Aaron Hester, Devin’s cousin, ready to make his own name in the NFL

NFL rumors: Could the Chicago Bears cut Devin Hester?

I go hard for my team. My motivation comes from within. I try to go hard every single day. As for his more famous cousin, Hester has nothing but praise. Its pretty cool [to be Devin Hester’s cousin], Aaron Hester said. I want to meet Devin Hester Youth Jersey the guy real bad. Im anxious to meet him, chop it up with him, see what hes like and everything like that. But hes an awesome player, one of the most dynamic players that weve ever seen in this football league.

Devin Hester no lock for roster spot on Chicago Bears

By Chris Fuhrmeister on Jun 17 2013, 12:44p @WarmBeagle 9 Stay connected with SB Nation Follow @sbnation USA TODAY Sports Hester has been a household name in Chicago for several years, but if he can’t retain his job as the Bears’ return man, he could be on his way out. 9 Comments Devin Hester has earned a reputation with the Chicago Bears as one of the best return men in NFL history, setting several team and NFL records. However, he is fighting to hold on to his job in Chicago, and if he doesn’t, the Bears may part ways with the 30-year-old, per John Mullin of CSN Chicago . More on the Bears: Windy City Gridiron New head coach Marc Trestman and his staff aren’t handing Hester the job of Chicago’s primary returner just because the veteran has established himself in the past. It’s an open competition, with other players, including wide receiver Earl Bennett , getting in on the action. Hester doesn’t provide much on offense, and if he isn’t making his mark in the return game, there isn’t much reason to retain his $1.85 http://www.parkwolfpackfootball.com/nfl/brianurlacherjersey.html million salary, especially when the Bears are just $1.77 million under the cap. During the offseason, only the top 51 salaries count toward a team’s cap, but once the season begins, all 53 will be counted , which means the Bears’ cap space will get even tighter. Considering that, Chicago will likely be trying to save money wherever it can. In 2010 and ’11, Hester returned a combined five punts for touchdowns and averaged 16.7 yards per attempt. In the kickoff game, he averaged 25.6 yards per return with one score.

Will Devin Hester Even Make the Chicago Bears Roster in 2013?

He’s in a great frame of mind right now. He is right where we need him to be. “Obviously, the competition part of it is going to come from the games, but it is also going to come in practices. We’ll get him evaluated that way as well.” Hester has done little return work in the preseason in recent years because the goal always has been to ensure he’s healthy for the regular season. In the last five years, he has returned five punts in the preseason (one for 54 yards) and made three fair catches. He hasn’t returned a kickoff since the 2008 preseason.

Hester having to prove his worth as returner

Asked if he will get used to a practice pattern typically reserved for the kicker, punter and long snapper, Hester said there will be more for him down the road. During the season we are going to have stuff Ill be doing, not standing on the sidelines, he said. Ill be catching punts, doing little small drills. I will stay motivated and stay conditioned. Coach Marc Trestman made it clear this was the designed plan for Hester. Ill make it clear because I have been asked that a number of times, Devin is going to focus on being our returner, he said. Hes got to be the returner for him to be here and once that is locked into place, which we expect that it will, then well see where it goes from there. But we made a collective decision organizationally, I talked with the guys who have been here. Phil (Emery) and I had a long conversation about it as well. Just talking to Devin, let him get back to doing what he does best first and then when thats all in place then well see if we need to or if were in a position to be able to incorporate him into doing more things. The plan is for Hester to spend the majority of his time with special teams coordinator Joe DeCamillis. He didnt have a return for a touchdown last season and the Bears want him to get back to being a dynamic threat.

Play the official free fantasy football game of the NFL. Sign up today in under two minutes. CSNChicago.com’s John Mullin wrote Sunday night that Hester is just ” working to hold on ” to the primary return job in offseason practice. Other players like Earl Bennett have been returning kicks in practice. And Bears coach Marc Trestman has said that Hester is “competing” to win the returner job. The Bears have given up on Hester playing a role on offense.

Is Devin Hester’s roster spot with Bears in jeopardy?

