Israel Idonije Israel Idonije ( born November 17 , 1980 ) is a Nigerian - Canadian defensive lineman who is currently a free agent . He was signed as an undrafted free agent out of the University of Manitoba . A draft pick of the now defunct Ottawa Renegades of the Canadian Football League , for whom he never played , Idonije spent the start 2003 season on the Cleveland Browns ' practice squad prior to his release in September . He was subsequently signed to the Bears ' practice squad for the final six weeks of the season . Early years . Idonije was born in Lagos , Nigeria and immigrated with his family to Brandon , Manitoba , Canada , when he was four years old . He attended Vincent Massey High School in Brandon and , though he had never played football and was reluctant , coach Kevin Grindey convinced him to play when the school restarted its Canadian football program in 1997 , when Idonije was in grade 12 . He went on to play CIS football for the Manitoba Bisons . During this time he worked as a daycare teacher in Winnipeg , Manitoba , played in the East - West Shrine Game , and was drafted 17th overall by the Ottawa Renegades in the 2003 CFL Draft . At Manitoba from 2000 – 02 , Idonije recorded 16 sacks which stands fourth all - time in Bison history . He helped lead the Bison to the 2001 Vanier Cup where Manitoba was defeated by the Saint Mary ' s Huskies . In 2002 , Idonije was named 2002 Manitoba Male Athlete of the Year . His goal , however , was to play in the National Football League . Professional career . NFL combine . Idonije was not invited to the NFL Combine , but appeared on his own to distribute tapes of his years at University of Manitoba . Nine NFL team scouts were originally scheduled to attend a subsequent workout in Manitoba , but only one team ( The Cleveland Browns ) ended up attending due to the SARS outbreak concerns at the time . Idonije was eventually signed by the Browns as an undrafted free agent , and put on Cleveland ' s practice squad . Cleveland Browns . As a rookie in 2003 , Idonije was signed by the Browns as an undrafted free agent , and put on Cleveland ' s practice squad . He was waived by the Browns midway through the season . Chicago Bears . Idonije was obtained by the Chicago Bears as a practice squad player late in the 2003 season . He made the Bears ' roster the following year , and has been with the Bears since then . Idonije is known for his versatility , including his ability to play both defensive tackle and defensive end and his blocked kicks . Idonije also played gunner on the punt coverage team . In 2006 , the Idonije became a restricted free agent and the Buffalo Bills attempted to sign him , but the Bears retained him by matching their offer . During the 2007 NFL Season , Idonije had three consecutive games with a blocked field goal or extra point . In 2008 , Idonije set career highs in sacks ( 3 . 5 ) , tackles ( 22 ) , and passes defensed ( 6 ) . In May 2009 , signed a two - year , $ 7 million contract extension with the Bears . On December 30 , 2009 Idonije was placed on injured reserve due to a foot injury . In 2010 , week 5 at the Carolina Panthers , Idonije recorded a career high 3 sacks . In 2011 , in week 15 against the Seattle Seahawks , Idonije scored his first NFL touchdown after a fumble recovery in the end zone after Tarvaris Jackson had the ball stripped by Julius Peppers . With the drafting of Shea McClellin in 2012 , Idonije was moved to defensive tackle . In the second game of the preseason against the Washington Redskins , Idonije recorded 2½ sacks on rookie and Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III . Idonije would once again record 2½ sacks in week three against the St . Louis Rams . Idonije ended the season with 40 tackles , 7 . 5 sacks , and a forced fumble , and he was later named to the USA Today All - Joe Team .