Sons of Bears Pro Bowl linemen Kreutz, Williams participating in rookie minicamp
While they attended completely different excessive colleges—Josh went to Loyola Academy and Jai to Lake Forest—they have been lifelong buddies.
“I’ve known Josh for as long as I can remember,” Jai stated. “Our dads were very close the whole time we were growing up … It is very nice having someone I know and grew up with here with me to go through the experience. I’ve been lifting with him for years, so I’ve been with him a lot recently. Being able to do this with someone like that is huge.”
Olin Kreutz was chosen by the Bears in the third spherical of the 1998 draft out of Washington. A star heart, he was voted to 6 Pro Bowls in 13 seasons in Chicago, anchoring the offensive line whereas successful 4 division championships and one convention title. He appeared in 191 video games with 183 begins, one shy of Hall of Fame operating again Walter Payton’s franchise document.
No one is extra certified to offer steering about taking part in facilities in the NFL than Kreutz. Asked what recommendation his father has given him, Josh stated: “Mostly just how to play the game. There’s a certain way to practice, there’s a certain way to prepare, and those are things I did in my career at Illinois. I’m looking to improve on those things hopefully at the next level.”
James “Big Cat” Williams performed his complete 13-year NFL profession with the Bears from 1991-2002, showing in 166 video games with 143 begins. He opened all 16 video games in every of his remaining six seasons at proper sort out and was voted to the Pro Bowl in 2001. Williams joined the Bears as an undrafted free agent defensive finish from Cheyney State. He was moved to offensive sort out halfway by his second season.
In minicamp, each Kreutz (57) and Williams (71) are carrying the identical uniform numbers as their fathers.
“That’s pretty cool,” Josh stated. “I think everyone in my family is not like one for numbers, but that’s really cool and it’s cool to be here.”
“I thought it was funny,” Jai stated. “I texted my family and I was like, ‘Of course I got 71.’ I was excited.”
Bears teammates for 5 seasons, proud fathers Kreutz and Williams are experiencing the identical feelings this week.
“I’m excited for [Josh]”,” Olin said. “For me it is simply surreal, issues you do not suppose are ever going to occur; the place you performed 13 years and what the Bears have meant to our household. It’s a surreal alternative for him, however on the identical time he is a camp invite and he is obtained an extended method to go.”
“I’m excited for [Jai]”Big Cat said. “It’s an amazing alternative. It’s one thing he is excited for and searching ahead to. “They have an opportunity that a lot of people don’t have, so I’m excited for both of them.”
Neither father was in a position to advise his son about this week’s actions as a result of there was no such factor as rookie minicamp once they entered the NFL. In the Nineteen Nineties, groups held a camp one week after the draft that included veterans.
“The weekend’s totally changed from when I played,” Olin stated. “I wouldn’t even know what to expect. There’s not much to tell him except make sure you’re doing what the coaches ask and studying the film and doing all the things that made you successful at Illinois. That advice is just, ‘go there and be yourself, a guy who loves football, a guy who loves to play center and show who you are.'”
“It’s hard because it’s so much different from when we played,” Big Cat stated. “In my thoughts, you go up there, you rip any person’s head off and also you make folks take a look at you. But that is not the way it’s run these days. These guys are going to be going by drills. It’s extra about with the ability to do what you are advised, with the ability to adapt to what is going on on and being a free agent, it is like ‘Hey, if I can get a glance, if I can get on the apply squad, that is an amazing accomplishment from the place they’re coming from.’
