Frank Omiyale inks with 'Da Bears
Frank Omiyale in action during his time at Tech.
Athletics News
Former Golden Eagle offensive lineman Frank Omiyale signed as a free agent with the NFL’s Chicago Bears in February. The versatile offensive lineman signed a fouryear contract with the Bears on the first day of free agency.
“We remembered him when he came out of college and liked him,” Bears general manager Jerry Angelo said.
Angelo said that coming from a small, Football Championship Subdivision school such as Tech, didn’t deter the Bears, who liked Omiyale’s traits and attitude.
Omiyale was originally chosen by the Falcons in the fifth round of the 2005 NFL draft. Claimed off waivers by the Carolina Panthers, the 6-4, 310-pounder was inactive for all 16 games in 2007 before appearing in 10 contests with one start last season.
The Bears continued to monitor Omiyale’s progress throughout his career and were particularly impressed with how he performed in last year’s regular-season finale against the Saints.
“What really caught our eye was when we watched him play in that last game on the road in New Orleans against a pretty good football team in a dome, which is awfully tough for tackles given the crowd noise,” Angelo said.
Several NFL teams contacted Omiyale during the first few hours of free agency. Why did he choose the Bears?
“Because it’s the Bears,” he said. “I’ve heard a lot about the tradition here. From talking to other players around the league, I know it’s a family-oriented organization, so that’s what really made it attractive.”
Omiyale saw action at both guard and tackle during the Bears’ mini-camp in mid-March.
Omiyale and the Bears will play in Atlanta this season on Oct. 18.
(Summer 2009)
