Ex-Bears TE sets Illinois workers' comp record with settlement

A couple of former Chicago Bears have cashed in with injury settlements from the organization with one ex-tight end receiving the largest settlement for a professional athlete in the state of Illinois.

Fred Mitchell of the Chicago Tribune reports that Gabe Reid, a tight end who was with the franchise from 2003 to 2006, was awarded $325,000 in workers’ compensation, the result of a knee injury.

Former Pro Bowl safety Mike Brown was also awarded $140,000, the result of leg and foot injuries suffered during his career with the Bears. Brown’s final season with the Bears was in 2008 when a calf injury forced him to injured reserve before the final game. He also suffered a torn Lisfranc ligament and a torn Achilles tendon during his career with the franchise. Brown remains a free agent right now after spending last seasonb with the Kansas City Chiefs.

"Brown would have received more money if he weren't still playing well for Kansas City," said Gil Gordon, an attorney working for the NFL Players Association in Chicago.

Follow me on Twitter: BradBiggs

Ready for fantasy football? Click here to purchase the 2010 Total Access Pass/Draft Guide from the NFP

Upcoming Games