And more importantly, he will give the Bears an aspect they missed last season. In 2012, teams still kicked away from Hester from time to time, but even when he did get an opportunity, he was never really able to get anything going. He had no touchdowns and his longest run-back was a 44-yard punt return. The main question is, was it him or the special teams unit as a whole? The Bears have had great blocking on special teams during his time with the team, however, last year, it didnt seem like the lanes were there very often. Or if there was a big hole, it usually meant there was a clipping or holding penalty. With new special teams coach Joe DeCamillis and a rather impressive amount of depth on the team, the third phase could very well revert back to form. My take on Hesters outlook: he will make the team as the No. 1 return man and put in at least two touchdowns, but Im an optimistic guy. Hopefully, though, this will be a fresh start for Hester where we could hear some more, DEVIN HESTER, YOU ARE RIDICULOUS, calls from radio announcer Jeff Joniak in 2013.

Hester comfortable with no role on offense

(USATSI) Devin Hester was drafted into the league as a defensive back but the Bears knew his real worth was as a returner. He’s proven that countless times during his seven seasons, and he currently holds the NFL record for most all-time return touchdowns (both kicks and punts). Hester also lines up at wide receiver, where he caught a personal-best 57 passes in 2009. In the three seasons since, however, his receptions have declined, from 40 to 26 to 23, and his 10.5 yards-per-catch average in 2012 was the lowest of his career. And now, under second-year general manager Phil Emery and new coach Marc Trestman, Hester’s place on the Bears’ final roster may not be assured. Forget wide receiver, according to CSNChicago.com ‘s John Mullin, Hester is working to hold onto a spot as a returner. “Trestman said as much earlier this offseason and observing the rotations during minicamp, with Earl Bennett among others fielding kicks,” Mullin wrote Sunday. “Trestman again used the word ‘competing’ to describe Hester’s situation as the Bears’ primary returner. “With the Bears tight against the salary cap, Hester’s 2013 base of $1.85 million is potentially a factor, as is his age (31 in November), if he does not establish a level of dominance approaching what he had before working into the offense as a receiver.” Currently, Hester is listed as the Bears’ No.

Devin Hester’s return to returning long overdue

The general reaction from Bears fans: Its about time. The team had tried since 2007 to utilize Hester as a receiver, either by choice or because of a lack of other options. The results were mediocre, at best Hester averaged 36 catches over the past six seasons, with his numbers diminishing in 2011 (26 receptions for 369 yards) and 12 (23 for 242). Hester is one of the greatest return men of all time, maybe even the best punt returner, as his 12 career TDs there indicate. But hes not a very effective wide receiver. The whole situation is really as simple as that.

Devin Hester no lock for roster spot on Chicago Bears

He’s a return man, and a return man only. But is a he return man who’s guaranteed to make the roster? Play fantasy football on NFL.com Why play fantasy football anywhere else? Play the official free fantasy football game of the NFL. Sign up today in under two minutes. CSNChicago.com’s John Mullin wrote Sunday night that Hester is just ” working to hold on ” to the primary return job in offseason practice. Other players like Earl Bennett have been returning kicks in practice. And Bears coach Marc Trestman has said that Hester is “competing” to win the returner job. The Bears have given up on Hester playing a role on offense.

Hester comfortable with no role on offense

But we made a collective decision organizationally, I talked with the guys who have been here. Phil (Emery) and I had a long conversation about it as well. Just talking to Devin, let him get back to doing what he does best first and then when thats all in place then well see if we need to or if were in a position to be able to incorporate him into doing more things. The plan is for Hester to spend the majority of his time with special teams coordinator Joe DeCamillis. He didnt have a return for a touchdown last season and the Bears want him to get back to being a dynamic threat. Hell spend all of his time with Joe, Trestman said. So, when were in an offensive meeting, hell be with Joe. Hell be with Pat (Mannelly). Hell be with Robbie (Gould) and the kickers and hell be spending time totally focused in on being the best returner in the National Football League. Hester seemed at ease with the new situation and said hes reenergized. Just a new year for me, Hester said. Fresh start for me, new coaching staff. Off the Brian Urlacher Jersey Sales field, Hester has listed his Riverwoods mansion for sale for $2.625 million , according to Realtor.com.

Trading or cutting Hester would be easy, cheap for Bears

His best days are behind him. Hes been great, infact, arguably, the best ever. You dont move forward into the future, living on the past. He still has some value, more to a few particular teams. The time to move him and receive something in return for him is now, not when his talents have eroded like theyre going to do. Its time to move on without Hester. Just as the Bears are doing without Urlacher. Thats the nature of the beast! garyhd01 says: Jun 18, 2013 11:40 AM this sounds like another blatant case of WHAT HAVE YOU DONE FOR ME LATELY!!

