Bear Down Sunday: Game #5

The Chicago Bears are 3-1 and hosting the New Orleans Saints who are 4-0.  This is a big test for the Bears.
Today, I am featuring Walt Housman, former member of the New Orleans Saints.  Housman is perhaps better known as Coach Hous, Assistant Coach of the Chicago Rush.
I got to know Housman a bit while I covered the Rush last season.  I really appreciate everything the Rush did for me and Housman was a big part of that.  He made me feel welcome and comfortable at every practice.
The first instance caught me by surprise.  I walked over to the side boards and Housman greeted me.  Then a few minutes later, he made some comments about the defense directed to me.  He actually was giving me a little insight into the practice.
He quickly obliged when I asked for an interview after practice and he gave me more than I usually get.  We talked about the Rush, fishing and more.  It was a fun interview and can be found at On the Beat with Walt Housman.
More relevant to this story, Housman is an excellent defensive coach.  He has done a great job with the Rush.  Just like with Coach Bob McMillen, Coach Housman has had to endure uncertainty and confusion over the last two seasons.  Somehow through the muck, the team made the playoffs last season.
I will be channeling Housman's defensive spirit as the Bears take on the Saints.  They will need some tough D to win this game.  I hope they take a page (or 2) out of Coach Housman's book.

Walt Housman and me in Arlington Heights, IL-July 2013.

On the Beat with Walt Housman of the Chicago Rush-7/18/2013

Yesterday, I ran a few videos from the media session at a Chicago Rush practice earlier in the week.  I got one more interview, but this one was a one-on-one and was more general (and less about the big game with Arizona).  I wanted to run this one separately, because Assistant Coach Walt Housman gave us an interesting interview.

Part of the fun of this interview is Coach Hous was free ad easy with his time and the subject matter.  In fact, you will see that midway through the interview, I was ready to end it, but Coach Hous volunteered to keep going.  Fine by me.  I love this stuff!

Coach Hous was an offensive lineman at Iowa.  He went on to play four seasons in the Arena Football League and he also played for the 1987 New Orleans Saints.  Since retiring, he has coached in college or and AFL.  He joined the Rush staff in 2001.

Coach Hous and Coach Bob McMillen make a great team.  These men are "football guys."  They command respect and they get it!  Even during this somewhat turbulent season, the Rush is having an excellent season.

I love this interview.  From my perspective it is more of a conversation.  Coach Hous was willing to talk longer and somehow fishing became the topic.

Why not?  Anyone can get a coach to talk about strategy and get the same old quotes.  Here, he is talking about his biggest catch, where he fishes and a lot more.

This was so much fun.  I really appreciate Coach Hous giving his time and consideration.  Once again, I have to credit the Chicago Rush organization for continuing to be very accommodating.  The Chicago Rush is one classy and professional organization.  I am not only having fun covering the team, I am proud to be there.