Happy Homecoming: Chicago Bears Sign Hometown Safety Tom Zbikowski

Sep 09, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Devin Hester (23) makes a catch over Indianapolis Colts defensive back Tom Zbikowski (28) during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bears are bringing back a homegrown talent, agreeing to terms on a contract with former Buffalo Grove High School standout, safety Tom Zbikowski.   The former Notre Dame standout was drafted by the Baltimore Ravens and spent four years with the Ravens before rejoining his former defensive coordinator, Indianapolis Colts head coach Chuck Pagano.  Zbikowski was cut last week after spending one season with the Colts.

Zbikowski will be a special teams contributor and could pressure Major Wright for playing time at strong safety.  The Bears must be trying to corner the market on white safeties, as Zbikowski joins Chris Conte, Craig Steltz, another local kid in Tom Nelson and redshirt freshman Brandon Hardin.

Zbikowski has a history as a returner in college and the pros, so he could also push Devin Hester for those duties.  This move could also be paving the way for the Bears to cut Hester, which has been widely speculated since Hester’s rant following the firing of Lovie Smith.

In his free time, Zbikowski has become a boxer, making his professional debut, a TKO within 49 seconds of the first round, back in 2006.  He might take up boxing when his football career is over.

I think Zbikowski will become an instant fan favorite.  He was a superstar All State player at Buffalo Grove, playing quarterback and defensive back before going to Notre Dame where he became a special teams standout and star safety.  He’s known as a tough, hardnosed and smart player with a nose for the ball.  Plus, his name just sounds like a Ditka-era Grabowski.

What do you think Bears fans?  Is this a good move?  What impact do you think Zbikowski has on the 2013 Chicago Bears?  Let’s see your comments.