Ex-Bears aide Spencer restless on sidelines

Chicago Bears Training Camp Profile: Major Wright

CDT, June 24, 2013 Tim Spencer, who coached the Chicago Bears running backs for nine seasons, isnt just a proud former Ohio State standout. His son, Evan, is a receiver for the Buckeyes. And Spencer has a lot more free time to catch a Saturday game these days. “Id rather not spend the time watching him,” Spencer said with a laugh. “Id rather be out there working.” The timetable between the Bears decision to part ways with coach Lovie Smith and their decision to relieve some assistants of their duties worked against Spencer. He believed there were about seven job openings he was unable to pursue while still under contract with the Bears. “In the coaching world, sometimes moves are made a little quicker than theyre announced,” Spencer said.

“He has brought a wealth of experience as a college and professional coach, which makes him a valuable asset to our coaches and student-athletes in a variety of sports programs here at the University of Michigan.” DeBord scanned NFL coaching opportunities briefly after being let go by the Bears. He never discussed the possibility of remaining on Marc Trestmans staff. “I was told he already had his tight ends coach that he wanted to bring with him,” DeBord said. “And I appreciated that. I appreciated the honesty. I appreciated not wasting my time or their time. “I loved working for the Bears. When I grew up, that was our familys team. It was my dads favorite team.

Who will be the new Face of the Chicago Bears?

Wright appears to be on the verge of becoming a household name for not only Bears fanatics, but NFL fans in general. With a reputation around the league as a hard hitter and rangy ball-hawk, Wrights play and production appears to be on the rise as he enters into the last year of his rookie contract. Looking for a payday with the Bears, Wright and the organizations biggest concern going forward is with his health. Can Wright stay on the filed for another full season? Wright is a physical thumper that makes receivers pay a toll for crossing the middle. Nonetheless, having missed a total of nine games in his first two seasons in the league, Wright appears to be a is a high risk, high reward player. As seen throughout the league over recent years, safeties such as Bob Sanders or former Bears All-Pro Mike Brown, due to their borderline reckless play, have shelf lives similar to running backs.

Ex-Bears TE coach laments lack of pass production

RESTRICTED FREE AGENTS: None. EXCLUSIVE RIGHTS FREE AGENTS: None. DRAFT CHOICES SIGNED (all picks signed) –G Kyle Long (1/20): $8,300,952/4 yrs, $4,417,506 SB/$7,541,162 guaranteed/$759,790 RB third day 2016 league year. –LB Jonathan Bostic (2/50): $3,940,798/4 yrs, $1,246,036 SB/$1,830,163 guaranteed. –LB Khaseem Greene (4/117); $2,592,092/4 yrs, $432,092 SB. –T Jordan Mills (5/163): $2,324,800/4 yrs, $164,800 SB. –DE Cornelius Washington (6/188): $2,263,788/4 yrs, $103,788 SB. –WR Marquess Wilson (7/236): $2,207,148/4 yrs, $47,148 SB. PLAYERS RE-SIGNED –RB Armando Allen: ERFA; terms unknown.

Team Report – CHICAGO BEARS

By Lester A. Wiltfong Jr. on Jun 25 2013, 10:30a @wiltfongjr 93 Stay connected for news and updates Follow @WindyCGridiron USA TODAY Sports With Brian Urlacher retired, the Chicago Bears are in need of a new ‘face of the franchise’. Who will that be? Join us as we discuss a few possibilities. 93 Comments Brian Urlacher played an iconic position for one of the legendary teams in the NFL, and he did so at an incredibly high level. He was never a media darling, but his #54 was always the most purchased Chicago Bears jersey. He parlayed his on field success into a number of endorsement deals, and he became the face of the franchise since being named rookie of the year in 2000. With Urlacher retired, the Bears need a new face, but who will it be? Let’s look at a few possibilities.

Legendary Bears coach Ditka named honorary starter for Chicago event

Ditka will be joined by Wheeling, Ill., native Danni Allen, season 14 winner on NBCs The Biggest Loser, who will be singing the national anthem. Both Ditka and Allen will be available for autograph sessions Sunday. Iron Mike is one of only two people to win the Super Bowl as a player (Dallas, 1972), assistant coach (Dallas, 1977), and head coach (Chicago, 1986). During his 12-year NFL playing career, Ditka was named NFL Rookie of the Year and selected All-Pro six times. As an assistant coach for Dallas, Ditkas teams reached the playoffs eight times. In 1982, Da Coach assumed the head coaching job of the Chicago Bears, where he led his teams to six NFC Central titles, three NFC championship game appearances, and the Super Bowl XX title (1986), for which he was named Coach of the Year. He earned the same honor in 1988 after coaching the Bears to the NFC championship game. Ditka retired from coaching in 2000.

