Like I said, I don't see him having any issues with Urlacher, Briggs, and Co.
http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/fo ... 1626.storyQuote:
Urlacher, Briggs expect Price to fit in nicely with Bears
By Vaughn McClure, Chicago Tribune reporter
8:57 p.m. CDT, July 30, 2012
BOURBONNAIS — He has yet to sack a quarterback or even fully suit up for a practice, but Brian Price already has made quite an impression in the Bears' locker room.
One of the first players the 23-year-old defensive tackle approached after arriving at training camp was 34-year-old future Hall of Famer Brian Urlacher.
"He came up to me and said, 'It's going to be an honor playing with you.' That means a lot to me for a guy to say that," Urlacher said. "He's been nice so far. I don't see any reason why that would change."
Price, a former second-round draft pick by the Buccaneers, is scheduled to participate in his first full Bears practice Tuesday afternoon. His story has been well-documented. By high school, Price had lost both of his older brothers to gang-related shootings. One of his six sisters died in a hit-and-run car accident in May, and she left two young sons behind. Price is in the process of adopting the boys.
Losing yet another sibling caused Price tremendous emotional distress, and he admitted being mentally and physically exhausted before being traded to the Bears from the Bucs. His fight with former teammate Mark Barron days after being hospitalized with exhaustion was indicative of his mental state.
Price's new teammates won't judge him based on one incident.
"Everyone fits in around here," Urlacher said. "We don't have issues. I don't know why it is, but we've never had issues with guys in the locker room. I don't see it being an issue with him."
Seven-time Pro Bowl linebacker Lance Briggs agreed.
"It starts with the defensive line, and he's got the right guys around him," Briggs said. "You have vets like Julius Peppers, Israel Idonije, Henry Melton and Matt Toeaina. He's going to be around good teammates, guys who are going to help him excel in this defense.
"Brian (Urlacher) knows everything that everyone on this defense is doing. There is a lot of core leadership, and (Price) will be able to turn to any of us and get help."
General manager Phil Emery, coach Lovie Smith and defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli all raved about how Price could be rejuvenated in a new environment. A disruptive force on the interior of the defensive line is something the team really hasn't had — at least consistently — since ex-Bear Tommie Harris was healthy and at the top of his game. Melton and Price are capable of assuming that role.
"Let's not forget about what we're trying to do here: We're trying to win a championship," Briggs said. "We're trying to get guys in here who are going to help us do that. That's the reason they brought Brian Price here. I'm looking forward to seeing him come here and excel."
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