Hunter Hillenmeyer Accepts Release from Bears with Class, Future Uncertain

Hunter Hillenmeyer has always been a pretty good sport I've felt. He is a blue-collar linebacker who has played alongside Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs for the Chicago Bears. He is not quite in their league (excuse the pun), but works hard. Hillenmeyer was recently put on injured reserve due to a concussion and now has been released by the Bears. Hillenmeyer is active in the Players' Union and therefore the current talks. How does Hunter Hillenmeyer feel about being released by Chicago? Should Chicago have released him?

Larry Mayer has posted an article titled "Hillenmeyer leaving Bears on good terms."

The title says it all. Throughout his career, even though he was the starter for 69 games, he was often played due to the injury of another player. Even when he was pulled for another player he was a team player. He has always been supportive of whoever is playing and the coaching staff -- that can hardly be said of many players.

According to Mayer's article, Hillenmeyer is alright with the Bears' decision to release him. In fact, he figured they probably would when he was put on injured reserve. He didn't want to go on injured reserve but has come to terms with it.

Will Hunter Hillenmeyer continue to play in the NFL?

Asked that question, Hillenmeyer was unable to provide an answer. He has, as the tragic Dave Duerson did, donated his brain to research. That leads me to believe that Hunter Hillenmeyer wants to continue to play but that decision is in part up in the air due to his past concussion. It is a consideration for him; it is a consideration for any potential employing team.

Should the Bears have released Hunter Hillenmeyer?

I would have liked to have seen them keep him. He is a stabilizing force (see video), and I'll bet he ends up in the coaching ranks. Further, he knows the Bears' system, and while he's no Urlacher or Briggs, he is a force at times to be reckoned with. The Bears could do a lot worse.

If Lovie Smith is serious about winning the Super Bowl this coming year, it seems to me the last thing he and the Bears want to start doing is taking out of the equation players who have "been there."

References:

Chicago Bears' Website, Larry Mayer, "Hillenmeyer leaving Bears on good terms"

You Tube Website, "Hunter Hillenmeyer Interception"