2013 Chicago Bears season win total

It’s probably not likely that those three teams will all get to 10 wins again this season and oddsmakers have tabbed the Bears with an over/under of 8.5 wins for the upcoming season. JayCutler threw for better than 3,00 yards last season, totaling 19 touchdowns and 14 interceptions as well. His INTs have been well documented by the media and have hurt the Bears a little during his time as QB, keeping them from joining the world of the elite teams in the NFL. MattForte , if he can stay healthy, is one of the better backs in the league and eclipsed the 1,000 yard mark last season. Forte can also catch passes out of the backfield and gives the Bears a legitimate threat out of the backfield. And don’t forget about BrandonMarshall , either. He’s in the group of elite wide receivers in the league. The schedule is very tough early, heading into the bye week.

Solar Bears 2013-14 schedule released

Tropical Storm Barry Bears Down On Mexico

Shea McClellin Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images Many Bears fans are ready to proclaim McClellin a bust, but he showed flashes of being a very good pass-rusher last year. While he only had 2.5 sacks last season, he hurried, sacked or hit the quarterback one out of every 9.2 snaps, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required). That rate was comparable to Julius Peppers—who did so every 8.9 snaps—and better than Wootton, who averaged one every 11.1 snaps. Still, McClellin is far from a finished product. He has to improve his strength to hold up in the run game and develop more pass-rush moves.  As he works to improve, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see a double-digit sack season in the near future. 15. Chris Conte Wesley Hitt/Getty Images Conte graded out as the Bears worst starter in the secondary, but still wasn’t bad. The second-year safety received a grade of negative-two from Pro Football Focus (subscription required), but was positive-4.5 in coverage. He needs to work on his tackling and the angles he takes at times, but both are very correctable.

“There is still going to be a lot rain in the hours ahead,” he told AP by telephone. Tropical storm force winds were spreading outward up to 80 miles (130 kilometers) east from the center of the system. Early Thursday, blustery winds were already being reported around the Gulf Coast areas closest to the storm’s center. Forecasters said tropical storm conditions were already being felt in some areas and that strong winds would continue through Thursday morning. A tropical storm warning was in effect from Punta El Lagarto to Tuxpan, in Veracruz state. Veracruz state Civil Protection Secretary Noemi Guzman said 2,000 shelters had been readied in the state with mattresses, blankets, water and canned food. She said the shelters at schools and recreation centers could house up to 306,000 people.

(Jose M. Osorio / Chicago Tribune / March 13, 2013) Related By Brad Biggs Tribune reporter 5:59 p.m. CDT, June 19, 2013 Bears general manager Phil Emery mentioned after last season that he had explored some data STATS made available in evaluating the team. Now, he has made a member of the STATS team part of his front office. The Bears announced Wednesday that Mitchell Tanney has been hired as the club’s director of analytics. The goal is for Tanney, a former Arena League quarterback and Division III national player of the year runner-up at Monmouth College, to help in player evaluation as well as game situation principles. Emery cited both STATS and Pro Football Focus when talking about the team’s pass blocking in the past season.

The decision to play at the Marble Falls tournament was one made not only for geographic and logistical reasons, but also because of the high level of competition the Bears’ skill position players will see at the tournament. Though the pools haven’t been released as of yet, the known teams at the tournament include Marble Falls, which set state passing records under former national coach of the year Todd Dodge a year ago, Lake Travis (winners of five state titles in the last six years), Georgetown (District 17-4A champions and state finalists), Westwood (already qualified for the state 7-on-7 tournament) and Hendrickson (a team loaded with Division I recruits). It’s a talent pool that will make qualifying for a spot at the tournament in Round Rock a tough task, but it will also be the measuring stick that coach Todd Patmon is looking for. “We chose the Marble Falls tournament because we knew it would be a good gathering of talented teams,” he said. Though fans shouldn’t put too much stock in it, the game will be a dry test run for the new spread attack the Bears will feature, and will be the first time teams outside their regional passing league get to see it. But more importantly for Patmon, it will be a chance for some younger skill players to see varsity competition. “We have a bunch of kids who want to compete and win at everything they do,” he said. “But we also know we want to use this time to get better.” Should the Bears finish either first or second at Marble Falls, they will play in the 2013 State 7-on-7 Tournament in Round Rock July 11-13. If they don’t finish in the top two, their 7-on-7 season will come to an end on June 24 at Memorial Stadium.

