Sam Shields could have been a Bear

Packers rookie cornerback Sam Shields is a huge reason Green Bay has reached its first Super Bowl in 13 years.

Shields, who went undrafted coming out of Miami (Fla.) last April, had two interceptions in the NFC Championship Game at Chicago Sunday. Shields swiped a deep ball for Bears speedster Johnny Knox near the goal line late in the first half, then undercut a route for Knox on what became the final offensive play of the Bears' season.

It would be tough not to give Shields Defensive MVP honors for his performance in Chicago.

What's interesting is Shields could have had on a Bears uniform instead.

After Shields went undrafted last spring, he estimated eight teams made him offers. One of those teams was Chicago.

But incredibly, the Packers' offer of $7,500 was higher than any other team. Shields also said he studied the various rosters and thought Green Bay offered the best chance to play.

"I knew Al Harris was trying to come back (from a knee injury) and they maybe didn't have the most depth," Shields said. "I thought it was the best place for me to make the team."

Shields weighs 182 pound and said he hit the "rookie wall" several weeks ago. Shields said he wants to be at least 10 pounds heavier next year to better handle the rigors of an NFL season.

For now, Packer Nation should be thrilled Shields chose them over Chicago — and his other suitors — nine months ago.

"I think it speaks volumes when you can take a young man like Sam, bring him into your program, and he's now just playing football," Packers coach Mike McCarthy said. "He's not thinking about his assignments. He's recognizing routes. He's playing at top speed, and he puts himself into the position to make those plays and ultimately the credit goes to Sam, because he had a huge day for us down there in Chicago with the two big interceptions and the sack."



(jsonline.com)