Michael Spurlock Days Until Chicago Bears Season Opener

Aug 8, 2014; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Micheal Spurlock (18) carries the ball for a touchdown in front of Philadelphia Eagles defensive back Curtis Marsh (31) in the third quarter during a preseason game at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-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.

Less than 3 weeks to go!  With a mere 18 days until the Chicago Bears kickoff against the Buffalo Bills, our countdown comes to WR/KR Michael Spurlock.  Spurlock is a new face to the Bears this season and was brought in primarily to compete for the kick returner position vacated by the departure of Devin Hester.  With the recent release of Eric Weems, Spurlock’s main competition seems to come from CFL standout Chris Williams and the recently signed Darius Reynaud.

Spurlock played his college ball for Ole Miss and saw extremely limited action until his junior year in 2004, as he was a backup to Eli Manning until then.  Spurlock’s passing numbers were far from NFL caliber, but his unique athletic skill set helped him find his way to the Arizona Cardinals practice squad as an undrafted free agent in 2006.

A true NFL journeyman, Spurlock has spent time with the Buccaneers, 49ers, Chargers, Jaguars, Lions and Cowboys before finding his way to the Bears.  He has 5 returns for touchdowns in his career (2 punts and 3 kickoffs), so the experience and talent are there.  At age 31, however, his best days might be behind him and he might have a difficult time competing with the younger players on the roster.  Special teams are a young man’s game.

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 18 days from kickoff.  Are you ready???