Kelvin Hayden hopes to make some highlights for the Bears
BY MARK POTASH mpotash@suntimes.com September 7, 2012 11:24PM
Kelvin Hayden, who grew up in Chicago and went to Hubbard High School, will play his first game for his hometown team. | Scott Stewart~Sun-Times
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Updated: October 9, 2012 3:08PM
Kelvin Hayden might never make as big a play for the Bears as he once made against them. But Sunday would be an appropriate time to start trying.
Hayden, a cornerback who played at Hubbard High School and Illinois, will face his former teammates with the Indianapolis Colts for the second consecutive season when the Bears play the Colts in the season opener at Soldier Field.
In the fourth quarter of Super Bowl XLI in Miami, Hayden intercepted a Rex Grossman pass and returned it 56 yards for a touchdown that helped the Colts to a 29-17 victory. It was the biggest play of his seven-year career.
‘‘When I first got here, the guys gave me a little bit of heat [about that play]. But I think it was all out of fun,’’ said Hayden, who played for the Falcons last season after six seasons with the Colts. ‘‘But I try to put that behind me because this team has [what it takes] to be that [successful]. I want to make this season special, too.’’
Hayden acquired tickets for 20 friends and relatives for the game — something he said he won’t be able to do every game. But the opener is a special occasion.
‘‘It’s big, especially me being a kid from Chicago,’’ Hayden said. ‘‘My first jersey was a Walter Payton jersey. It was special growing up and being a Bears fan. My family and everyone will be there. I’m just going to enjoy the moment.’’
Injury report
Linebacker Brian Urlacher (left knee), safety Chris Conte (dislocated shoulder), punter Adam Podlesh (hip flexor) and wide receiver Earl Bennett (hand) were listed as probable. Running back Lorenzo Booker (head) is questionable.
For the Colts, linebacker Pat Angerer (foot) and guard Joe Reitz (knee) are out. Wide receivers Austin Collie (head), T.Y. Hilton (shoulder) and running back Delonte Carter (chest) are questionable. Defensive end Cory Redding, cornerback Jerraud Powers (knee) and running back Mewelde Moore (chest) are probable.
A game of 21?
Brandon Marshall was with the Denver Broncos the last time he faced the Colts and he had a game to remember.
Quarterback Kyle Orton found Marshall for a record 21 receptions for 200 yards and two touchdowns in a 28-16 loss.
Hayden and current starter Powers were the Colts’ starting cornerbacks in that game. And Tim Jennings was also a member of that victimized secondary.
‘‘The majority of them were [against me],’’ Jennings said. ‘‘So thank God he’s on our team now.’’
How do you allow one guy to catch 21 passes?
‘‘He’s a competitor, man,’’ Jennings said. ‘‘They moved him all over the field and it’s tough to keep up with him. When you throw the ball his way, he’s going to catch it.’’
