Speak Up: Adewale Ogunleye Wants To Return Next Season
Published by Jake Perper on December 29, 2009
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Chicago Bears
32 year old defensive end Adewale Ogunleye came to the Bears in 2004 in a trade with the Miami Dolphins, which sent WR Marty Booker to Miami and Ogunleye to the Windy City.
Ogunleye had 25 sacks in three seasons with Miami and in six seasons with the Bears he has 42 sacks but has only had two seasons with nine or more sacks.
Ogunleye has his own blog on Chicagonow.com called Wale’s World and this is what he said last Wednesday when he learned his season was officially over after he broke his leg against Baltimore:
First let me say this…I will do everything in my power to return to Chicago. With that said, it’s somewhat out of my hands. In the near future my agent and the Bears’ management will sit down and discuss whether we fit into each others plans.
Secondly, I want to thank the city of Chicago. I can truly say Chicago has become a home for me. The fans are the best in the world. Doesn’t matter what city we travel to …half the stadium is filled with Chicago fans. I tip my hat to you. Thank you.
I would also like to thank my teammates, Bears ownership and management, the coaching staff and coach Lovie Smith. Coach Smith is a real man, a true leader and a person who deserves more respect than he is getting.
Yes, these last three seasons have not ended like we hoped but how do we forget the good things. Coach Smith brought the Bears back to respectability. You can count on one hand the off-the-field problems the Bears have had since he has been head coach.
I guess in this world of “what have you done for me lately?” the things that truly matter in life get tossed to the side for instant gratification. Oh, well…goodbye for now.
I look forward to resuming this blog in 2010 (fingers crossed).
‘Till then BEAR DOWN!!!
My Thoughts:
I hope Ogunleye returns next season, but it might be difficult because the Bears don’t want to give to much money to a 32 year old defensive end, who seems to be declining. Plus, Mark Anderson is young and is a cheaper option and they did give up a 2nd round pick to acquire disappointing DE Gaines Adams. We’ll have to wait and see what the Bears management does with Adewale.
Jake Perper is the creator of www.BearsBacker.com and also covers the Bears for www.NFLTouchdown.com.
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