the whole team knows.
With courage burning deep and true, he gave his all in all he’d do.
Not just in wins, but every day he led with heart in every play.
He stood for loyalty and trust, a friend, a guide, both firm and just.
He showed that greatness doesn’t shout, but lifts others up day-in and day-out.
His life was marked by dedication, a model for each generation.
Each practice moment, snap and stride, he gave the game his soul and pride.
When illness came, he met the storm with strength that moved beyond the norm.
And though his race was far too brief, he left behind a bold belief.
That love is real in brotherhood, that fighting back is doing good.
That joy and grit can co-exist, that every name deserves a list.
Today we see his spirit rise, in steadfast hands and fearless eyes.
And though he’s gone, his story grows, a legacy that never slows.

It’s a touching tribute by the new man at the helm and a gesture that certainly shows his dedication to his new program. It should be known that Johnson said he had a “little outside help” in writing his masterpiece. Nevertheless, the linguistic ability of the head coach is impressive.

When asked about the poem, Odunze responded, “It did surprise me. I didn’t know Ben was a poem guy. So, like T.J. said, I’m looking forward to some of the, hopefully, the poetry that he pulls out at the team meetings. I thought that was the perfect poem for the award and the moment.”

Maybe it’s a sign of things to come and if the Bears can bring home some hardware this season, perhaps Bears fans can expect more of Shakespeare taking the podium.

With Edwards coming off his new contract extension and Odunze heading into his sophomore season with Caleb Williams, there should be some extra motivation for both players to continue to exemplify those characteristics that defines the Brian Piccolo Award.