Israel Idonije is a former professional football player who played in the National Football League (NFL) for over a decade. He was born in Lagos, Nigeria, and moved to Canada with his family when he was four years old. Idonije played college football at the University of Manitoba, where he was a standout defensive lineman.
After going undrafted in the NFL, Idonije signed with the Cleveland Browns in 2003 but was released before the start of the regular season. He then signed with the Chicago Bears, where he spent the majority of his career. Idonije played defensive end for the Bears and was known for his versatility and ability to play multiple positions on the defensive line.
Idonije played for the Bears from 2004 to 2012, during which time he was a key contributor to the team's success. He played in 149 games for the Bears, recording 273 tackles, 29 sacks, and 40 tackles for loss. He also forced 14 fumbles and recovered 7, and he intercepted 4 passes.
In addition to his on-field success, Idonije was also known for his off-field contributions. He was a finalist for the Walter Payton Man of the Year Award in 2010 and 2011, and he was named the Bears' nominee for the award in 2012. Idonije was also active in the community, particularly through his foundation, which focused on education, health, and social development for children and youth.
After leaving the Bears in 2013, Idonije played one season for the Detroit Lions before retiring from the NFL. He then turned his attention to entrepreneurship, founding a company called Athlitacomics, which creates comic books and graphic novels featuring athletes as superheroes.
Overall, Israel Idonije had a successful football career, both on and off the field. He was a versatile and productive player for the Bears, and he was also a leader in the community. Since retiring from football, he has continued to make an impact through his entrepreneurial ventures.
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