Andre Hall to sign with Bears

Andre Hall has a second chance at making it in the NFL.

The former USF running back, an undrafted rookie cut by the Bucs on July 21, has agreed to a three-year contract with the Chicago Bears on Wednesday. He'll sign his deal and report to preseason camp this morning, eager to prove he's worthy of a pro contract.

"As a kid, Walter Payton was someone I always liked to watch," said the Dixie Hollins graduate, who led the Big East in rushing last season. "The Bears are my style. Blue-collar, tough guys. I can't wait to get started."

The Bears have three established running backs on roster in Cedric Benson, Thomas Jones and Adrian Peterson, but Jones recently injured his hamstring and, according to an ESPN.com report, could be traded to the Broncos.

"I felt I did all I could in Tampa, but it was a good thing that they let me go early, so I could sign with another team," said Hall, who spoke with Chicago general manager Jerry Angelo on Wednesday. "I'm definitely going to spend a little more time with the playbook and show them what I can do."

If Hall can make the Bears' roster, he'll have a chance to go up against the Bucs when they come to Chicago on Dec. 17.

Comments

[Steve B]

Way to go andre!

[Anonymous]

Congratulations Andre. I always felt you would be a better match with the "Bears". Your running style is very similar to Walter Paytons. "Best of luck", a Bears fan.

[Anonymous]

Oh man, this is awesome! I have been a lifelong Bears fan, and will look forward to being able to continue to root for Andre!

[Anonymous]

Sounds good. With the right situation, he can make a team. Glad a Bull is getting a chance.

[Anonymous]

I really believe the Bucs made a major mistake here. I think this will come back to haunt them. Lovie Smith got a great player here. What he did at USF when every team was stacked against the run due to USF's anemic passing game was incredible.