Cameras rolled around 1:15 p.m. Monday outside Halas Hall as Adewale Ogunleye stepped out of a black stretch limousine wearing a throwback Pete Maravich basketball jersey and shorts. They caught Ogunleye smiling widely, opening the glass doors to his new football home and offering to help the chauffeur carry Ogunleye’s designer luggage.
A few hours later on the practice field, cameras clicked and pens scribbled as Ogunleye stood next to coach Lovie Smith and chatted about things known only to them and skilled lip-readers. Defensive line coach Karl Dunbar came over next for a handshake. Then defensive tackle Bryan Robinson stopped by to hug his new, rich teammate.
But as much as media and fans will zero in on Ogunleye’s every move in the coming months, Bears opponents will do so even more intensely.
In Miami, Ogunleye benefited from the emphasis by Dolphins opponents to stop defensive end Jason Taylor, one of the NFL’s most feared pass rushers on the other side.
In Chicago, Ogunleye becomes the object of that emphasis.
“It’s nothing that’s going to hamper my ability,” Ogunleye insisted after changing into a suit for his news conference. “This defense is one that defensive ends are going to make plays. There’s no pressure. To be frank, I’ve just got to do what I’ve been doing the past couple of years, and that’s to get to the quarterback.”
Ogunleye was more concerned about the pronunciation of his name, telling reporters:
“OK, guys, let’s try this once–Add-uh-Wallay Oh-GOON-lay-eh,” Ogunleye said. “It’s not that hard. If you can say Janikowski, you can say Ogunleye.”
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Marty ball
Marty Booker received a clean bill of health Monday before officially becoming a member of the Miami Dolphins. General manager Rick Spielman expressed satisfaction that his team received “equal quality” in the trade that sent holdout Adewale Ogunleye to the Bears.
Booker, who had been named a Bears’ captain a day before deal came down, said he has recovered from the shock of being traded. “Chicago’s in the past. Miami’s my new team,” he said.
Booker is expected to complement Chris Chambers to bolster the Dolphins’ banged-up receiving corps that lost David Boston with a season-ending injury during training camp. After making an appearance at practice wearing a No. 86 jersey Monday, Booker is scheduled to practice today and play at Tampa Bay on Saturday.
SOUTH FLORIDA SUN-SENTINEL
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Edited by the Sports staff of RedEye.
