The Wolfpacker: An Independent Magazine Covering NC State Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1538921
SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2025 ■ 39 ize this is a special place, special building, special history here, and the people in the building just make it even more special," he told ChicagoBears.com after signing his new contract. "Pretty early on, I could just tell this is something I want to be a part of, something that I think would be really cool going forward." Thuney has protected two of the league's all-time great quarterbacks in New England's Tom Brady and Kansas City's Mahomes, but this year he will work with a much younger signal-caller. The Bears are set to start 2022 Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams, whom they se- lected first overall in last year's NFL Draft. While that's a big change from his previous seasons, Thuney has embraced his role as a veteran on the team's of- fense this fall. He is the only player on the Bears' offensive line who is older than 28. Three of the team's five starters are 26 or younger. Having returned to the guard position at which he excelled prior to last year's late-season switch, Thuney hopes to be able to provide mentorship to his younger teammates. "I always want to be available for the guys in the O-line room, whether it be plays or situations or anything really to talk about — just things I've seen, things I've been through — and then try and just get a routine with guys and work, whether it be after practice or after meetings or whatever," Thuney said. "You just want to be a resource for the guys and show my routine through the season, through the offseason." Although Thuney is the teacher of the group going into the season, the three- time Pro Bowler is focused on putting to- gether another quality season fresh off his second All-Pro campaign with the Chiefs in 2024. Pack Pros in 2025 There are more than a dozen former Wolfpack players on NFL active rosters to begin the 2025 season. Here's a rundown of all the former NC State stars who are looking to make an impact in the profes- sional ranks this fall. OT Anthony Belton (played at NC State from 2021-24), Green Bay Pack- ers: Getting set to make his NFL debut, Belton was the only NC State player cho- sen in the 2025 draft. The Packers took him in the second round with the 54th overall pick, and he was the lone rookie offensive lineman to make their 53-man roster after training camp concluded. C Garrett Bradbury (2014-18), New Quarterback Russell Wilson will be playing for his third team in the past three seasons when he suits up for the New York Giants this fall. He's slated to start the Giants' season opener against Washington. PHOTO COURTESY NEW YORK GIANTS " This is a special place, special building, spe- cial history here, and the people in the build- ing just make it even more special. Pretty early on, I could just tell this is something I want to be a part of." Thuney, on joining the Bears