Former Pittsburgh Steelers WR Chase Claypool teases new career as Chicago Bears worries continue
The Pittsburgh Steelers are slowly working 32nd overall pick Joey Porter Jr. into their starting defense. Meanwhile, the Chicago Bears are starting to rethink their decision to trade for wide receiver Chase Claypool. And as reports float around about the team’s concern for his lack of motivation, a new story has arisen about a new side gig he’s testing out.
During the six-week drought between minicamp and training camp, Claypool is spending some time in Paris, France, modeling, according to his Instagram page. The 24-year-old posted pictures and videos of him at the Feng Chen Wang SS24 runway show with the caption, “always working.”
In a post from Feng Chen Wang, however, Claypool is labeled as a guest at the event. Other athletes, such as NBA stars Karl Anthony-Towns and Shaquille Harrison, were also in attendance.
Why the Chicago Bears are concerned about Chase Claypool
Recently, Marc Silverman of ESPN’s Waddle & Silvy Show reported that the Bears were worried about Claypool’s mentality toward football since joining the team. Last season with the Bears, he recorded just 10 receptions for 140 yards and has been dealing with injuries this offseason.
“I have heard from a few people inside that building that he is not somebody who is very self-motivated,” Silverman said.
It’s not new or unheard of for players to model during their careers. However, with reports claiming the Bears are hoping Claypool uses the time off to dedicate himself to the upcoming season, modeling in Paris might not be what they’d like to see.
As for the Steelers, they head to training camp on July 26, with hopes Porter Jr. can make an immediate impact on defense. He’s taken first-team reps during OTAs and training camp, and there’s a real chance he starts on the outside with Levi Wallace as Patrick Peterson mans the inside.
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This story was originally published June 28, 2023 at 12:00 AM with the headline "Former Pittsburgh Steelers WR Chase Claypool teases new career as Chicago Bears worries continue."