Wondering about a player, a past game or another issue involving the Bears? Senior writer Larry Mayer answers a variety of questions from fans on ChicagoBears.com.
As a Chicago native now living in Las Vegas, I'm excited for the upcoming game against the Raiders. What is the overall record between these two teams?
Fred O.
Nevada
The Bears trail the all-time series with the Raiders 8-7 but have won three of the last five meetings since 2003. The Bears lost the last matchup 24-21 Oct. 6, 2019, in London. Allen Robinson II caught touchdown passes of 4 and 16 yards in a 2:40 span of the third quarter to help the Bears rally from a 17-0 halftime deficit and take a 21-17 lead. But the Raiders responded with a late TD to record the victory. This year's game between the teams Oct. 10 in Las Vegas will be the fourth straight played in a different city. The previous three contests were held in Oakland (2011), Chicago (2015) and London (2019). Additionally, the Bears will play a regular-season game in their 25th different state. They'll add Nevada to Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Washington and Wisconsin.
I remember a Bears running back named Brock Forsey having a huge game in a spot start about 15 years ago. What details can you provide about that performance?
Randy T.
Florida
Brock Forsey was a Bears rookie sixth-round pick from Boise State in 2003 when he got a surprise start in a late November game against the Arizona Cardinals at Soldier Field. He replaced Anthony Thomas, who was sidelined due to viral pneumonia. Forsey found out he was starting the night before the game and responded by rushing for 134 yards and one touchdown on 27 carries to help lead the Bears to a 28-3 win. Forsey played just two NFL seasons. As a Bears rookie, he rushed for 191 yards and two TDs while appearing in nine games with two starts. He was then waived by the Bears the following summer after the team had signed veteran running back Thomas Jones in free agency. Forsey joined the Dolphins in 2004, rushing for 53 yards on 19 carries while appearing in seven games, all as a reserve, but that marked the end of his NFL career.
How many Bears players wore jersey No. 51 after Dick Butkus and before it was retired by the team?
Avery P.
Chicago
Six players wore No. 51 after Dick Butkus retired from the Bears in 1973 and before the number was retired in 1994: linebackers Mel Rogers (1977), Doug Becker (1978), Bruce Herron (1978-82), Kelvin Atkins (1983) and Jim Morrissey (1985-93) and long-snapper Mark Rodenhaser (1987). Morrissey once told me a funny story: He was worried what Butkus would think about an unproven rookie wearing the legendary Hall of Famer's number with the Bears. So, before Morrissey's first preseason game, he sought out Butkus, who was the team's radio analyst at the time. Morrissey sheepishly approached Butkus and explained that the number had been assigned to him and it was completely out of his control. Butkus angrily screamed at Morrissey, no doubt terrifying the rookie, before breaking into a hearty laugh and assuring Morrissey he was joking and had no problem with him wearing No. 51.
Chalk Talk features fan questions multiple times each week. Email your question to Larry.