Wednesday, June 19, 2013 Solar Bears 2013-14 schedule released Sponsored Links ORLANDO, Fla. (Press Release from Orlando Solar Bears) — The Orlando Solar Bears announced today that the ECHL has released the 2013-14 schedule.  The Solar Bears will open the season at home on Saturday, October 26 at 7:00pm and Sunday, October 27 at 3:00pm against their South Division rival, the Gwinnett Gladiators.  The team will start the season on the road against the Florida Everblades on October 18 and 19. The Solar Bears home game schedule features a family friendly mix of ten (10) Fridays, eleven (11) Saturdays, and seven (7) Sundays.  Other home highlights include: Thanksgiving Week games on Tuesday, November 26 and Thanksgiving Night, November 28; a six-game Holiday home stand beginning Sunday, December 22 and concluding on Saturday, January 4; and a Spring Break game for Orange County Schools on Wednesday, March 26. The regular season ends with a three game home stand on the weekend of April 11- 13. “We are pleased with the number of weekend games assigned to us by the League,” said Bob Ohrablo, COO and Managing Partner of the Solar Bears.  “While we are aware some of the dates may change once the NBA/Orlando Magic schedule is finalized, we do appreciate all of the assistance provided by our partners at the ECHL, Amway Center and Orlando Magic.” The Solar Bears will faceoff against South Division rivals the Florida Everblades 14 times (6 home, 8 road), Gwinnett Gladiators 12 times (6 home, 6 road), South Carolina Stingrays 12 times (6 home, 6 road) and Greenville Road Warriors 8 times (4 home, 4 road).  The longest home stand is six (6) games and the Solar Bears will hit the road for their longest trip (nine games) beginning Tuesday, March 4 at Florida and ending Saturday, March 22 at South Carolina. Solar Bears home games played Monday through Thursday and Saturday will start at 7:00pm.  Friday games will start at 7:30pm.  Sunday games will start at 3:00pm, except Sunday, December 22, which will start at 7:00pm.  On sale dates for the purchase of individual tickets will be announced later this summer.  Full and half season ticket plans are now available by visiting orlandosolarbearshockey.com or by calling the Solar Bears at (407) 951-8200.  The full schedule follows.  All game dates and times are subject to change.  Home Games 

In Miami, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said the storm was about 30 miles (45 kilometers) northwest of Veracruz at 8 a.m. EDT Thursday and heading west at 3 mph (5 kph) toward expected landfall. “It’s very close to the coast,” Hurricane Specialist Lixion Avila told The Associated Press, adding a small forward part of the system had begun brushing close to land while most of the vast system was still out over the Gulf of Mexico. He said the ill-defined tropical storm would be making landfall sometime later Thursday morning, slowly coming ashore over the course of hours. Between 3 to 5 inches of rain were possible with up to 10 inches in some areas, the hurricane center said. Avila warned the rains could trigger life-threatening flash floods and mudslides, especially over mountains. “There is still going to be a lot rain in the hours ahead,” he told AP by telephone.

Is Devin Hester’s roster spot with Bears in jeopardy?

Jeffery did return on Thursday but only participated in limited individual drills. “I think we turned it into a positive,” Trestman said. “We got a great look at some of the young guys. They were ready to step in. We had very few, if any, mental errors there. They were running full speed and we were catching the football when we had the opportunity. So it was good for them to get the reps and get the reps against our top players on defense. Those are all good things. • Bears center Roberto Garza cited significant differences for the offensive linemen in the new scheme compared to what the club operated in 2012 with Mike Tice as the offensive coordinator.

