When thinking about the Chicago Bears linebacking corps of the late 2000s, it was dominated by two icons in Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs. The other name that usually gets the most love is Hunter Hillenmeyer. Many fans may not remember there was another solid contributor in that mix who helped them reach the NFC championship in 2010 and was a four-year starter on some excellent defenses. That was Nick Roach.
A former undrafted free agent in 2007, he battled his way onto the roster and was a regular starter by his second season. Though he was never close to the level of his superstar teammates, Roach was a good player. He had 75 tackles, three forced fumbles, and two sacks in 2009. A year later, he had a strong performance against the Seattle Seahawks in the divisional round to help the team reach the conference championship. Unfortunately, his career didn’t last much longer after that.
He seems to have landed on his feet. Where many NFL players have a hard time adjusting to life after football, Roach found his next calling: singing. Together with other former players like Pro Bowl tackle Bryan McKinnie, former Super Bowl champion Tully Banta-Cain, and fellow ex-Bear Prince Amukamara, they’ve created the Players Choir. It is a singing group that decided to compete in the prestigious America’s Got Talent. Their debut song was the iconic “Lean On Me” by Bill Withers. Needless to say, they were excellent.
Chicago Bears can look to those two as great examples.
Lots of players aren’t planning for life after football. They think having boatloads of money means they don’t have to worry about such things. Before too long, they realize what a mistake that can be. Too many find themselves broke within a few years. Others fall into depression due to having no passion that fills the void football does. It is beautiful to see Roach and Amukamara do something new and do it so well.
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This can serve as perfect inspiration to current and future Chicago Bears. Don’t let your current job define you. Football is only one part of your life. A small one. Most players are out of the league before their 30th birthday. That is why having a long-term plan is so vital. If those two could reach the heights of competing on national television as singers, then it means anything is possible for anybody.
“Football is only one part of your life. A small one.”
Yeah, for Justin Fields, NO. For me either. It’s a big part of my life.
Great writing. Love the message. It applies to all of us. 👏🏻💗