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Israel Idonije

Israel Idonije

Pro Highlights:

Participated in 39 games over last 3 seasons with the Bears, with 2 starts at LDE, recording 48 tackles, 2 sacks, 3 TFLs, 2 PBUs and 17 special teams tackles… Has appeared in 4 postseason contests gathering 1 sack among 2 tackles… Joined Chicago's practice squad during the second half of the 2003 season after beginning his NFL career with Cleveland.

CAREER TRANSACTIONS: Entered NFL as an undrafted free agent, signing with Cleveland (55/2/03)… Signed to Chicago's practice squad (11/18/03)… Signed to reserve/futures list (12/30/03) and allocated to NFL Europe (2/18/04)… Signed offer sheet with Buffalo that was matched by Chicago (3/22/06)… Signed 4-year contract with Bears (3/27/06). SIGNED through 2009

2006 SEASON: Registered 11 tackles with 1 PBU and 2 fumble recoveries (1 on defense and 1 on special teams) with 1 QB Hit… Blocked a 37-yard field goal attempt vs. MIA (11/5)… Added a career-high 10 special teams tackles while participating in 13 games, starting Game 5 at LDE; Inactive Games 1-3 due to an ankle injury… Participated in all 3 playoff contests recording 1st career postseason sack in the NFC Championship Game vs. NO (1/21/07) among 2 tackles, while adding 1 special teams tackle. GAMES PLAYED-STARTED: 13-1

Player Profile

PREVIOUS SEASONS: 2005 -- Recorded 16 tackles with 1 sack, 1 TFL and added 6 special teams tackles while starting 1 of the 11 games played… Participated on special teams and as a reserve DL in Games 5-9, 11-16; Inactive Games 1-4, 10. 2004 -- Participated in 15 games as a reserve D-lineman and on special teams recording 21 tackles including 1 sack, 2 TFLs and adding 1 special teams tackle… Tallied first NFL sack vs. SF (10/31). 2003 -- Finished rookie season on Chicago's practice squad after beginning the campaign with Cleveland before being waived injured (9/30)… Member of Bears practice squad for Weeks 12-17.

College Highlights:

As a senior in 2002, led Manitoba Bisons with career-high 9 sacks and 31 tackles en route to team MVP honors… Also named Canada West All-Star, CIS first-team All-Canadian selection, Manitoba Male Athlete-of-the-Year and the 2002 Canada West J.P. Metras Trophy winner, for outstanding lineman in Canadian University Football… Majored in arts.

Presonal Info:

Named the winner of the H.L. Krug Crawford Award, emblematic of sporting excellence in Western Manitoba, making him the first-ever football player to receive the recognition… Named the Manitoba Male Athlete-of-the-Year by the Manitoba Sportswriters and Sports Broadcasters Association in 2002… Inducted into Manitoba’s Order of the Buffalo Hunt in 2007, which recognizes individuals who have made outstanding and distinctive contributions to society and their community… Born in Lagos, Nigeria.

For more info on Izzy and the Bears please visit: http://www.chicagobears.com/team/player.asp?player_id=43&is_flat=yes