Bears guard James Brown impressing new coaches

Marshall and Wilson also missed their second straight practice. Marshall participated in the first day of minicamp, but the Bears want to proceed with caution as the receiver recovers from offseason arthroscopic hip surgery. “There was no plan,” Trestman said of the team’s approach to Marshall’s recovery during the minicamp. “We just kind of took it as it has come during the days. We’ve left it up to Brandon to assess his body and where he is. We thought it was best collectively to keep him out of practice as much as we could, and we did. He’ll be back ready to go next month.” With the starting receivers and Wilson out of action, the Bears gave the first-team repetitions to Earl Bennett and Joe Anderson , along with Eric Weems when the team executed three-receiver sets. Jeffery caught 24 passes for 367 yards and three touchdowns in 10 games last season, but missed a total of six weeks because of a fractured hand and arthroscopic knee surgery. Marshall, meanwhile, is coming off a team record-breaking campaign in which he hauled in 118 balls for 1,508 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Tommy Flynn of Flynn Funeral and Cremation Memorial Services told the news channel the dates were engraved earlier this month. He called the mistake “an inadvertent error.” Corkery, Richard, New York Daily Former Mayor Koch was born Dec. 12, 1924. He died on Feb. 1 at 88. Flynn said he feels “terrible.” RELATED: KOCH FUNERAL FILLED WITH FONDNESS AND LAUGHS “I have to make it right. I will correct it,” Flynn vowed. Koch’s former chief of staff, Diane Coffey, who spoke at his funeral in February, said she was “appalled.” “As Ed Koch used to say, ‘It’s always important to correct the record,’” Coffey said.

I’ve watched them play in person and on TV. You can learn from the way they built their team and how they responded not only to their success but also to periodic adversity.” Wide outs: Brandon Marshall (hip) sat out Wednesday’s practice as Trestman said the team was being “very prudent” with the wide receiver. Alshon Jeffery (hamstring) and rookie seventh-round pick Marquess Wilson was out with what the coach called a “light” hamstring injury. Wilson came up gimpy during Tuesday’s practice. Players coach Part II: In an interview Tuesday with NFL Network, quarterback Jay Cutler said of Trestman: “He really cares about the players in the locker room, which is different.” While there certainly have not been complaints about how Trestman treats players in his five months on the job, you’re not going to find another Bears player — past or present — who will suggest former coach Lovie Smith did anything but care about the players. Virtually everyone considered Smith a players’ coach from the way he treated them directly to how he handled matters away from them such as dealing with media. Smith was consistent in never criticizing players to the media. Players appreciated that.

Berroco: Felted Teddy, Knit by the Berroco Design Team. This pattern produces a bear very similar to the simple sewn one that Grace Healthcare provides a pattern for. Berroco: Barrison, Knit, by the Berroco Design team. Knit in Nanuk, this bear has a wonderful furry texture. Lion Brand: Chenille Crocheted Teddy Now, if you want a designer bear, Debbie Bliss and Louisa Harding have not only their own yarn companies, but also free bear patterns: Debbie Bliss’s knitted bear can be downloaded from the Ravelry.com pattern dateabase for free. If you get this bear, each piece is knitted flat and has to be sewn together. This bear was also published in her book, “Simply Baby,” and in Prima magazine, Dec.

He’s proven that countless times during his seven seasons, and he currently holds the NFL record for most all-time return touchdowns (both kicks and punts). Hester also lines up at wide receiver, where he caught a personal-best 57 passes in 2009. In the three seasons since, however, his receptions have declined, from 40 to 26 to 23, and his 10.5 yards-per-catch average in 2012 was the lowest of his career. And now, under second-year general manager Phil Emery and new coach Marc Trestman, Hester’s place on the Bears’ final roster may not be assured. Forget wide receiver, according to CSNChicago.com ‘s John Mullin, Hester is working to hold onto a spot as a returner. “Trestman said as much earlier this offseason and observing the rotations during minicamp, with Earl Bennett among others fielding kicks,” Mullin wrote Sunday. “Trestman again used the word ‘competing’ to describe Hester’s situation as the Bears’ primary returner. “With the Bears tight against the salary cap, Hester’s 2013 base of $1.85 million is potentially a factor, as is his age (31 in November), if he does not establish a level of dominance approaching what he had before working into the offense as a receiver.” Currently, Hester is listed as the Bears’ No. 4 wide receiver behind Brandon Marshall, Bennett and second-year player Alshon Jeffery.

Though Long should push both for playing time in training camp, the Bears have a level of satisfaction and comfort with Brown and Slauson. “They’ve progressed each and every day,” Trestman said. “Matt has been solid. He’s played a lot of football in this league. He’s solid mentally with the offense. This guy is a great communicator on the field. He’s a quiet communicator, but he’s in the right place and we feel very good about that.” Trestman said Brown, in particular, has responded to the quality of competition he’s facing.

