Bears want to get their
degrees in Miami
By
David Haugh
Tribune staff reporter
Published January 24, 2007, 10:14 PM CST
If the Super Bowl
comes down to a matter of degree, the Bears believe they will have the
edge on the Colts.
The book "212 The Extra Degree," has become a mantra for the Bears
since the coaching staff handed out copies and DVDs to every player to
help maintain focus after the team had clinched a playoff spot. Coach
Lovie Smith showed players a movie version of the book and defensive
coordinator Ron Rivera had T-shirts made for the defense with "212 The
Extra Degree."
The book, written by S.L. Parker and Mac Anderson and published by
Simple Truths out of Naperville, explains how one extra degree of
effort can make the difference in people the way it changes hot water
into boiling water by going from 211 to 212 degrees.
"The extra degree is so huge in your life," cornerback Charles Tillman
has said.
Tillman first turned his fellow defensive backs on to the message in
the book and word quickly spread throughout the locker room. He was
given the book last summer by Champaign businessman John Wright. Since
2003, the former NFL player has hosted Bears rookies at his 80-acre
estate for the purpose of developing character and a stronger value
system.
He does the same every year for the Colts rookies.
When offensive coordinator Ron Turner, whom Wright had known during
Turner's days as head coach at Illinois, called asking for copies of
the book for players and coaches, Wright arranged it.
The Colts were offered the same opportunity but passed, giving the
Bears an early edge in a category only they keep.
dahaugh@tribune.com Copyright © 2007,
Chicago Tribune
For
more information or to order please Call 800-900-3427 click the links below or
visit
http://www.SimpleTruths.com.
