Orlando Pace released by Da Bears

[fliptalianstallion]

March 1, 2010
Veteran tackle Pace among three players released by Bears

By: Larry Mayer | Last Updated: 3/1/2010 7:15 PM


LAKE FOREST, Ill. – The Bears on Monday released veteran left tackle Orlando Pace, tight end Fontel Mines and guard Tyler Reed.


Veteran left tackle Orlando Pace started 11 games in his only season with the Bears. Pace started the first 11 games at left tackle in his lone season with the Bears in 2009 before sustaining a groin injury Nov. 29 in a loss to the Vikings. He later finished the year as a reserve behind promising 2008 first-round draft pick Chris Williams.
Pace signed with the Bears April 2, the same day that Chicago acquired quarterback Jay Cutler in a blockbuster trade with the Denver Broncos.

Pace, 34, was voted to seven Pro Bowls in 12 seasons with the Rams after being selected by St. Louis with the first overall pick in the 1997 NFL Draft.

Mines and Reed were both waived/injured by the Bears Aug. 25. They've spent time on Chicago’s practice squad, but neither has appeared in a regular-season game.

[LA Rammer]

Pace is done. Could be picked up for a year to help mentor some rooks.

[BrokenWing]

He's at the age and condition most veterans proclaim: "I can play for another four years at least!" which is usually before they spend an entire year with no football and then quietly retire.

[dave626]

he was the man, but his time is over GL OP

[shower beers]

Seems like the guy just can't stay healthy. Hopefully he listens to his body, which is telling him he's no longer fit for the NFL.

Great career though. One of the all time college and pro greats. Hopefully his number is retired by both the Rams and the Buckeyes.

[Ahmedrams81]

A HOF in my eyes. Maybe he'll go somewhere just for one year for some mentoring purposes, but I don't think he's fit for the NFL anymore. Good luck Orlando!

[jkramsfan]

Seems like the guy just can't stay healthy. Hopefully he listens to his body, which is telling him he's no longer fit for the NFL.

Great career though. One of the all time college and pro greats. Hopefully his number is retired by both the Rams and the Buckeyes.

I agree but it's time for him to call it quits,great player,SB champion and future HOF'er.

[Trevor]

After the bears realeased him he said he is considering retirement. Warner, Bruce, now pace?

[RockinRam]

I have a great amount of respect for Pace, and I think he was one of the best college OT's ever, and one of the best NFL OT's ever.

Good luck to Orlando. I wish him the best. Pancakes forever.

[general counsel]

THe best pass blocker in the history of the Rams organization and one of the greatest tackles in the history of the NFL. Truly a HOF'er, Pace and Walter Jones were the two best tackles of their generation in the nFC. Throw in Ogden, and you have the three hall of fame guys at the critical left tackle position over a long period of time. Truly worthy successors to Anthony Munoz.

ramming speed to all

general counsel

[GROUND DOG 39]

Noticing a trend here, all the players the Rams dumped just happened to be good football decision's. The Rams are being cautious in acquiring talent, but players are hardly pushing to play here. I may be mad but I see an improving front office?