In a city with a great sports history like Chicago, there are some legendary numbers that our favorite players have worn. Numbers 23,34,51,40,14 are all numbers worn by our heroes and just seeing the number everyone knows the name associated with the number. #50 has not been worn since 1992 and was unofficially retired when Mike Singletary played his final game in a Bears uniform. One of the unexpected problems that a  team like the Bears with a rich and treasured history have, is that there are already 13 numbers retired.

The officially retired Chicago Bears numbers are as follows:

3-Bronco Nagurski

5-George McAfee

7-George Halas

28-Willie Galimore

34-Walter Payton

40-Gale Sayers

41- Brian Piccolo

42-Sid Luckman

51- Dick Butkus

56-Bill Hewitt

61-Bill George

66-Bulldog Turner

77-Red Grange

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December 11, 2011; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers line backer James Anderson (50) during pre game against the Atlanta Falcons at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Sharpe-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bears signed James Anderson over the weekend to fill the strong side linebacker spot and play alongside new teammate DJ Williams and longtime Bear Lance Briggs.  There’s one small problem – Anderson wore #50 for the Carolina Panthers.   Anderson hasn’t been assigned a uniform number with the Bears and it will be interesting to see if Hall of Famer Mike Singletary’s #50 will be made available to him.

It’s not like Anderson is a fly-by-night #50.  He’s worn that number throughout his career in Carolina and his website and Twitter account include the number 50 in them.  To my recollection, no one has worn #50 since Singletary’s crazed eyes were behind that number.  (more…)

Aug 30, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Minnesota Vikings linebacker coach Mike Singletary prepares for a game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

OK, the Chicago Bears coaching search has officially jumped the shark.  Word from Brad Biggs is that the Bears will interview Vikings assistants Mike Singletary (linebackers coach) and Mike Priefer (special teams coordinator).   Yes, that Mike Singletary.  Not this Mike Singletary, he of the piercing eyes patrolling the middle of the ’85 Bears’ 46-defense.

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He may be on the opposing sideline coaching the 49ers, but this is how I’ll remember Mike Singletary:

BEAR DOWN!!!

Vernon Davis disses Bears defense

49ers tight end Vernon Davis is flapping his gums, claiming to be able to destroy the Bears like Godzilla can destroy Tokyo.  OK, maybe I’m exaggerating a bit, but judge for yourself.  This is what Vernon had to say about the Bears front seven in today’s conference call ahead of the Thursday night Bears-Niners matchup:

“I think we can destroy their front,” said Davis, who is one of the 49ers’ team captains. “The guys up front, I think we can destroy them. I don’t see anything spectacular about their front line. Their linebackers, I think we can handle them pretty well. I like (Adewale) Ogunleye. I like the way he’s playing up front. He’s about the only player I like on their defensive line. I think he’s doing a good job.”

So I guess Wale is the only one that can save us!  Easy to take a shot a team after giving up 41 and 45 in two of the last three games.  Pick on someone your own size!

Davis also took a swipe at Lance Briggs, but seemed to start back peddling as soon as the words left his yap: (more…)

I was embarrassed, especially for my actions,” Harris said. “I apologized to him [Lutui] yesterday, [and] I called Larry [Fitzgerald] and had a chance to apologize to him.”I just want to apologize to my fans first off, and the little kids out there that saw that action. I shouldn’t behave in the manner. I apologize to my teammates, and I’ll make up for it.”

Tommie apologized, but he’s a sorry sack.  You know what Tommie needs?  He needs a little motivational speech from Week 10 opposing coach and former Bears legend Mike Singletary:

Singletary was ranting on Vernon Davis, but doesn’t this speech seem appropriate for Harris too?   This rant occurred last season.  Is it just coincidence that Davis is having a great season this year?

Nov. 12 at San Francisco, 7:20 p.m., NFL Network

At first glance, you see San Fran on the schedule and chalk this up as an easy win, but taking a closer look, this game is fraught with peril.  The Bears travel west to SF for a Thursday night game.  That’s a double whammy – traveling west is always tough and the home team always has an advantage in short weeks.

Besides all that, former Bears great Mike Singletary will pull out all the stops in this prime time game to show his former team and the nation that he can be a great head coach.  It hurts to say, but I think the Bears stumble here.  49ers 26-22.  L

Nov. 22 PHILADELPHIA, 7:20 p.m., NBC

This is the second consecutive prime time date, this time at home after extended rest.  The Eagles roll into town and the circus that surrounds them all season with the Mike Vick signing will be close behind.  I think the Eagles will fade a bit this season and the Bears will be tough at home, so this one’s a winner.  Bears 27-20.   W

Nov. 29 at Minnesota, noon, FOX

I don’t know if old man Favre will still be playing by the time the Bears roll to Minnesota.  Personally, I think this is the season when he finally breaks down playing on that concrete in the roller dome.  Without Favre, the Vikes should still be formidable with their defense and Adrian Peterson leading the way on offense.  The Bears have struggled in the Metrodome in recent years, tallying just one win in the last 5 seasons.  That trend continues in ’09.  Vikings 21-13  L

Dec. 6 ST. LOUIS, noon, FOX

The Bears bounce back big from a tough matchup at Minnesota and take it out on the Rams.  Aside from Steven Jackson, this Rams team doesn’t have much going for it.  Being one-dimensional plays right into the Bears hands.  Cutler, Forte and Olsen carve these guys up.   34-10.  Big W

The Bears get through a tough stretch of the schedule at 2-2.  No need to panic Bears fans.  We’ve still got the 4th quarter to close out the ’09 campaign.

BEAR DOWN!!!

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He’s not, for now…

Brett Favre allegedly, supposedly seemingly will not come out of retirement to join the Vikings.   Can we call off the Favre-watch stakeout of Kiln, Mississippi?  Can ESPN talk about something else?  Stay tuned.

It’s unfortunate that he won’t join the Vikes, but maybe the sideshow can drag out into training camp and provide enough of a distraction to keep the defending NFC North champs off their game?  Any time Sage Rosenfels or Tarvaris Jackson throws an interception, will they be looking over their shoulder?

In case you were wondering what Jay Cutler thinks about the possibility, don’t worry, Larry Mayer’s got ya covered from his chalk talk: (more…)