The Chicago Bears are 2-0 and travel to Pittsburgh to face the Steelers, who are 0-2. Despite the opposite records, this looks to be a tough game. For my connection today, I am featuring Mike Tomczak, former quarterback for both teams.
Tomczak was an undrafted free agent on the 1985 Super Bowl champion Bears. As unlikely as it would seem at the time, he would be the last active member of that team.
I was on the field as Tomczak played his last high school game. Mount Carmel (my school), lead by Tony Furjanic, beat Thorton Fractional North. The fans rode Tomczak unmercifully. I almost felt bad for him.
He went on to have an excellent career at Ohio State and then a 15 year NFL career. His 16,079 passing yards puts him #122 all time. That is pretty darn good for an undrafted guy. I met up with Tomczak during the last Chicago Rush season. He was the Offensive Coordinator for the Pittsburgh Power.
Tomczak won the first 10 games he started, which broke the record held by former Steelers QB Mike Kruczek. That record has since been broken by current Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger. I love symmetry like that.
I finish this by applauding Tomczak on a fine NFL career. I am not sure who Tomczak will be backing today, but I will be rooting for his first team, his original hometown team, the Chicago Bears.
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