Blog Down, Chicago Bears

Continuing our list of…well…read the title, buddy.

# 3. Tommie Harris

When Bears defensive tackle Tommie Harris is healthy, he’s on. And when he’s on, he is on. And at no time has this been more evident then in the first month of the 2006 season. Harris led the NFL with 5 sacks through the first four games, and received the “NFC’s Player of the Week” award twice in three weeks.

Unfortunately for Harris and the Bears, a hamstring injury would keep him from participating in the final four games of the season, but nonetheless, he still garnered Pro Bowl honors.

Fast forward to 2007. Harris achieved a career-high eight sacks despite playing through — for most of the season — nagging injuries related to his left knee. And while nobody’s questioning his heart or toughness, because it’s been tested and is obviously there, you could only imagine what Harris is capable of when completely healthy.

This year, Harris will be counted on to lead a defensive line thats ability to apply constant pressure will be imperative to the team’s success. As the only proven player at his position, he will also need to fill a mentor’s role for the likes of Matt Toeaina, Dusty Dvoracek, and Marcus Harrison.

A promising start to Harris’ reign as an elite defensive tackle occurred this offseason, when he and the Bears came to terms on a four-year, $40 million contract. Now that he is locked up, (a sensitive term with professional athletes) Harris can focus solely on playing football. After all, it’s football that has made him, whether warranted or not, such a wealthy individual — a fact even Harris, himself recognizes:

“We play a game-a kids’ game-and get paid a king’s ransom.”

Here’s to that ransom paying big dividends in ‘08.