BOURBONNAIS, Ill. -- Chicago Bears wide receiver Brandon Marshall might be the veteran and Alshon Jeffery the rookie, but they claim it’s a two-way street when it comes to exchanging knowledge.

“Honestly, we just finished watching film; I’m actually learning from Alshon,” said the seven-year veteran Marshall prior to Tuesday’s practice. “Things he was able to do in press (coverage) these past few days, I wasn’t able to do when I first came to the NFL. I’m picking up things now.

“I’m sure he can learn a lot from me, but at the same time, I’ve already learned a lot of things 10 minutes ago. I wrote some things down learning from his game.”

Marshall picked up something specific from Jeffery’s game, but Jeffery finds himself trying to emulate everything Marshall does.

“Just being physical, just making plays, just try to catch everyone, just be great,” said Jeffery, a second-round pick out of South Carolina. “That’s what he does -- just be great.”

Marshall has had Jeffery’s respect from the start. On the other hand, Jeffery has had to earn Marshall’s praises.


When Marshall first caught glimpse of Jeffery on the field, Marshall was actually worried about the young receiver. That has changed since training camp began last week, though.

“To be honest with you guys, during OTAs, I thought he was going to need some time, a lot of time,” Marshall said. “But I don’t know if he was just nervous. Some guys they know how to work, where it’s a little bit in the offseason, a little more in mini-camp, then camp comes full speed, and it’s like, ‘Wow.’ That’s what I’m seeing out of him. He’s impressing right now a lot of people.”

Jeffery was humble about his progress and credited his coaches for pointing out the smaller details in ways for him to improve. He admitted it’s been a different level of play since the team began putting on pads.

“It’s a lot more competition,” Jeffery said. “The speed of the game is a lot faster. You just go out and keep on competing and just work hard.”