David Montgomery was playing peewee football. Chase Daniel was a rookie at the Super Bowl. Here’s what Bears players were doing 10 years ago.

When the #DecadeChallenge hit social media this month, people used the turn of the decade as an opportunity to compare their current selves with where they were 10 years ago.

That got us thinking as we approach the new year: What were current Bears players and coaches doing in December 2009?

It turns out they were in many different stages of their lives, doing wildly different things.

Rookie running back David Montgomery was 12 years old and playing peewee football. Backup quarterback Chase Daniel was an NFL rookie along for the ride as Drew Brees led the Saints to a 13-win season and, early in 2010, a Super Bowl championship.

Here are the Bears' reflections on life 10 years ago, the decade since and what they wish their younger selves had known.

Matt Nagy, coach

What he was doing 10 years ago: Ten years ago to this month, I was sitting at a settlement selling a house to a couple when my phone rang from coach (Andy) Reid offering an assistant position for the Philadelphia Eagles. That was on a Tuesday. By Thursday, I was working full time for the Eagles. And that was that, 10 years ago.

What he's most proud of in the last 10 years: I'm most proud of being a dad (to four boys) and watching my kids grow over these last 10 years and all of us being supportive of one another through the highs and lows of this great league. And now, obviously, being with this great team in Chicago.

His advice for his younger self: My advice would be to be prepared for losing a lot of hair, gaining some weight and — that's about it.

Allen Robinson, wide receiver

What he was doing 10 years ago: That was my junior year of high school at St. Mary's (in Detroit). That was going right into basketball season. We had just come off losing the state championship in football. We had the game in the bag. It was fourth-and-16 with 2 minutes and change to go and we were on defense. We knew if we could just get off the field, we would win. But they converted fourth-and-16 and then scored to go ahead. And then we were driving and were around midfield and our quarterback got hit and fumbled and we lost.

I had gotten my first (scholarship) offer right around that time. The first offer was from Toledo. Then Minnesota, if I'm not mistaken. Then Buffalo, Central Michigan and some small schools. I tore my labrum in my shoulder during football season but didn't really realize it until March, when I lunged for a steal in a basketball game and my shoulder came out of place. I had to have shoulder surgery after that. And so that spring was when I went fully into football mode.

As a 16-year-old, we were going to the movies. A lot. We'd be at the Novi Fountain Walk and then the Emagine Palladium in Birmingham, (Mich.). Those were the hangout spots. That was right around the time, I think, that "Hot Tub Time Machine" came out. That was one of my favorite movies. Still is.

There was also a Coney Island where we'd hang out after the movies. Or we'd go to Hooters.

What he's most proud of in the last 10 years: Just sticking it out. Everything I went through with things in college at Penn State, with my (ACL) injury in Jacksonville. It tests you. After my third season (with the Jaguars), there was all sorts of coaching turmoil going on, and I remember flipping a switch and just telling myself to reset. And I remember that offseason, training with Randy Moss for four or five weeks and putting in so much work. It was awesome. And then the third play of the season (in 2017), I tear my ACL. In a contract year. The first third down of the season. I knew going into the game what the play was going to be and I remember saying to myself ... "If I'm one-on-one, I'm going to win backside." So I did. One catch. Seventeen yards. Season over. That was real tough. I was concerned for my parents. I knew everyone around me was going to be devastated because of the significance it would have for me. But I wanted everyone to know right away that it w as going to be fine. ... Even though it was a contract year, I wasn't going to waste a minute feeling sorry for myself. No, man. You've got to get to work and come back stronger. And the fact I was able to come back not only physically stronger but mentally stronger is something I'm proud of. So I'm proud of now being able to handle adversity at a different level.

His advice for his younger self: I would tell myself to handle things calmly. Be patient. Adversity will come. I think of things I would tell myself at Penn State about learning how to stick it out. I went through a lot there. My freshman year was when the (Jerry Sandusky) scandal hit and we got sanctioned and I had been recruited by (Joe) Paterno. And that's a lot to deal with. So learn to deal with adversity. And learn to be patient. Which then became a big deal when I was in Jacksonville and I tore my knee up in a contract year. The year before that, we fired our offensive coordinator early in the season and then we fired our head coach, I think in Week 12. You have to remember to be patient. Everybody wants everything right then and there. But if it's your health, if it's your new contract, if it's stats, if it's winning, just be patient. You have to be.

David Montgomery, running back

What he was doing 10 years ago: I was playing football with the (Cincinnati) Hilltop Hawks. It was peewee. I was a running back. I also ran track. I sprinted and I did shot and disc. I knew I was going to be a starting running back (in the NFL). I just didn't know where. I'm blessed. A lot of people can't say they're in the NFL, let alone say they're a starter somewhere. So I'm blessed and excited I'm able to be one of the guys that can help here.

