Olin Kreutz leaving Bears to play for New Orleans Saints
Chicago Bears center Olin Kreutz (57) readies to block Carolina Panthers defensive end Charles Johnson (95) in an NFL football game in Charlotte, N.C. on Sunday, Oct. 10, 2010. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)
Chicago Bears center Olin Kreutz, a native of Honolulu, shares a laugh with teammates at the NFC's Pro Bowl practice at Ko Olina resort in Honolulu, on Wednesday. Feb. 6, 2002. (AP Photo/Ronen Zilberman)
NFL center Olin Kreutz, a former Saint Louis School all-star, is leaving the Chicago Bears to join the New Orleans Saints, the Chicago Tribune reports.
The Tribune said Kreutz, 34, will replace veteran Jonathan Goodwin, who is going to the San Francisco 49ers. The Bears offered Kreutz $4 million to play this season, but an ultimatum he received from Bears general manager Jerry Angelo soured negotiations, the Tribune said.
Kreutz told the Tribune he was strongly considering retirement but a perfect opportunity could convince him to continue playing. Kreutz is a 13-year veteran and six-time Pro Bowl selection. He had played his entire career in Chicago.
The Bears play the Saints in Week 2 (Sept. 18) in New Orleans.
Besides football, Kreutz lettered in track and was a state heavyweight wrestling champion at St. Louis.
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