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denver bear fan · 07-24-2006, 02:50 PM

I hope he sticks to his word!!

http://www.chicagobears.com/news/new...l.jsp?id=16190

With focus on football, Briggs Bourbonnais-bound

By Larry Mayer
July 24, 2006

LAKE FOREST, Ill. - After finishing his workout Monday at Halas Hall, Brian Urlacher walked into what he thought was an empty locker room and was startled by a teammate.

Hiding in his locker a few feet away, Lance Briggs jumped out and surprised Urlacher. The two All-Pro linebackers then broke into huge grins, shook hands and embraced.

Entering the final season of his four-year contract, Briggs stopped attending voluntary offseason workouts when discussions about a possible long-term extension ceased.

But the 6-1, 240-pounder confirmed Monday that he will report to training camp on time with the rest of his teammates prior to Thursday's midnight deadline.

"I'll be there," Briggs said. "I'm looking forward to this year. I'm more excited about playing football than anything. One thing that won't change is my ability to play football."

Briggs revealed that he never seriously considered holding out of training camp. "It's football," he said. "Obviously I signed a four-year deal, and you honor your contract."

The weakside linebacker earned his first trip to the Pro Bowl last season after finishing second on the Bears with 170 tackles, one behind Urlacher, the NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

Briggs also registered eight tackles for loss, two sacks, two interceptions, three forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries for a Bears defense that permitted the fewest points in the NFL.

The 2003 third-round pick from Arizona expects to pick up where he left off last season and isn't concerned that his decision not to attend some OTA workouts will impact team chemistry.

"The relationship between the players has been built for four years," Briggs said. "It started in '03. We have a great relationship. Things don't change because you don't come to voluntary workouts."

Briggs insisted that he won't be distracted by his contract situation as he attempts to help lead the Bears to a Super Bowl championship. "I'll just play football," he said. "The offseason was a time to deal with that stuff. Now I'll just focus on playing football and getting a ring. Anything less than a ring will be a disappointment."

**Professor** · 07-24-2006, 05:53 PM

he has said all along that he wouldn't hold out. He is a solid stand up guy, I just hope for his sake that he stays healthy so that he gets a huge contract. He deserves it.

Potatoking · 07-25-2006, 02:22 AM

why must the bears refuse him the contract he deserves..
fine dont sign vasher, but atleast get briggs

Quote:

Hiding in his locker a few feet away, Lance Briggs jumped out and surprised Urlacher. The two All-Pro linebackers then broke into huge grins, shook hands and embraced.

not to be mean or anything, but that sounds kinda *****