As Jack Sanborn enters his first season with the Dallas Cowboys, consider some of the previous stops in his football career.

He started at middle linebacker as a freshman at Lake Zurich in 2014. He played in 11 games as a freshman at Wisconsin in 2018. He signed with the Chicago Bears as an undrafted free agent in 2022 and started six games as a rookie.

“The thing I saw in Jack, even his freshman year, was his willingness to do whatever it took to make himself better,” former Lake Zurich coach David Proffitt said. “The players that stay consistent in doing those things usually go further in their careers.”

So don’t expect the 6-foot-2, 234-pound Sanborn to take his foot off the gas in Dallas. He knows what he has to do to continue playing in the NFL.

“It’s your job,” he said. “In college, I started to believe that the NFL was a true tangible goal I could pursue. Now that I’m here, I don’t take it for granted.

“It’s an incredible privilege to play a game at the highest possible level, and it’s important to understand that improving every day is necessary because there’s always someone waiting and working to take your spot.”

Sanborn kept a roster spot for three seasons in Chicago. He played in 48 games, including 19 starts, and recorded 164 tackles, 14 tackles for loss and 4 1/2 sacks. Off the field, he received the Ed Block Courage Award in March 2024.

“There were definitely a ton of moments where I had to sit back and pinch myself, especially early in my career, thinking about where I was playing,” he said. “I obviously had a close interest in the Bears growing up here.

“But that was the last thing on my mind after college when I was just trying to do everything I was supposed to do to make the team. It all happened so fast.”

Sanborn had to find a new team in the offseason, however. He was a restricted free agent and wasn’t tendered a contract by the Bears.

So Sanborn signed a one-year, $1.5 million contract with the Cowboys in March. He has reunited with former Bears head coach Matt Eberflus, who is the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator, and former Bears linebackers coach Dave Borgonzi.

“In leaving (the Bears), it’s only natural to wonder what type of business the NFL is,” Sanborn said. “Was I disappointed in the moment after it happened? Yes. But now I’m having another ‘pinch me’ moment playing for the Dallas Cowboys. I’m so grateful to be part of the culture they’re trying to build there.”

Sanborn, who could return to Soldier Field when the Cowboys visit the Bears on Sept. 21, is also grateful for the journey.

“Every step is so great, and every step is worthy of celebration,” he said.

With each step Sanborn has taken, one thing hasn’t changed.

“I think it’s crucial that I’ve never lost my passion for football,” he said. “It’s different now than it was when I was 7 or 8 playing with my friends. I’ve got certain priorities in my job as an athlete. But it’s important to have that abundant belief that you can do whatever you put your mind to.”

Steve Reaven is a freelance reporter.