D.J. Williams Days Until Chicago Bears Season Opener

Oct 6, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears middle linebacker D.J. Williams (58) during the second half against the New Orleans Saints at Soldier Field. The Saints beat the Bears 26-18. Mandatory Credit: Rob Grabowski-USA TODAY Sports

We had so much fun doing our Countdown to Kickoff series last season that we decided to do it again.  In case you’re new to the series, we’ll do a roster preview as we count down the days until the Chicago Bears September 7th season opener against the Buffalo Bills.

D.J. Williams was a three year starter at Miami(FL) that culminated in being a Butkus semi finalist. First team Big East and third team All American by AP. This resulted in Williams being a first round pick in the 2004 draft by the Broncos.  D.J. spent nine seasons with the Broncos, where he started his rookie season. During his tenure with Denver, Williams had 626 tackles and 20.5 sacks.  His final two seasons with the Broncos, he was plagued by injuries a DUI arrest and a failed league drug test.  He was released by the Broncos.

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In 2013, he signed a one year deal with the Bears and took over the MLB duties with the retirement of Brian Urlacher.  DJ started the season strongly with 18 tackles and 2 sacks before he went down with a torn pectoral muscle. He missed the rest of the season, he was re-signed by the Bears for 2014 under a one year deal.  It will be imperative that Williams stay healthy. He will turn 32 this summer.

Williams is expected to be the starting middle linebacker, but will face competition from Jon Bostic and possibly even Shea McClellin.  Will the veteran hold off the youngsters to secure the Mike linebacker spot?

Be on the lookout for our Countdown to Kickoff series as we continue to work our way to the season opener on September 7th. We’re 58 days from kickoff.  Are you ready???