Every time I read an article about the Chicago Bears, everyone throws in a line that reads something to the effect of, "well the defense isn't getting any younger" or "the Bears should be in win now mode because of that aging defense" or "the aging defense only has 2 or 3 good years left" and, of course, the famous line "Urlacher, Briggs, Tillman, and Peppers are on the wrong side of 30". If it's not the writer of the article, its the fans in the comments.

As Ditka would say, STOP IT! NOW. Stop criticizing the older players! Before you go write an article or a comment, ask yourself, "Hmmm, who made the pro bowl this year?" That's right! 3 OF THOSE 4 PLAYERS MADE THE PROBOWL! CLEARLY THEIR LEVEL OF PLAY HAS NOT GONE DOWN AT ALL, AND THEY ARE STILL IN THE TOP TIER OF DEFENSIVE PLAYERS IN THE NFL. And despite not making the pro bowl, Julius Peppers was probably the most dominating player on the Bear's defense.

For God's sake everyone, stop saying it. It bothers me to no end. It doesn't matter how old you are, if you're making the pro bowl, then obviously you are still playing at an elite level.

Just to throw some names out there, Charles Woodson, Ed Reed, Ray Lewis, Teddy Bruschi, Jason Taylor, Champ Bailey all play or played at a high level despite their age.

YOU CAN BE OLD AND GOOD! Just ask Favre.