Hard Knocks: Bears GM Ryan Poles, Adrian Colbert share emotional moment

In the final episode of "Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Chicago Bears", an emotional moment was shared between general manager Ryan Poles and safety Adrian Colbert.

The 30-year-old Colbert was ultimately cut by the team and remains a free agent as of Wednesday morning. However, the latest "Hard Knocks" episode showed just how challenging the final process of making roster cuts can be, especially for the front office.

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Colbert's journey to the NFL hasn't been easy, as explained in the previous episode.

When he was a kid, he said he was riding his bike in the street when he was struck by a car going 55 miles per hour. Colbert was in a coma for two weeks and was told by doctors that he would likely never be able to play football again.

He defied the odds, as he's played in 41 career games since being drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the seventh round of the 2017 NFL Draft.

Colbert has since played for six teams, including the 49ers, Miami Dolphins, New York Giants, New York Jets, Cleveland Browns and the Bears. He signed with Chicago in 2022.

"I'm grateful to be alive," Colbert said in the fourth episode.

The backstory is likely the reason for Poles becoming emotional in notifying Colbert of the team cutting him, but also the serenity Colbert brings to himself and the people around him.

Poles was noticeably overcome with emotion when Colbert walked into his office, needing to step away for a few moments to collect himself after the two hugged. It was a moment that has been a rarely seen in past seasons of the show: an executive overcome with so much emotion.

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"There's some guys you're rooting for. You're one of them," Poles told Colbert. "I want you to know, there is certain things people say and do that make them special. You're one of them."

Colbert — as expected — was undeterred and upbeat as one could be in being cut.

"You know you don't really find many places like that. Everybody wants you to be the same, everybody wants you to be exactly like the next person. This place has allowed me to really be me. I think that alone has allowed me to thrive on the field and off the field," Colbert told Poles.

"I just wanted to tell you I appreciate that."

Colbert also praised the Bears organization, saying it's "become the favorite of all the places I've been that allowed me to find that love for the game."

The NFL is a business and many involved in it keep themselves stoic as business-related actions are executed. Poles showing this side of him makes it admirable for fans and players alike.

Chicago opens the regular season against the Tennessee Titans at Soldier Field on Sunday at noon.