One thing (Bears general manager) Jerry Angelo told me when I was hobbling around on crutches -- and he's a realist -- is he said we're deep on the defensive line.

I had to reset everything and go back to the basics, ... You have to crawl before you walk, walk before you run, and (the knee) was all new to me.

I've always been a hard worker and I get that from my mom, ... She never would take off of work. She's a field worker, doing a man's job, but she's a strong black woman. I can appreciate that and it inspires me to work harder because she's gone through a lot of different things.

It's just nice being out here and doing what you love to do.

I still have to get some things figured out, but I feel I've had a pretty good camp and I've heard good things from the press and my peers. When the vets notice, you must be doing something right. All I wanted was a chance and I'm getting that.

My mom has been real positive and my dad has been so instrumental, ... He's like a ninja -- he's popping up everywhere. He's always scoping me out and keeping an eye on me. I always try to be on my best behavior because of him.

The only people there for me were God, my family, my agent (Ken Kremer), my physical therapist and Notre Dame. Having Notre Dame was big because when I was on my couch, unable to walk, I had a few job offers on the table. That was because of Notre Dame alumni.