Chicago Bears rookies tackle sheepshearing at Lambs Farm

First-round draft pick Roquan Smith put his linebacker skills to good use Monday to hold down a sheep while it was being sheared at Lambs Farm in Libertyville.

The Chicago Bears' 2018 rookie class of 25 volunteered to help at Lambs Farm and work with participants at the Magnolia Café & Bakery, the pet shop, the thrift shop, the bakery and in the farmyard.

Tasks were given to the rookies, but Smith volunteered to shear sheep and llamas in the farmyard alongside Kevin Toliver II, Garrett Johnson and Shaq Roland.

“I never really envisioned myself doing something like that,” Smith said after holding onto the sheep while it was sheared for its wool.

“It's awesome just being out here with these guys, and it is fun giving back to the community. When you are playing linebacker you are in the trenches, so I consider this as part of being in the trenches.”

Some Bears rookies were walking in the rain with puppies, and others were in the bakery making Bears cookies.

Lambs Farm is a nonprofit organization with the mission of assisting people with developmental disabilities by providing vocational, residential, social and recreational programs.

“We were very honored that they came to help us out with all of our businesses, and it is great to have the support of the Bears and we were very excited to have them,” said Marisa LaBello, communications coordinator at Lambs Farm. “Special Olympics is a big thing over here. They are athletes themselves, so being in that environment with them and being able to meet them is a great opportunity for them and gives them so much excitement.”