Head Coach Lovie Smith has announced that the Chicago Bears will not re-sign defensive lineman Adewale Ogunleye, as his contract had expired after the 2009 season. Said Smith:
"That was a tough day. That was one of my harder days as a coach, for the Bears, because Adewale was a real man. He was there every day I've been there," Smith said of Ogunleye, whom the club traded for in 2004. "That was a tough call. He's family. He's a friend for life, and to call him and let him know we were going in a different direction. I know you have to do it, but that was personal right there."
We saw some ups and downs with O-gun, but the signing of Julius Peppers undoubtedly cemented the decision for the ball club.
Thank you, Mr. Ogunleye, for your years of service... we wish you the best of luck in the future!