LAKE FOREST, Ill., — The name Kreutz embodies toughness, success, grit, and hard work around Halas Hall. That's because it's how former Chicago Bears center Olin Kreutz handled himself in his 13-year career with the franchise.
Now, more than 10 seasons after he retired, his son is looking to make a name for himself. Former Illinois center Josh Kreutz was one of the undrafted players in Chicago this weekend for a rookie tryout. While his name is the same, Josh is looking to make his own path in the building.
"Yeah, I mean it was cool," Kreutz said. "I'm just trying to get to work mostly, but it was cool, being a Bears fan. I'm just trying to do my job and hopefully make the team. I mean I knew I wanted to play in the NFL and I'm happy I got a tryout, especially with the Bears being a hometown kid and being a Bears fan my whole life. Just excited to have a tryout but really want to get on the 90-man roster. That's my goal being here."
When he first received the invite for a tryout, Kreutz told the media it was hard at first. He's been around the franchise for a lot of his life, getting to watch his dad play at Soldier Field and even having some trips to Halas Hall. Kreutz was also invited to New York Giants rookie minicamp which is this week as well. He chose to be here in Chicago instead.
"I think at first at was hard just knowing I had a tryout, but just knowing that it's my hometown team—I mean I was this little rooting for the Bears my whole life," Kreutz said. "So knowing that I have a tryout with the Bears, giving it my all to try to make the team is something I want to do."
As he hit the field on Friday, the Bears gave him the same number his dad wore — 57. It was a cool thing for the franchise to do, seeing that Kreutz 57 hit the field even in a practice setting was a cool moment.
"That's pretty cool," Kreutz said. "I think everyone in my family is not like one for numbers, but obviously that's really cool and it's cool to be here."
Another twist in this is that he's not the only son of a former Bears' player to try out. Jai Williams, the son of James "Big Cat" Williams is also trying out as a defensive lineman. And here's the kicker, both Kreutz and Williams know each other.
Having another familiar face here certainly doesn't hurt either one.
"I've known Jai since we were kids. We've trained together through this process," Kreutz said.
The two now await their fate and what the future holds for them. But for a few days, being at the same practice facility as their fathers, it was a special moment that both families will cherish forever.
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