[bears9]

LAKE FOREST, Ill. – Israel Idonije has been a key member of the NFL’s No. 1-ranked special teams unit the past two seasons. But he wants more out of his career with the Bears.

As Idonije prepares for his fifth season in Chicago, he’s determined to become a regular contributor on the defensive line.

“That’s everything,” Idonije said. “Special teams is great and it’s a lot of fun. But playing defense and making plays on the d-line during the game, there’s no better feeling than that.”


After primarily playing defensive end during his first four seasons with the Bears, Idonije has been working at tackle in minicamp and OTA practices. To make the transition, the 27-year-old added about 20 pounds to his 6-6 frame and now weighs 295 pounds.

“I’ve always played d-tackle [in addition to defensive end], so I’ve always been prepared for that,” Idonije said. “I was just trying to find the right weight I want to play at. I was at 305 for a little bit and that was too heavy. I was uncomfortable there, so I play at 295.”

Idonije angling for expanded role on Bears defense - Chicago Bears