Chester Taylor Thinks the Chicago Bears Have Made the Right Moves to Win the Super Bowl
March 8, 2010 – 7:45 am by Paul BessireAfter the 2005 NFL season, Chester Taylor was a heavily recruited free agent running back, who was considered the next big thing after backing up Jamal Lewis in Baltimore for the first four seasons of his career. Taylor signed with Minnesota, carried the ball 303 times for 1,216 yards and six touchdowns in 2006 – and then lost his starting job to rookie Adrian Peterson, who was drafted seventh overall out of Oklahoma.
This off-season, after back-to-back 40+ catch seasons as a third-down and change-of-pace specialist for the Vikings, Taylor was once again a coveted running back. He’s a fresh 30-year-old with just 1,028 carries (LaDainian Tomlinson had reached that at age 24). He is also now a Chicago Bear with a 4-year, $12.5 million deal.
Chester Taylor joined the Afternoon Saloon on ESPN Radio Chicago to discuss why he chose to sign with the Bears, how he was recruited, being a 30-year-old running back in the NFL, and Brett Favre’s future.
On why he chose the Bears?:
“The Bears seem like they have a great opportunity to go to the Super Bowl. I want to be on a team that is contending. They have been to the Super Bowl before and just seem like they are a couple keys away. Plus, ever since I’ve been with Minnesota, they’ve given us a tough time. Chicago’s making all the right moves to win a championship. They want to win here and that’s what I want to do. I want to come in here and win. And we’ve been making all the right moves in free agency.”
On how he was recruited by Chicago:
“When free agency started, me and my agent Ken sat down. He gave me the choices I had and we just carefully looked at the prices they were giving out and Chicago had the best deal.”
On how he is different than most 30 year-old RBs:
“It’s been good backing up Adrian (Peterson) the last three years. It helps me out a lot because I didn’t take the wear and tear that he did by having all those carries. I’ve been saving my body. I believe not taking those carries has helped me so I can be able to come and give all I can right now.”
And on what happens to the Vikings if Brett Favre doesn’t come back:
“That’s none of my concern no more. Cutler’s my new quarterback and I’m pushing for him this year.”
Listen to Chester Taylor on ESPN Radio Chicago with the Afternoon Saloon
Tags: Adrian Peterson, Brett Favre, Chester Taylor, Chicago Bears, Julius Peppers, Minnesota Vikings, NFC North, NFL free agency
