Chicago Bears rookie Malik Muhammad impresses on and off the field at Brookfield Zoo

Chicago Bears rookie Malik Muhammad II made an immediate impression in his NFL debut Sunday in Charlotte, helping the Bears open the season with a 31-24 win over the Carolina Panthers. Coach Ben Johnson praised Muhammad Monday, saying that he  “played really good football for his first day,” according to the Bears’ website.

Muhammad started at nickel back and played 76% of the defensive snaps, the press release confirmed. He also made the Bears’ first takeaway of the season with an interception late in the first half, helping preserve a 31-24 lead.

On the play, Muhammad read Bryce Young’s pass to Jimmy Horn Jr. and laid out to catch the ball before Carolina could move deeper into Bears territory. Per the Bears’ website, Muhammad said his preparation helped him recognize the route and react quickly, but added, “But then just being a ball player. At the end of the day, you've got to be a ball player.”

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A dream job at the zoo

Off the field, Muhammad took part in a different kind of Chicago experience when Brookfield Zoo Chicago welcomed him for a behind-the-scenes visit tied to the Bears’ “first day of Training Camp” social post. According to a press release, the zoo turned a back-to-school-style sign into a playful question about what Muhammad wanted to be when he grew up.

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During the visit, Muhammad tried out an “exotic zoo keeper” role with Brookfield Zoo Chicago Director of Hoofed Mammal Care & Conservation Nancy Kauffman, calling it his “dream job.” He visited African lions, polar bears, sloth bears and brown bears, then helped feed giraffes and okapi while learning about animal care, conservation and welfare.