What he's most proud of in the last 10 years: Just seeing the smile on my mom's face that I didn't veer the other way when I had opportunities to. Just my whole 10 years, me having to make the hard decisions. Where I'm from, people make the wrong ones because it's the easiest thing to do. I was able to counteract that and make the right ones, so I could show my mom did teach me the right things.

His advice for his younger self: Control the controllables and have fun doing what you love. Because it's hard to get here, but at the end of the day, it's a game and you're supposed to have fun with it.

Tarik Cohen, running back

What he was doing 10 years ago: I was probably in school (in North Carolina) writing papers on where I think I'm going to be at 10 years from now. I said I was going to be in the NFL. I didn't know how I was going to get there, but I knew I was going to try to make it. I was like a slot receiver, slot back-type thing.

I didn't have a job. We were probably just outside being bad little kids, getting suspended from school, suspended off the bus, fun stuff like that. I've been suspended before, probably (was) talking too much, talking on the bus, not in my seat. I never got expelled though.

What he's most proud of in the last 10 years: Graduating college, I would say, because I did it after I made it to the NFL. At first, I really was thinking like a lot of players think: You're just in school to make it to the next level. So for me to go back after I already was at the next level, I felt like that was big. I did that last summer. (My degree was in) sports science and fitness management.

His advice for his younger self: Just be patient. Enjoy the now. Everything will come when it's supposed to.

Buster Skrine, cornerback

Bears cornerback Buster Skrine tackles Saints wide receiver Michael Thomas during an Oct. 20 game at Soldier Field. (Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)

What he was doing 10 years ago: I was (going into) my senior year at Chattanooga. Well, my junior year, I knew I had a shot to go to the NFL, and then my senior year, I ended up dislocating my elbow. So I'm like, "I'm a small-school guy, what's going to happen?" So I forced myself to come back. I didn't miss a game. And then leading up through that year, I got drafted. It hurt, but I had to do what I had to do.

What he's most proud of in the last 10 years: I would say I'm most proud of becoming a dad of two (a 7-year-old daughter and 1-year-old son) and just the accomplishments I've earned to take care of my family. I always felt like I could make it (in the NFL), and I always had a good work ethic, but I've been blessed to not have any injuries. You never know what day you could get hurt.

His advice for his younger self: Don't eat so much McDonald's. I ate it every day — every day I was in college, every day of my rookie year. My rookie year, I had to have energy and stuff like that, and the season was so long, and I was like, "What's going on?" And then I started eating better.

Chase Daniel, quarterback

Chase Daniel runs with the ball as a member of the Saints in 2010 (left) and stands on the sideline during the Bears' season opener against the Packers (right) on Sept. 5, 2019. (Left: Chris Graythen/Getty | Right: John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune)

What he was doing 10 years ago: Super Bowl championship. That was the main thing. That was my rookie year (with the Saints). Just a bright-eyed and bushy-tailed rookie trying to get along. I remember winning the 13 straight games, and we lost our last three going into the playoffs, but we had already had secured the (No.) 1 seed. It was a very special year for a lot of reasons.

(For me) it was a whirlwind. It's football for almost two straight years because from the time of your senior year, you have winter conditioning, then you go into spring ball, summer ball, camp and play the season. After the season, you have the bowl games. Then you have the combine, training and you go right into OTAs after you're drafted and your whole football season. So you're really doing football for two straight years, so it's tiring, for sure.

What he's most proud of in the last 10 years: Just the fact that I'm still playing. I take pride in that, and I take pride in trying to leave a lasting impression on younger guys. Because I remember when I was a rookie, there were guys that I leaned on and helped me through some tough times, whatever it may be, playing or locker-room stuff. I'm just trying to be a good person and be inclusive of everyone.

His advice for his younger self: Enjoy every minute. The average career is, like, three years. You never know when the game is going to kick you off the train, but you've got to be ready. First of all, save money. And just be prepared for the game to be gone because a lot of people struggle with that. When the game is past you, what do I do? I try to tell people all the time: Don't let football define who you are. Find other interests and passions and hobbies.

Eddy Pineiro, kicker

Bears kicker Eddy Pineiro (15) kicks an extra point after a touchdown in the fourth quarter. (John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune)

What he was doing 10 years ago: I was playing soccer (in Miami). I was trying to be better than my dad as a soccer player because my dad played pro soccer. Not even four or five years ago, I wouldn't even think I would be playing football, changing from soccer to football. Playing soccer is what I did 24/7 back then.

What he's most proud of in the last 10 years: I would say helping my family out. From them being financially struggling, (me) being able to help them out, that's what I'm most proud of.

