Wondering about a player, a past game or another issue involving the Bears? Senior writer Larry Mayer answers a variety of email questions from fans on ChicagoBears.com.
How many players who were on the Bears' opening day roster last season are still with the team?
Paul K.
Elkhart, Indiana
Of the 53 players on the Bears roster heading into last year's season opener against the Packers, 34 remain with the team and 19 have departed. Only 10 of the 22 starters from that game are still on the roster: Jay Cutler, Eddie Royal, Kyle Long, Zach Miller, Will Sutton, Christian Jones, Pernell McPhee, Sherrick McManis, Adrian Amos and Kyle Fuller.
I've really enjoyed the rookie minicamp series that ChicagoBears.com has done the past couple of years and was wondering if it's going to be brought back again this year.
Sean L.
Massachusetts
Yes, this year's edition of "Meet the Rookies" was telecast on Fox in Chicago on Friday, June 24. Four expanded segments focusing on rookies Leonard Floyd, Daniel Braverman, Ben Braunecker and Jordan Howard will be featured on ChicagoBears.com this week. In my humble opinion, I think all Bears fans will really enjoy "Meet the Rookies" mostly because of the in-depth story-telling aspect of it as well as the behind-the-scenes footage in the pieces.
I was very sorry to hear recently about the death of ex-Bear Bryan Robinson. He will forever be remembered for the field goal he blocked to win the "Walter Payton Game" in Green Bay. I remember he credited Sweetness with helping him block the kick, but I was wondering if you could track down the exact quote.
Chris P.
Evergreen Park, Illinois
Six days after Walter Payton passed away in 1999, Bryan Robinson blocked Ryan Longwell's 28-yard field goal attempt as time expired to preserve a 14-13 win over the Packers in Green Bay, snapping the Bears' 10-game skid to their arch rivals. After the game, Robinson said: "I think Walter Payton actually picked me up a little bit and boosted me up in the air because I can't jump that high. I don't know what happened. Maybe I had a running start and he boosted me up and I got a hand up there. Walter had a lot to do with it. I know he did. God bless him and his family."
