Jay Ratliff days to till Chicago Bears Season Opener

Dec 1, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings guard Brandon Fusco (63) blocks Chicago Bears defensive tackle Jay Ratliff (96) in the third quarter at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. Vikings win 23-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Jay Ratliff, 6’4″ 293# Auburn. 7th round 2005 Cowboys.  Jay will be entering his tenth season as a pro and has four Pro Bowls and one first team All Pro to his credit.  During his tenure with the Cowboys, he racked up 27 sacks, 4 forced fumbles, 18 pass defensive and 158 tackles. At the outset of the 2012 season, Jay missed five games due to a high ankle sprain and a groin injury. He tried to play in six games and later was placed on injured reserve. During the rehab process there seemed to be some conflict between Ratliff and the Cowboys medical staff. Ratliff sought out a second opinion and began rehabbing his injuries on his own. After missing preseason and the first six games of the 2013 season, the Cowboys placed Jay on the PUP and terminated his contract.

In November he signed a on year deal with the Bears.  Jay stepped and took over the nose duties but it wasn’t till near the end of the season we say Ratliff display his force on the line. In the four games he started for the Bears, he had seven tackles and one sack.  The Bears signed Jay to a two year deal worth $4M.  If he can play to his Cowboy days, the Bears have solidified the center of the defense.  Even though Ratliff is turning 33, he should be a formidable presenceover the next two seasons.