Gabby Hajduk
Punter Tory Taylor, the Bears’ fourth round selection in the 2024 draft, talks with ChicagoBears.com about his home country of Australia, pregame superstitions, Mount Rushmore of punters and much more.
First thought when you hear Chicago?
Cold.
What are you most excited to explore in the city?
That’s a tough one. Probably just trying a bunch of different restaurants. I know Chicago is renowned for its food so I’m looking forward to it.
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Any food in particular?
Italian food. I know that’s pretty popular around here.
First impression of Bears fanbase?
Crazier than Iowa, which is pretty hard to do.
What do you miss most about Australia?
Obviously my family, but definitely the coffee. It’s different. I don’t want to offend too many people, but it’s a lot better. I don’t know if it’s the beans or the way people make it, but it’s just better. Again, I don’t want to offend anyone, but it’s just the honest truth.
What’s a common misconception about Australia?
There’s no snakes or spiders or anything like that. You don’t see any dangerous animals. It’s completely false.
What’s the best thing Australia has that the U.S. doesn’t?
Oh gosh, that’s a tough one because the U.S. literally has everything that I could think of. I’ve already said coffee, so I’m going to say nice weather all year round where I’m from. I know you can get that in different parts of America too.
What’s the best thing the U.S. has that Australia doesn’t?
The access to different types of food. America has everything. Whatever you want, they’ve got it and I love that. Going to the supermarket here, they have everything. I’m a big cereal guy and there’s hundreds and hundreds to choose from here.
What is your favorite cereal here?
Cinnamon Toast Crunch, but I try not to have it anymore.
Favorite football memory at Iowa?
Beating Nebraska in 2021. We were down by a couple touchdowns and we managed to come back and win that game. Or Penn State that year. A few memorable memories for sure.
What is the best coaching advice you’ve ever received?
Definitely just take it one day at a time because nothing is ever guaranteed.
What is a hidden talent or something people don’t know about you?
I’m actually quite good at badminton. That or playing cards.
Do you have a pregame routine or any superstitions?
Yeah, I always have peanut M&Ms the night before a game. That started two years ago. I wanted to have them before a game one time and I played well that day so I never stopped doing it.
What’s a challenging thing about punting most people don’t know?
Probably being able to do it in the wind. It’s quite difficult. Probably more difficult than people think.
Who was your football idol growing up?
I was actually a Cowboys fan growing up so I’d probably say Dez Bryant.
Who is on your Mount Rushmore of punters?
Michael Dickson, AJ Cole, Tommy Townsend and Mitch Wishnowsky.