We at Bear Goggles On have decided to count down the days until the Chicago Bears’ regular season opener on September 13th against their arch-rivals, the Green Bay Packers. As of today, there are 31 days until the big day, giving us a reason to give you a profile on #31, Antrel Rolle.
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The Chicago Bears are a team that has struggled at the safety position in recent years, but the off season acquisition of Antrel Rolle could fix that. Rolle has been a good player in the NFL since he was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in the first round , the 8th pick overall in the 2005 draft out of the University of Miami. He is a three-time Pro Bowler and has been voted second team All-Pro twice.
During his five years with the Cardinals, Rolle was a standout player. He recorded 337 tackles, three forced fumbles, 12 interceptions, and seven touchdowns, and helped lead the Cardinals into the playoffs where they won the NFC Championship.
They went on to face the Pittsburgh Steelers in Super Bowl XLIII where they lost in dramatic fashion due to a circus catch by Santonio Holmes.
Rolle remained with the Cardinals through the 2009 season however, he was released in March of 2010 but was picked up by the New York Giants.
As a member of the Giants from 2010-2014 Rolle continued to play well, with 464 tackles and five forced fumbles. In 2011, Antrel Rolle was again an NFC Champion. He helped the Giants win Super Bowl XLVI against the New England Patriots.
Rolle’s tenor with the Giants ended and he was signed by the Chicago Bears in March of 2015.
Oct 27, 2013; Philadelphia, PA, USA; New York Giants strong safety Antrel Rolle (26) after the game between the Philadelphia Eagles and New York Giants at Lincoln Financial Field. The New York Giants won the game 15-7. Mandatory Credit: John Geliebter-USA TODAY Sports
2015 Outlook
Bears general manager Ryan Pace and head coach John Fox are looking for Rolle to bring his veteran experience to a Bears secondary that was in dire shape last season. Rolle’s skill set will fit well into Vic Fangio’s defensive schemes. Unless some unforeseen circumstance occurs, Rolle will be starting for the Bears in the season opener in September.
Having a player with Rolle’s experience is a major plus not just for the Bears defense but for the entire team. He is one of the few players with real playoff experience and a true understanding of what it takes to win a championship. Rolle’s insight into playing in big games against big-time quarterbacks will come in handy when facing the teams in the NFC North.
In a recent meeting with the media, Rolle said, “I like playing Aaron Rodgers.” It may be a bold statement considering Aaron Rodger’s 11-3 record against the Bears but it is just the attitude the team needs. It wasn’t a cocky statement but one of confidence. His response is because he has played against Rodgers in two playoff games and won.
Expect Rolle to be a major contributor for the Bears throughout the season, bringing more stability to the secondary.
Check out Antrel Rolle’s 2014 highlights.
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