CHICAGO — Jordan Lynch continues to believe he'll play in the NFL.
The former Mount Carmel star quarterback and Heisman Trophy finalist at Northern Illinois was waived by the Bears during the preseason after he had tried to make the team as a running back. Lynch told DNAinfo Chicago on Thursday he "just would like a shot to play in the NFL no matter what team it is."
"I have to keep working hard and wait for a call and, when my opportunity comes, make the most of it," said Lynch, who noted he worked out with the Detroit Lions "a few weeks ago."
"I am a quarterback at heart and would love a chance to play that, but with that being said, I just want a chance to play again," Lynch added.
Lynch said he's been training for the last several months, focusing on "speed work." He's also been in contact with teams in the Canadian Football League, which just concluded its season with the Grey Cup — the CFL's version of the Super Bowl.
Lynch finished third in the 2013 Heisman Trophy voting while throwing for 51 touchdowns and rushing for 48 more during a record-breaking career at Northern Illinois. Lynch, who grew up in Mount Greenwood, said he has returned to Chicago while he waits for his chance in professional football.
He attended several Caravan games this season, when Mount Carmel reached the state semifinals.
"They were a young group that played hard and made a nice run for the title," Lynch said of the Caravan. "Coach [Frank] Lenti always has those guys prepared."
Lynch also was pleased with his collegiate alma mater, which is playing in Friday's Mid-American Conference Championship game against Bowling Green in Detroit. It's the sixth time the Huskies have played for the MAC Championship, and their fifth straight appearance in the game.
"It starts with the coaches," Lynch said of NIU's success. They are a "great group of guys and fun to be around, and the players have a chip on their shoulder and will do whatever it takes to win."
For more neighborhood news, listen to DNAinfo Radio here:
