www.BearGear.info

Wondering about a player, a past game or another issue involving the Bears? Senior writer Larry Mayer answers a variety of email questions from fans every day on ChicagoBears.com.

How did the Bears have both the third and fourth picks in the 1965 draft?

Nathan E.
Catlin, Illinois

The Bears actually had three of the first six picks in the 1965 draft. They selected Dick Butkus third, Gale Sayers fourth and Tennessee defensive end Steve DeLong sixth. The pick that was used to take Sayers belonged to the Bears; the other two were acquired via trades. The Bears obtained the third pick from the Pittsburgh Steelers a year earlier in exchange for 1964 second- and fourth-round choices, and they acquired the sixth pick from the Redskins for running back Angelo Coia and tackle Fred Williams. DeLong was also picked sixth overall by the San Diego Chargers in the American Football League draft, and he chose to sign with San Diego. After spending seven seasons with the Chargers, DeLong played one season with the Bears in 1972.

With the Bears wearing throwback uniforms from the 1940s this season, does that mean they won’t be sporting the orange jerseys this year?

Colin
Leavenworth, Kansas

Yes, the Bears will not wear their orange jerseys this season. Each NFL team is permitted to don a third alternate jersey each year and the Bears have opted to wear throwback uniforms from the 1940s celebrating great teams that won four NFL championships in seven seasons from 1940-46.

I read that Jamar Williams had 19 tackles against the Rams last season. It seems like a lot of tackles, but it was only the third most for a Bears player since at least 1995. Who has had more?

Dan
La Crosse, Wisconsin

The only Bears player to register more than 19 tackles in a game since at least 1995 has been Brian Urlacher. The six-time Pro Bowl middle linebacker recorded 25 tackles in a memorable 2006 Monday night win at Arizona and 20 tackles in a 2001 victory at Tampa Bay.

Email your question to Larry