Sherrick McManis was a mainstay in Chicago for the better part of the last decade. And to say he’s seen some things in his 119 games played with the Bears would be doing it little justice.
But in two tweets, it has become apparent that we’ll be discussing the McManis era in the past tense:
Sherrick McManis appreciation post because nobody ever gave him the love he deserved. pic.twitter.com/TloYAvQgNx
— Kyle (@Ky1eLong) May 14, 2021
@Ky1eLong 🖤Since day1u always appreciate what I brought2the Team. I was like a Utility Belt in Chicago known by few but Took Pride in My Craft I’ll miss my Teammates,Fans, Staff&most coaches.The 1’s who Valued what I brought to https://t.co/BRLDqpv8Uk’s been Real Chicago✌🏾Love👊🏾
— Sherrick 💯 (@SherrickM) May 14, 2021
And with that, Sherrick McManis announces his time with the Bears has come to an end (retiring? moving on? It’s unclear for now, but I’m sure we’ll soon figure that out).
Let’s take a moment to think about what McManis has been through over the last nine years.
McManis watched Jay Cutler, Jason Campbell, Josh McCown, Jimmy Clausen, Matt Barkley, Brian Hoyer, Mike Glennon, Mitchell Trubisky, Chase Daniel, and Nick Foles start at quarterback. He played for Lovie Smith, Marc Trestman, John Fox, and Matt Nagy. McManis witnessed the best of times (that 2018 season was pure magic and I’ll hear nothing to the contrary) and the worst of times (um … I’m pretty sure Jay Ratliff wouldn’t thrown a trident at someone if the opportunity presented itself as the Marc Trestman era was falling apart). I bet that guy could tell some stories.
Longevity in the NFL is hard to come by, especially as a special teams contributor. That particular phase of the game is turned over constantly. Not just yearly, but also monthly and weekly. To make it through nine years as a special teamer in the modern era of professional football says a lot about a player’s contributions. But it also speaks to his value as a teammate. Let’s be real with each other, teams aren’t hanging on to a guy for nine years if he’s a putz.
Eleven years in the pros and nine with the Bears is impressive stuff. And surely, McManis deserves his flowers. No matter where he goes from here, he should always be remembered fondly for his time in Chicago. Once a Bear, always a Bear.
Goodbye, old friend. May the Force be with you.