Dec 2, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) is pressured by Chicago Bears defensive end Shea McClellin (99) during the second half at Soldier Field. The Seahawks won 23-17 in OT. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bears continued one of their traditions on Tuesday by naming Charles Tillman and Julius Peppers as co-winners of the veteran Brian Piccolo award, while Shea McClellin was named the rookie recipient.

The Brian Piccolo Award, named for the Chicago Bear who died of cancer tragically in 1970, is a cherished honor among Chicago Bears:

The Brian Piccolo Award was originally awarded the same year as Piccolo’s death (1970) to a Chicago Bears rookie who “best exemplifies the courage, loyalty, teamwork, dedication and sense of humor of the late Brian Piccolo”.

Piccolo’s courageous battle with cancer was captured in the classic Billy Dee Williams movie Brian’s Song, with James Caan portraying Piccolo.

Tillman is a three-time winner while Peppers and obviously rookie McClellin are first time winners of the award.   Head Coach Marc Trestman, DB’s coach Jon Hoke, GM Phil Emery, team President Ted Phillips and Virginia McCaskey were among the Bears brass on hand for the award presentation.

NFL Charities donate $50,000 to the Brian Piccolo Cancer Research Fund each year.

The offseason picture is coming into focus for the Chicago Bears as the draft approaches.  A couple of weeks ago, we projected the offensive starters.  While Phil Emery went shopping for some big ticket items for the offense, the defense appears to be getting the leftovers.

Now, let’s look at how Phil Emery has set the Mel Tucker’s defensive unit, which keeps a lot of key holdovers from the old era, but definitely takes on new look.  (more…)

All I wanted to do when I wasn’t at school or playing sports was read about the Bears, talk about the Bears, write about the Bears, theorize about the Bears, and watch shows about the Bears. Whereas most people in my day and age grow up playing football in the backyard pretending to be Peyton Manning or Tom Brady, I grew up actually pretending to be Gale Sayers, Dick Butkus, or, of course, the legendary Walter Payton. Every single free-choice paper I have ever written for school has been about Walter,  the single greatest football player off all-time. Sweetness, in my opinion, is an iconic figure who every man should strive to be like. As Matt Millen said in NFL Network’s ‘Pure Payton,’ “There should be more Walter Paytons.” He is the best ever.  (more…)

January 27, 2013; Honolulu, HI, USA; AFC wide receiver Andre Johnson of the Houston Texans (80) misses a catch while defended by NFC cornerback Charles Tillman of the Chicago Bears (33) in the first quarter during the 2013 Pro Bowl at Aloha Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

Four Chicago Bears acquitted themselves just fine in Sunday’s Pro Bowl as the NFC steamrolled to a 62-35 victory over the AFC.   No one embarrassed themselves and the Bears defenders helped limit the AFC to just 35 points.  In Pro Bowl scoring, that’s virtaully a shutout.

Cornerback Charles Tillman, who was named one of the NFC’s captains contributed 3 tackles and had a patented ball punch, though AJ Greene’s forward progress was deemed stopped.  Peanut also got toasted on a couple of TD’s, but in the Pro Bowl, who hasn’t been torched.  Tim Jennings added 4 tackles from the other starting cornerback spot while defensive end Julius Peppers made his presence felt with a couple of sacks to go along with three tackles.  Henry Melton did not show up in the box score, though I did see him play when I peeked in on the game.

Devin Hester returns the opening kickoff of Super Bowl XLI for a Touchdown (Photo courtesy of Zimbio)

Super Bowl Week is upon us.  The football world is descending upon New Orleans for Super Bowl XLVII.  It seems like just yesterday, the Bears were playing in the Super Bowl.  No, I’m not talking about Super Bowl XX, the one that the Bears won.  I’m talking about the other Super Bowl, the one that besides Devin Hester’s opening kickoff return, most Bears fans would like to forget.

It’s funny because that game was played just six years ago, but six years in the NFL is a lifetime.  Just check out the starters from that game for the Bears and the Colts:  (more…)

Jan 23, 2013; Honolulu, HI, USA; General view of Palm trees and the Diamond Head crater and Waikiki Beach skyline. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

I was fumbling around in the US Presswire site and came across a few pics of our favorite Chicago Bears soaking in the ambiance of the Pro Bowl practices.  Four Bears are representing Chicago including Pro Bowl veterans Julius Peppers and Charles Tillman and first-timers Tim Jennings and Henry Melton.  Brandon Marshall recently underwent a minor scope of his hip, so he opted out this season.

Hit the jump to see some pics of our favorite Chicago Bears Pro Bowlers. (more…)

Five Chicago Bears have been named to the 2013 Pro Bowl and will be packing their bags for Hawaii for the week between the NFC Championship and the Super Bowl, unless that is, the Bears make an historic run to the Super Bowl and in turn would miss the game.  Headlining the Bears’ selections are cornerbacks Charles Tillman and Tim Jennings.   Joining them are defensive linemen Julius Peppers and Henry Melton along with wide receiver Brandon Marshall.

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