Kelvin Hayden Days Until Chicago Bears Season Opener
Nov 25, 2012; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears cornerback Kelvin Hayden (24) breaks up a pass to Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jerome Simpson (81) during the second half at Soldier Field. The Bears beat the Vikings 28-10. 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.
We’re a mere 24 days until the Chicago Bears play a meaningful football game and that brings us to cornerback Kelvin Hayden. Beyond Charles Tillman and Tim Jennings the Bears’ corner backs are largely young and untested, so I expect a veteran like Hayden to play a pivotal role in terms of depth this season. The largest concern I have is whether or not he can stay healthy.
Hayden played his college ball for the University of Illinois, so a large number of Bears fans are likely already somewhat familiar with him. The 6-0, 195 pounder started off his football playing career as a wide receiver for Joliet Junior College, where he played for two years. After transferring, He actually led the Fighting Illini in receptions in 2003 with 52 for 592 yards before being converted to cornerback prior to the 2004 season. Despite only playing the position for a year, the Indianapolis Colts drafted him at the tail end of the second round (60th overall) in the 2005 NFL Draft.
Hayden played 6 years for the Colts before being signed as a free agent by the Atlanta Falcons in 2011. After a one-year stint with the Falcons, he signed with the Bears and has been in Chicago ever since. Here’s hoping Hayden can stay healthy this year and help the Bears reach their lofty expectations this season.
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 24 days from kickoff. Are you ready???