Lance Briggs: ‘Probably My Last Year As A Chicago Bear’

Lance Briggs will be 34 on Nov. 12 and knows he’s closer to the end of his NFL career than the beginning. In fact, he may be very close to the end.

More from Chicago Bears

Lance Briggs came a long way from being a third-round draft pick in 2003.

An All-Pro in 2005 and a seven-time Pro Bowler, Briggs is in his 12th season with the Chicago Bears.

Unlike many athletes, he’s being honest about the fact that he sees the finish line nearing.

"“I understand this is probably my last year as a Chicago Bear and this could be the last time I play the Packers,” Briggs told reporters Wednesday, via the Bears’ website."

Briggs is in the last year of his contract and has missed three games this season with a rib injury. He’s listed as probable for Sunday night’s game in Green Bay.

"“It’s the last year of my deal,” Briggs said. “It’s not like I’m magically going to show up after this year and they’re going to open the gates up for me. I’ve talked to my buddy, [former Bears defensive end] Alex Brown. Those gates are closed when you’re a free agent.”"

Briggs has 22 tackles and an interception in five games this season and has also had two passes defensed.

He took over as a starter in the fourth game of his rookie year and only missed four starts through the 2012 season.

But he was sidelined for seven games last year and has missed three this season—a sign that time might be gaining on him.

If this is his last trip to Lambeau, Briggs recalled his first trip there as a rookie in 2003.

"“I scored my first touchdown at Lambeau, back in ’03 from Brett Favre,” Briggs said. “That is memorable; very, very memorable. I remember him getting twirled around by Bryan Robinson and him just hurling the ball up into the air.“It felt like it was in the air forever and I was just saying, ‘Lance, please don’t drop this,’ and I caught it and scored. It was fun. We’ve had great battles at Lambeau; really, really great battles and I’ll never forget them.”"

Chicago has lost five of their last six games in Green Bay after winning four of five from 2003-07.

Briggs has 16 career interceptions, five of which he’s taken back to the house, including two in 2012. He also scored a touchdown on a fumble recovery in 2008.

He hasn’t played since injuring his ribs in a loss at Carolina on Oct. 5.

Lance Briggs will be 34 on Nov. 12 and knows he’s closer to the end of his NFL career than the beginning. In fact, he may be very close to the end.

More from FanSided