Media guide musings: Drafted by the Bears in the first round of the 2000 draft out of New Mexico. Five-time Pro Bowler was 2005 Associated Press Defensive Player of the Year, the second Bears player to win the title (Mike Singletary, 1985 and ’88). Fifth player in NFL history to win both Defensive Rookie of the Year and Player of the Year titles in his career. Has had 100-tackle seasons every year in the NFL. Averages 5½ sacks, 1 interception, 1 forced fumble and 10 tackles for a loss per season. Majored in criminology at New Mexico, where he played outside linebacker and free safety on defense, wide receiver on offense and was a return specialist and earned All-America honors his senior season. Has his number retired at Lovington (N.M.) High School, to which he donated weightlifting equipment and athletic shoes for both boys and girls program. Active supporter of special Olympics in Illinois and New Mexico.
Vitals: 6 feet, 4 inches, 258 pounds
Favorite pro team growing up: “I hate to say it, it was the Cowboys. Growin’ up in New Mexico, they were about the only thing we got to watch on TV.”
College team growing up: North Carolina. “Their colors are sweet.”
Favorite non-football sport to play: Basketball
To watch: “Golf. Not even close. I love watching golf every Sunday, Saturday and Sunday.”
Favorite player growing up: Darren Woodson. “He was a big safety, I thought I was a big safety, kinda related to him a little bit.”
On joining the Bears middle linebacker tradition: “I didn’t even think about it to tell you the truth, man, I just tried to learn the defense when I came in. They threw me at [strong-side linebacker] first, I was terrible. Then somebody got hurt, they put me at [middle linebacker], and then I started making plays. I still didn’t know what I was doing, but the more I learned what I was doing, I felt like the better I got. There is a great tradition here of linebackers and defense, so it’s an honor to play here, but I got a long way to go to get better and to get where most of those guys were.”
Hardest adjustment from safety to linebacker: “Just learning the defense, No. 1. Athletically, I think it wasn’t that much of a change, it was just playing with the linemen. At safety, I was playing in a bunch of space, now I had to get down with the linemen, using my hands and learning the defense, No. 1, was the hardest thing.”
Toughest 1-on-1 match-up you’ve ever faced: “Everyone is good in the NFL, we know that. I used to have problems with Matt Birk, the center from Minnesota back when they ran a different offense.”
Favorite game you’ve ever played in: vs. San Francisco in 2001.
Toughest loss you’ve ever had as a player: Carolina
Toughest loss you’ve watched as a fan: “My freakin’ Lobos lose to some Div I-AA school [Sept. 2]. … Not pretty.”
Favorite team right now not named “Bears”: “I’ll be politically correct and say the Bulls. And the Lobos.”
Favorite pig-out food: “Little Debbie Snack Cakes. Oatmeal Creme Pies, Zebra Cakes, Swiss Cake Rolls, Star Crunches, all that stuff.”
Favorite vacation spot: New Mexico. “It is home but it’s vacation now ’cause I live here.” Also the Bahamas.
Best advice you ever received: “Just ‘Play hard.’ Good things will come your way when you fly to the football.”
High school mascot: Wildcats
Toughest rivalry you’ve been a part of: Bears-Packers. “I think I’m 6-9 against them, trying to get on the upside of that one.”
TV show you can’t miss: Entourage. “Growin’ up it was Melrose Place and 90210.”
Last book you read: The Rock’s book in college.
Favorite movie: Favorite sports movie: The Program. Otherwise? “I can’t just pick one, comedies, I got a bunch of ’em.”
