LM: What type of mentality are you bringing to the Bears on and off the field?
LP: “Off the field, I like to have fun and relax. But on the field I play football the way it’s meant to be played: physical, tough, smart, disciplined. That’s what I pride myself on.”
LM: At center, you’re in a natural leadership position on the offensive line. How important is embracing that role to you?
LP: “It’s very important. It’s a little added responsibility, but it’s nothing that I haven’t been a part of. I’ve had different leadership roles in different locker rooms, so I’m excited about the opportunity.”
LM: You entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent. Is that a chip on your shoulder that still motivates you?
LP: “It’s a big chip, [especially] with my story, truly being a rookie minicamp invite tryout player and being sent home after that. So, technically all 32 teams said no. I’m coming in here and this is a team that said, ‘yes, we want you,’ which is an amazing feeling. And I think that opens even more doors of playing harder and showing more than the chip on your shoulder.”
LM: You signed with the Bears after playing for the Packers. How special is it to you to play for two of the NFL’s most historic franchises?
LP: “It’s extremely special. There’s a reason that when the 100th [NFL] season opened, it was opened here. There’s a reason that the Super Bowl trophy’s named after Vince Lombardi. There’s a reason this rivalry is important because it is the NFL. This is what the shield represents: tradition, excellence, teams that are built on old school football, winning tough games in the elements, and to be a part of this is so special.”