PRO CAREER: Appeared in the final 3 contests of 2012 rookie season mostly on special teams... Spent first 14 weeks of 2012 season on Bears practice squad after entering the NFL with Chicago as an undrafted free agent. CAREER TRANSACTIONS: Entered NFL as an undrafted free agent with Chicago (5/14/12)... Waived by Chicago (8/31/12)... Signed to Bears practice squad (9/1/12)... Elevated to Chicago’s active roster (12/11/12).
2012 SEASON: Played in final 3 games as a reserve wide receiver and on special teams... Made NFL debut on December 16, 2012 vs. Green Bay... Spent first 14 weeks of regular season on Chicago’s practice squad. COLLEGE: Played three seasons at Texas Southern (2009-11) after starting collegiate career at Louisiana Tech (2007)... Hauled in 154 receptions for 2,010 yards (13.1 ypc) and 13 touchdowns in 34 games played at Texas Southern... Added 298 yards on 16 kickoff returns (18.6 ypr) and 40 yards on 10 punt returns... At Louisiana Tech in 2007, caught 27 receptions for 186 yards (6.9 ypc) and a TD.
PERSONAL: Lettered two years at Texas High School (Texarkana, TX)... Caught 55 passes for 1,009 yards (18.3) and 11 scores as a senior... First player in Texas High history to surpass the 1,000 yard receiving mark in a season... Named to the Associated Press 4A all-state team as well as first team all-district and all-area (Bowie County Gazette)... Named all-district as a junior... Also played basketball for three years.
If receiver Joe Anderson is in fact on the Bears' roster bubble, he made a strong case for his future employment in Thursday night's preseason finale at Soldier Field.
Learning from veteran teammates about the mental aspect of the game, first-year receiver Joe Anderson is making the most of his opportunities in training camp.
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is pressured by D.J. Williams and fumbles, allowing James Anderson to pick up the ball and put the Chicago Bears in Steelers' territory.
Highlights from the Bears fourth preseason game against the Browns at Soldier Field.
Bears' Wide Receiver Joe Anderson talks to the media after Thursday night's final preseason game.
Chicago Bears wide receiver Joseph Anderson hauls in a pass from quarterback Jordan Palmer and turns it into a 37-yard gain.