NEWSLETTER
There was a time in my childhood, as I was growing up as a football fan in the 1990s and 2000s, when NFL teams had that one special teams contributor who was with the team seemingly forever.
If you remember those times, then you’re probably vibing with my lead-in to this post. And if you do indeed remember those times, then you’ll understand why I want Cordarrelle Patterson to be that dude for the Bears.
Patterson’s contract expires when the Bears season ends. They’ll have exclusive negotiation rights until March when the new league year begins, but I feel as if it would be neat if a deal could get done before then. Patterson checks a bunch of boxes for me, so let’s discuss.
On the field, he shows versatility when contributing as a kick returner, punt-team gunner, running back, and receiver:
https://twitter.com/ChicagoBears/status/1328529357363666944
https://twitter.com/ChicagoBears/status/1314381360442880002
https://twitter.com/ChicagoBears/status/1335657817580204037
Cordarrelle Patterson going all out to prevent a touchback last year was pure hustle ⚡️ @ceeflashpee84
(h/t @ChicagoBears) pic.twitter.com/vadUX7PK0P
— The Checkdown (@thecheckdown) November 28, 2020
Patterson also gasses up his teammates like nobody’s business:
Ok since @AllenRobinson & @RoquanSmith1 didn’t make pro bowl, I’m expecting all pro!!!
— cordarrelle patterson (@ceeflashpee84) December 22, 2020
"He looks like a whole new player this year. I can see it in his eyes, he has that fire in him." – Cordarrelle Patterson on QB Mitch Trubisky.
— Zack Pearson (@Zack_Pearson) August 18, 2020
He connects with fans online — and when it was allowed, in person:
https://twitter.com/NFLonFOX/status/1188494382644645888
Patterson is part hype-man…
I’m so mf ready for Sunday!!!!!
— cordarrelle patterson (@ceeflashpee84) January 5, 2021
… and part lover of the wonderful city in which the Bears play football:
Chicago I love you!!!!!
— cordarrelle patterson (@ceeflashpee84) December 14, 2020
There aren’t stats for all of Patterson’s contributions, which makes it difficult for some to properly value him. However, there’s something invaluable about glue guys who perform at a high level, build camaraderie within the locker room, and reach across the aisle to fans. Those players are few and far between. The Bears have one in Patterson, and I hope they don’t overlook his contributions over the last two years.
I realize the challenges in keeping players, and I know you can’t keep everyone. But a modest extension could be something that helps both teams. And, sure, there are other positions that might be more important or valuable in the grand scheme of things. But there’s something about Patterson and his game that brings a little something extra to watching Bears football. Sunday could be Patterson’s last game with the Bears, but I hope it isn’t.
Give the man what he wants:
Cordarrelle Patterson: “If they want me here, I’d love to retire a Chicago Bear.” @WBBMNewsradio
— Mark Grote (@markgrotesports) December 6, 2020
Besides, who wouldn’t want a few more years of this:
You already know.@ceeflashpee84 | @MotorolaUS pic.twitter.com/XNmMawYdcb
— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) December 27, 2020
