Hawaii’s Kreutz Parts Ways With Chicago Bears

By Fred Guzman

NFL, we are constantly reminded, stands for Not For Long.  After 12 illustrious seasons with the same club, Hawaii’s Olin Kreutz appeared to be an exception to that rule. 

But after several days of intense negotiations, Kreutz and the Chicago Bears parted over the weekend.  As often is the case, the nasty split-up was related to money.

The Bears reportedly offered the six-time Pro Bowl center from Hawaii a contract featuring a $2 million pay cut – a one-year deal worth $4 million.   The 34-year-old Kreutz was willing to settle for a $4.8 million.

When negotiations broke down, the two sides quickly went in different directions.  Within 48 hours, the Bears signed former Seahawks center Chris Spencer, prompting Kreutz to announce his retirement.

But not long after, Kreutz – regarded as one of the top offensive linemen of his era based on four All-Pro selections — said he would consider sign with a contending team willing to meet his price.

This is not the way Kreutz – who starred at Saint Louis School —  expected things to end with the Bears, who picked him in the third round of the 1998 draft following an all-conference career at Washington.

Kreutz delivered the goods with not-always competitive Bears, playing in 191 games and starting 182 games.  Now he is looking for work, with the New Orleans Saints mentioned as a possible destination.