Chicago Bears think Santonio Holmes is a changed man
The Chicago Bears signed Santonio Holmes hoping he’d be the same player he has been for most of his NFL career, they are also hoping he’s a different person.
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The MVP in Super Bowl XLIII for the Pittsburgh Steelers has a reputation as a bad teammate and a divisive force in the locker room during his time with the New York Jets, in particular. However, Bears head coach Marc Trestman believes Holmes has turned over a new leaf and has changed for the better.
"“We spent time with him,” Marc Trestman said Monday, via The Chicago Tribune. “I mean, people change. They get into new venues, new environments. You’re out for a while, you get a good, hard look at where you are not only in your work life, as well as other aspects of your life.”"
Chicago brought in the 30-year-old veteran receiver earlier this month when No. 3 receiver Marquess Wilson fractured his collarbone in practice and is expected to miss 12-14 weeks from the date of his August 5 surgery.
Perhaps his battles with a Lisfranc injury and a dramatic drop in production over his four years with the Jets and an extended period of time where he was on the street after a March release by the Jets has humbled Holmes.
When healthy, Holmes was a terrific receiver and punt returner and if he can stay healthy and prove he’s over his injury, he should be a tremendous asset to the Bears as a slot receiver and potential punt returner.