Israel Idonije - #71 - DE
| Status | Inactive |
| Height/Weight | 6' 6"/ 275 lbs. |
| Birthday | 11/17/1980 |
| Birthplace | Brandon, MB |
| College | Manitoba |
| Years played | 10 |
Bears-Raiders matchup of the day: Tuesday
Bears DE Julius Peppers will be lining up across from one of the league's top young tackles on Sunday.
Bears still searching for right mix at DE
The Bears were hopeful that Corey Wootton would take a big step this season, but he doesn't appear to be making much progress.
Bears-Eagles matchup of the day: Friday
It's going to take discipline from the entire Bears defense to keep Michael Vick from going off, but the defensive ends will play a particularly important role.
Bears 60-second rant: Pass rush not there yet
A question that persists is whether any Bears defensive linemen will step up and be a source of pressure on quarterbacks each and every week.
Bears-Buccaneers matchup of the day: Wednesday
Donald Penn is athletic for his size, but he should struggle against Julius Peppers' combination of quickness and strength.
Five Bears questions with PFW publisher Hub Arkush
In this week's edition of Five Questions, PFW publisher and editor and Bears expert Hub Arkush gives his take on whether Devin Hester should make the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Bears-Saints matchup of the day: Wednesday
The Saints' offensive tackles will have their hands full Sunday when they try to protect QB Drew Brees from DE Julius Peppers.
Man on a mission
Bears DE Israel Idonije makes his presence felt on the field, and away from the game he's helping improve the lives of children around the world.
Bears positional analysis: Defensive linemen
This is the sixth of position-by-position looks at the Bears' personnel entering the 2011 offseason. The series continues with an analysis of Chicago's DL situation.
Vikings' Madieu Williams named Walter Payton Man of the Year
Vikings S Madieu Williams was named the 2010 recipient of the Walter Payton Man of the Year award.
Finalists for Payton award honored
Two of the three finalists for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award and members of Payton's family were on hand for a ceremony honoring the finalists Friday.
Asomugha, Idonije and Williams are finalists for Man of Year award
Raiders CB Nnamdi Asomugha, Bears DE Israel Idonije and Vikings FS Madieu Williams are the three finalists for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award.
Packers-Bears matchup of the day: Friday
If the Packers' offensive line gives QB Aaron Rodgers time to scan the field and find receivers running deep routes, Green Bay could rack up big plays against the Bears on Sunday.
Bears-Packers matchup of the day: Tuesday
The Bears' defense could be in for another rough day if Julius Peppers and Israel Idonije aren't more disruptive than they were against the Jets in Week 16.
Insider: Moving Peppers to weak side brilliant
An NFL insider praises Bears defensive coordinator Rod Marinelli and head coach Lovie Smith for moving DE Julius Peppers to the weak side and the positive effect it has had on the rest of the team's defense.
PLAYER NEWS
The Chicago Bears have released veteran defensive end Alex Brown.|||||||
Mark Anderson, who had strong rookie season in 2006 with 12 sacks, could now be the starter. The Bears also intend to move Idonije from tackle to defensive end.
Idonije was miss Sunday's season finale after suffering a foot injury against Minnesota on Monday.|||||||
Idonije has a chance to be a vital part for the Bears defense next season, especially as a defensive end.
Idonije has agreed to a two-year contract extension that keeps him with the Chicago Bears through 2011.|||||||
Idonije started three games and appeared in all 16 last season, posting career highs with 28 tackles and 3 1/2 sacks. A former undrafted free agent, Idonije has appeared in 71 games over the past five seasons, registering 99 tackles and 5 1/2 sacks.
Idonije is questionable for Sunday's game against the Green Bay Packers. The Chicago Bears defensive tackle is recovering from an ankle injury that caused him to miss practice Wednesday and Thursday.|||||||
Idonije is expected to play on Sunday, but his role was never higher than backup to Adewale Ogunleye at left defensive end. Idonije had 10 tackles and one fumble recovery in 11 games -- one start -- for the Bears in 2005.
