Ruben Brown: May 2009 Archives

Ruben Brown doesn't know Orlando Pace but knows the situation he is in coming to a new team as a decorated veteran who spent his entire career in one city where he was beloved.

There is a big adjustment to be made, but as Brown proved it's not too late for Pace to get back to the top. You have to think the Bears' success in recycling Brown and another veteran in Fred Miller weighed in the decision to sign Pace to a three-year contract on April 2. They've done well with veteran linemen with a little gas left in the tank and no one has served as a better example than Brown, who was 32 when he joined the Bears in 2004 after nine seasons and seven trips to the Pro Bowl with the Buffalo Bills.

"Orlando can be back on top if he is willing to sacrifice himself,'' Brown said. "When I first got to Chicago you saw where I was. I was playing on the third team on the right side. I'd never been there before. If he is willing to sacrifice himself to the new environment and become a part of it, I think you could see glimpses of what he was and he could see himself finishing his career off with another Super Bowl. It's up to him.''

Another year removed from his playing career, Ruben Brown is even more amazed at the fan support he receives in Chicago.

That's why he called it a no brainer to continue his charitable motorcycle run for a fourth year. Ruben Brown's Motorcycle Run to benefit the Salvation Army will be held May 31. It's one of three he is holding this year with similar events planned in Buffalo and his hometown of Lynchburg, Va. All of the details can be found here at rubensrun.com.

The event will begin at 9 a.m. at Woodstock Harley Davidson and the last bike out will be at 11:30 a.m. The festivities will conclude at Sideouts in Island Lake with appearances by current and former players and music by Wayne Baker Brooks. Gates open at 1 p.m. at Sideouts.

"I'm still totally surprised at the support I get in Chicago,'' Brown said Tuesday morning. "The fans and people have always been so warm to me and this is really important to me to keep this going because the Salvation Army has had to make cutbacks and there are programs they have that are really good for the kids. That's what this is about. There is a stay-fit program, Keep It Fit, and that's right up my alley. I want to try to push that to all the kids.''