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Just 1 Hour After Being Released by the Seahawks, Former DT With Over 445 Career Tackles Signals His Desire to Join the Bears

Chicago, Illinois – 12/06/2025

December in the NFL always finds a way to create drama, but few storylines have unfolded as quickly — or as emotionally — as the one involving veteran defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins. Only one hour after being released by the Seattle Seahawks through a non-injury settlement, the 33-year-old made headlines again by openly declaring where he hopes to land next: the Chicago Bears.

Hankins, who has logged more than 445 tackles across a decade-long career with the Giants, Colts, Raiders, Cowboys, and Seahawks, has long been respected for his toughness, poise, and discipline in the trenches. Now, at a crossroads in the final stages of his NFL journey, he is asking for one thing — a chance.

PHOTOS: Johnathan Hankins Top Shots Of The 2024 Season

And the place he wants that chance is Chicago.

The veteran defender spoke candidly about what joining the Bears would mean to him, sending ripples across Bears Nation and sparking immediate conversation within league circles.

“If the Bears see any role for me at all, I’m ready to take it. Practice squad, limited snaps, whatever they need. I just want the opportunity to earn that navy and orange and fight for a franchise and a city built on grit, pride, and a legacy of defense.”

The timing of Hankins’ plea is noteworthy. Chicago has navigated rotational challenges along the defensive interior throughout the season, and as the NFC playoff picture tightens, the Bears are evaluating every possible avenue to fortify their front. Adding a proven veteran with Hankins’ résumé — even in a practice-squad capacity — could offer both leadership and stability during the most demanding stretch of the year.

Sources close to Hankins say his admiration for Chicago’s football culture is longstanding. The Bears’ identity — physical, relentless, defense-first — mirrors the brand of football Hankins has played his entire career. The possibility of contributing to that tradition at this stage is something he takes to heart.

Meanwhile, Chicago’s front office continues its late-season evaluations as injuries and depth concerns linger. With the team fighting to stay relevant in the NFC race, Hankins’ immediate interest has added a compelling wrinkle to the Bears’ personnel discussions.

Hankins’ career has never been flashy, but it has been defined by persistence. He has fought through double-teams, battled injuries, and earned his place through sheer will. Now he seeks one final home, one last defensive huddle, and one more chance to make an impact.

Whether the Bears answer that call remains to be seen. But in just one hour after his release, Hankins made one thing clear: he isn’t done, isn’t stepping away, and is fully prepared to start from the bottom if it means wearing the navy and orange.

And in Chicago, that kind of resolve has always carried weight.

🔥 FROM DETROIT ICON TO IMMORTAL: Herman Moore Enters the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Cementing a Legacy That Defined a Franchise Era
Detroit, Michigan – January 27, 2026  Herman Moore’s name is now forever etched among football’s immortals. The legendary Detroit Lions wide receiver has officially been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame — a moment that Lions fans have long awaited. For a franchise built on resilience and hard-nosed football, Moore’s induction is more than just a personal achievement. It is the recognition of a player who redefined the receiving position for Detroit and helped shape the team’s offensive identity in the 1990s. Moore’s career was never about flashy headlines — it was about impact. Drafted in the first round of the 1991 NFL Draft, Moore entered a Lions organization that was built around the legendary Barry Sanders. What followed was one of the most prolific and consistent careers in franchise history. Over a decade in Detroit, Moore became the team’s all-time leader in receiving yards (9,174) and touchdowns (62), while establishing himself as one of the premier wide receivers of his era. But the numbers alone don’t tell the full story. Moore embodied the essence of the Lions’ offense in the 1990s. In an era where the passing game wasn’t as dominant, Moore was a constant threat on the field, working in perfect harmony with fellow offensive stars like Barry Sanders and quarterback Scott Mitchell. Whether it was a jump-ball touchdown in the end zone or a precise route down the sideline, Moore's reliability and ability to make spectacular catches made him the backbone of Detroit’s passing game. “He was the guy who made everything click,” a former teammate once said. “When you needed a big play, Herman was always there.” Moore’s career was also marked by perseverance. Despite playing in an era with a less pass-heavy offense, Moore’s production consistently shined. His accolades — 4 Pro Bowls, 3 All-Pro selections — speak volumes about his skill and consistency, even though the national spotlight on him wasn’t as bright as it could have been. As one of the most significant figures in Lions history, Moore was often considered a Hall of Fame snub for years. His contributions to Detroit’s offense during his prime were integral to shaping the team’s passing game long before Calvin “Megatron” Johnson emerged as the team’s next great receiving star. For the Lions, Moore’s induction carries profound emotional significance. Before the dominance of Johnson and the Super Bowl aspirations of the new era, Herman Moore was the face of the Lions' receiving corps. He represented everything Detroit fans wanted in a player: talent, reliability, and a commitment to the team and city. As Herman Moore takes his rightful place in Canton, his legacy is undeniable. He wasn’t part of a dynasty or surrounded by a high-flying offense, but he was one of the most efficient, dynamic, and respected wide receivers the game has ever seen. Herman Moore didn’t just play football.He elevated it. And now, his name lives forever — exactly where it belongs.