Fans are reminded often enough that big-time sports franchises are big-time businesses, and some tough decisions are made in the name of business.
Such was the case this week when the Bears dumped Chris Zorich, the gutsy defensive tackle who had given his all for the team since 1991.
As business, it probably was the right decision. Beset by injuries the past two seasons, Zorich had almost no playing time and was passed by three other players at his position; cutting him provided salary-cap room to sign other players for the sinking team.
Nevertheless, for all the beatings that the Bears have taken on the field, there was sweet justice that they took a bigger hit in the arena of public relations.
That’s because Chris Zorich represents something else that fans should be reminded of: Not all athletes are rich, rude, spoiled and unmotivated. He breaks the stereotype–a study in courage, perseverance and heart who truly gives as much off the field as on. A local boy who made good, he never tires of sharing his good fortune with the less fortunate and his city.
Raised by a poor mother on the South Side, he starred at Chicago Vocational and Notre Dame, but was considered too small to make it in the National Football League. But with sheer pluck he did make it–and when his career sagged, he took a huge pay cut for the chance to prove himself again.
Yet that is not how most fans will remember him. They will see a burly young man in a Santa Claus cap handing out free turkeys at Thanksgiving, standing on street corners promoting charity runs or giving autographed balls and jerseys to benefits. Through his foundation, he has helped feed thousands of families and provided free entertainment for impoverished youngsters; in the name of his late, beloved mother Zora, he gives scholarships to Notre Dame.
In the end, the Bears broke the heart of this man of so much heart. He has, however, been signed by the Washington Redskins, and anyone who cares about football–or their fellow humans–should be rooting for him.
