NEWSLETTER
The Chicago Bears are in first place in the NFC North, have an offense and defense that both rank in the top-5 in scoring, and are in the midst of one of the best year-to-year turn-arounds in franchise history. So of course they were going to be represented at the Pro Bowl. Now, it’s just a matter of how many Bears will be there.
One sure-fire representative who is guaranteed to be there is Brian Urlacher, whom Larry Mayer of the Bears’ official website reports will serve as one of four “legends captains” for the all-star classic. Urlacher will be joined by Dallas Cowboys legendary running back Emmitt Smith as the NFC’s other captain, while the AFC will counter with Buffalo Bills Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly and prime-time pass-rusher Demarcus Ware.
Now, the question is this: how many Bears players will join Urlacher in Orlando?
Hopefully, the answer is zero … because they will be ineligible to play in the Pro Bowl because they will be preparing for Super Bowl LIII. Because while it would be neat to see the Pro Bowl packed it with Bears, it would be more fun to talk about a game that could have featured a ton of Chicago’s finest had it not been for their improbable romp through the NFC postseason and into the championship game. Yep, that’s the ticket.
Realistically, Urlacher – who will captain the NFC’s defense – could be joined by safety Eddie Jackson, cornerback Kyle Fuller, pass-rusher Khalil Mack, and defensive lineman/goal line running back Akiem Hicks. Perhaps running back/return specialist Tarik Cohen and left tackle Charles Leno Jr. could tag along, too.
The Bears are good, they have good players, and have rabid fan support whose votes could push a handful of their most popular and productive players into the Pro Bowl game. But here’s hoping they’re playing in the other “Bowl” instead.
