One of the more underappreciated tools at the disposal of NFL teams every year is the practice squad. For those unfamiliar, it’s basically an extra set of spots a team can use to sign players they like but don’t have to put on the main roster. Unlike the main roster though, those players are unprotected, meaning other teams are free to come in and sign them. This is why teams tend to avoid putting players they really like on the practice squad. The Chicago Bears are no different.
History says that most players who end up on it don’t amount to much in the NFL, however, there are some notable exceptions from time to time. Kurt Warner was a practice squad player at one time. Rod Smith? Jimmy Smith? Arian Foster? James Harrison? Yep, they were in that position too. It’s proof that some players just need more time to develop.
Not all of them will become future superstars, but sometimes they can emerge into solid contributors at the right time. The Bears have learned this truth from time to time, which is why it can’t be taken for granted. Here are a few notable names that actually got their start in Chicago as practice squad players.
Tom Waddle (WR)
A bit of a Chicago folk hero these days. Waddle is best known as a top Bears analyst and radio personality on ESPN. Before that though he was actually a halfway decent wide receiver. An undrafted free agent out of Boston College in 1989, he spent his early time on the practice squad. Not until 1991 did he finally crack the starting lineup. For three years he became a dependable receiver known for making tough catches. He helped them make the playoffs twice.
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Josh Bellamy (WR)
A lot of people aren’t fans of Bellamy because he has a rough tendency of dropping passes, but the fact is he’s done way more than anybody should’ve expected of him. He was a minor free agent pickup in 2014 who ended up on the practice squad that year. They never could’ve expected they’d secured a guy who would post 882 receiving yards, four touchdowns and become one of their top special teams players. Sure he’s not perfect, but he’s been a huge bargain.
Bryce Callahan (CB)
People forget that Callahan actually spent the first month of his NFL career on the practice squad. He was an undrafted free agent, undersized and relatively unproven. However, as attrition took its toll on the secondary in 2015 he was promoted to the active roster in October and soon locked down their nickel corner job. A spot he’s held ever since. Maybe not a star, but certainly a good player.