Warning: Bond Bears Might Be From The Twilight Zone

Bears’ center calling on community to make plays in classrooms

He earned $4.5 million of his deal in the first season during which he became the first punter in franchise history to finish with a net average above 40 yards (40.4). Puck talk: Marc Trestman won’t make many friends admitting he was a North Stars fan as a kid, but he grew up loving hockey and said there is plenty the Bears can learn from the Blackhawks, who are playing for their second Stanley Cup in four years. “It’s the constant, daily mindset of just trying to get better,” said Trestman, who recalled clearing snow off frozen ponds when he was a boy in Minnesota. “That’s what you’re hearing from their players. I’ve watched them play in person and on TV. You can learn from the way they built their team and how they responded not only to their success but also to periodic adversity.” Wide outs: Brandon Marshall (hip) sat out Wednesday’s practice as Trestman said the team was being “very prudent” with the wide receiver. Alshon Jeffery (hamstring) and rookie seventh-round pick Marquess Wilson was out with what the coach called a “light” hamstring injury. Wilson came up gimpy during Tuesday’s practice. Players coach Part II: In an interview Tuesday with NFL Network, quarterback Jay Cutler said of Trestman: “He really cares about the players in the locker room, which is different.” While there certainly have not been complaints about how Trestman treats players in his five months on the job, you’re not going to find another Bears player — past or present — who will suggest former coach Lovie Smith did anything but care about the players.

Last season, teammates kept pleading with him to slow down in practice, not to play so hard. “I told them I can’t afford to,” he said. “Maybe the first- and second-round pick can, but I can’t.” By now, the rest of the players know Anderson won’t slow down, so they save their breath. Anderson also has been working hard off the field, spending a lot of time with Groh. “In the installation meetings, he’s right there next to me,” Groh said. “He’s very inquisitive. He wants to know what to do, how to do it and why we do it.” Anderson said he works so hard because he doesn’t want to go home, where there isn’t much going on except drugs. He sees it as his responsibility to set an example for those back in Texarkana, Ark., who are looking up to him, including his little brother. “It’s not just about me, it’s about me being a blessing to other people by helping them achieve their goals,” he said.

None of the above arguments suggest that either equities or bonds are necessarily good investments. My models suggest equities are likely to generate negative real returns over the next decade in almost any scenario. For bonds, it depends much more on what happens to inflation. The spread between 10-Year treasuries and 10-Year TIPS suggests that current market expectations are for inflation to average about 2.4% over the next 10 years. If true, you can expect to lose about 1.6% annually on your bond investments, which isn’t going to help you retire, but it doesn’t qualify as a bubble either, and it probably beats equities, which can be expected to lose on average about 3% to 5% annually or more over the next 10 years. For bonds to significantly under-perform equities, my projections suggest we will need to see inflation rates above 5% annually. To be fair, this is what many bond bears expect, and it’s not implausible.

“(There were) a couple of nicks; nothing where guys won’t be available as we start training camp.” The team held out Jeffery as a precautionary measure for the second consecutive practice after the second-year receiver suffered a minor hamstring injury last week during organized team activities. Marshall and Wilson also missed their second straight practice. Marshall participated in the first day of minicamp, but the Bears want to proceed with caution as the receiver recovers from offseason arthroscopic hip surgery. “There was no plan,” Trestman said of the team’s approach to Marshall’s recovery during the minicamp. “We just kind of took it as it has come during the days. We’ve left it up to Brandon to assess his body and where he is. We thought it was best collectively to keep him out of practice as much as we could, and we did.

Education is the way to achieve your goals,” said Garza. “When I got the opportunity to play for the Chicago Bears, I knew I had to spread my message to tell kids to stay in school, to believe in themselves, and to always take the right steps in achieving their goals and dreams. “I am very impressed with United Way of Lake County’s focus on education programs to help kids get ready for kindergarten, read at grade level and graduate high school on time. I’ve seen their results and know these programs work, but we need to reach more kids,” Garza stated. Each NFL player has a goal to recruit 3,000 volunteer pledges as part of the game plan to cut the high-school dropout rate in half by 2018. “Any one of us could be the difference between a kid graduating or not, said Garza. “I want to be part of helping kids reach their potential so I’ll be asking Chicago Bears fans to join my team.” Fans who join Team Garza that day will win a chance to ride one of Great America’s roller-coasters with Garza. To learn more about the program and take the pledge to volunteer, visit http://www.pageitforward.org. Show / Hide Comments © 2011 Sun-Times Media, LLC.

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