Tight end Marcedes Lewis had to wait until June to re-sign with the Bears, but he never wavered on whether or not he would play a remarkable 19th season.
The 40-year-old Father Time denier has been in the league since 2006, along the way transforming from a first-round pass-catching weapon who once had 10 receiving touchdowns in a season to one of the NFL's preeminent blockers at his position.
Speaking on on Thursday, he delved into his decision to return.
"It was definitely a no brainer for me," said Lewis, who shared that his one and only contemplation of retirement came when the Jaguars, his original team, cut him after 12 seasons in 2018.
"I'm ready for what's coming right now. I'm in my best shape that I can be in right now. I'm just looking forward to going out there and proving that it can be done one more time."
If last year is anything to go off of, a quadragenarian Lewis in his best shape should be plenty good enough to once again contribute for a Chicago team on the rise.
He finished his first season as a Bear with a 73.7 PFF run-blocking grade, his best mark since 2017 and among the top five TEs with at least 100 snaps on rushing plays. Chicago benefited by delivering the league's second-best total rushing offense.
The team struggled mightily in passing situations, though, which it hopes to have remedied by drafting quarterback Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall pick.
William's addition made it all the more enticing for Lewis not only to suit up again, but to do so for Chicago.
"From a talent standpoint, he has everything it takes to be great," Lewis said. "Obviously, me being a UCLA [guy], I watched the USC games when he was there. Just the arm talent and the off-platform throws, the leadership on the field, I think that's going to serve him well. ā¦ I have no doubt that he's going to go out there and do his thing, and us as a team, we have to get better and elevate our games so it's an easy transition for him. I'm looking forward to it."
With any luck for Chicago, Williams' "thing" will be reversing fortunes for a franchise that has endured nine seasons of .500-or-worse football in the past decade. Perhaps it will also include, either as part of a stellar rookie season or in the near future, providing the Bears their first-ever season in which a QB throws for 4,000 yards or 30 touchdowns.
Lewis might not directly factor into helping pile up those particular stats. He caught just four passes for 23 yards and a touchdown last season, down from six receptions for 66 yards and two scores in his final year with the Packers. However, should he make the roster he'll again open running lanes with regularity, which could in turn get Williams and Co. going through the air.
Also on the agenda if Lewis makes it through the rigors of another training camp and roster cutdown day? Breaking the record for regular-season appearances by a tight end. Currently sitting at 268, it would take Lewis just four more games to pass Jason Witten.
"The record will represent consistency, gratitude, durability and mindset," Lewis said regarding the possibility of setting it. "Obviously, you know what type of game we play. The injury rate is 100 percent. ā¦ When I really sit down and realize what I'm doing, I'm just grateful. I don't know, man, I'm just grateful.
"I'm sure when it's all said and done and my career is done, I'll be able to really enjoy the fruits that I've been able to bear, but the job's not done yet. I'm looking forward to this season and having a healthy season, a dominant season from the tight end position, and then hopefully getting one more year and retiring after 20. That's my dream now to just get to 20."
