Idonije Has Unique Memories of Browns

When the Chicago Bears take on the Cleveland Browns this weekend, it will hold special meaning for one Bear. Defensive lineman Israel Idonije has been with the Bears almost his entire career. His first year in the league, however, it was the Browns who gave him a chance.

He hailed from the Canadian University of Manitoba, which meant that he was hard-pressed to get interest from NFL Scouts. Idonije recalled his experience at the NFL Combine and said, “Everybody’s road has been tough. The NFL is such an exclusive club to be in. Mine’s been a little unique. It’s been full of some character builders. I stood outside the Combine. They didn’t let me in, so I handed out VHS tapes all day. I only played two years in college and no one thought I’d make it. A lot of the Canadian scouts and coaches-people you’d think would be rooting for me-would say, ‘Don’t worry, he’ll be back in the [Canadian Football League].’ It was a lot of hard work, being in the right place at the right time and taking advantage of my opportunities. It’s been a long road, but a good one.”

He has since been a top contributor for the Bears, but going up against the Browns is going to bring back memories for Idonije. See them play live with Chicago Bears tickets from StubHub.

Posted in General on October 29, 2009

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