His advice for his younger self: Not to stress the little things. Everything always ends up working out, regardless of if you're going through a bad time.

Cody Whitehair, center

Bears offensive lineman Cody Whitehair takes selfies with fans before facing the Chiefs on Dec. 22, 2019, at Soldier Field. (Brian Cassella / Chicago Tribune)

What he was doing 10 years ago: I was in high school, probably a junior. I was doing my three sports: football, basketball and I threw the shot put in track. Doing football camps in the summer and getting ready to take the next step in my career. I worked on my family farm (in Kansas), and then I mowed lawns. (My hobbies were) hunting, fishing, outdoor stuff.

What he's most proud of in the last 10 years: Wow, there's been a lot that's happened. I've been fortunate enough to be in the NFL. I got married. I had a kid. (She's 3 months.) There's a lot to be thankful for.

His advice for his younger self: Just to enjoy the ride. The last 10 years, now that I'm looking back on it, have kind of flown by, but just to take advantage of the opportunities you get.

Danny Trevathan, inside linebacker

Kentucky linebacker Danny Trevathan goes in for a tackle on Pittsburgh's Dion Lewis during a 2011 game (left) and chases a Packers ball carrier as a member of the Bears (right) on Sept. 5, 2019. (Left: Butch Dill/AP Photo | Right: John J. Kim/Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune)

What he was doing 10 years ago: It was my first year starting at Kentucky. I gained, like, 15 pounds. I was still a kick returner. I was the only linebacker kick returning. Unfortunately (returning) didn't end well. My coach didn't want me in there because I was a starting linebacker. I thought it was pretty cool. The first (return) in the spring game, he was like, "Eh-eh. No, sir." I was pretty fast. I was probably like 224 (pounds), 225. Still 4.4 (seconds for the 40). I take pride in that, so repeat that.

First time living by myself, moving out of the dorms that year. My sister had a baby that year, so I had a little nephew. My favorite hobby was eating at the cafeteria. They had the spicy beef wraps. It was really good. You get you some chipotle mayonnaise on there.

What he's most proud of in the last 10 years: My growth, my attitude. I used to be a real angry guy. Having kids, having a family. My mom being proud of who I became, my grandma. Being able to spread love and cheer. And being around great people. I believe you are who you're around, and I just wanted to be around greatness and around guys who work for something instead of just making excuses. So I'm very fortunate with that. I'm happy where I'm at with my faith and my beliefs. That goes a long way. That's big for me.

His advice for his younger self: Look at you now. You kept working. It's not how you start. It's how you finish. My mom told me three things when I was little: "Keep God first. Stay humble. And no matter what you do, be the best at it." And I think I did that.

Prince Amukamara, cornerback

Prince Amukamara takes part in the 2011 NFL combine (left) and celebrates after breaking up a pass against the Lions (right) during a game Nov. 10, 2019. (Left: Joe Robbins/Getty | Right: Stacey Wescott/Chicago Tribune/Chicago Tribune)

What he was doing 10 years ago: My junior year at Nebraska. We had just won the Holiday Bowl. I remember going to San Diego and we whupped Arizona (33-0). I had five picks that year and I was contemplating coming out for the draft. I was still working through that. Thinking back on it, that's when Redbox was huge. That was big for me all the time. I wasn't 21 yet, so I wasn't going downtown. Just going to house parties. I had also just switched my major from poli sci to sociology. (ESPN's) Mel Kiper and Todd McShay had me on their big board, so I wanted something easier. Sociology was more about writing papers and thinking.

What he's most proud of in the last 10 years: Making it the way I have in the NFL. I came into Nebraska as a running back and switched to (defensive back). So to be able to do that successfully was a big deal for me. And meeting my wife in New York and then having two kids is obviously huge. And winning a Super Bowl (with the Giants) my first year in New York was cool. Now, being in the league for nine years has been great. It goes fast. But so much happens.

His advice for his younger self: I would tell myself that it doesn't matter how you start, it's how you finish. And when adversity comes, stand up to it. Don't run. Because so many times you can get distracted by things that shouldn't bother you. At Nebraska, I was supposed to play running back, and they threw me in the defensive room. And I could have transferred to Fresno State or Nevada, where I knew they wanted me as a running back. But if I had, who knows if I would have made it to the league and had this same career? Also, stay patient. My first year, during the lockout, I broke my foot and I didn't get to start the season. That's when social media was first starting to get big, and so in college you didn't have all those outside voices coming at you. And you get into the NFL and suddenly you start to see it all. "Oh, you're a first-round bust." Or "You suck!" Even when I started playing, I struggled. So that was the criticism. "Why did we waste a f irst-round pick on you?" New York is different. So you have to be strong to deal with that, and I didn't let that break me. So you keep moving.

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