Thread: Chris Conte Gets a Nickname

Conte bird of prey for Bears

With 1st interception, rookie lived up to 'Birdman' nickname


By Vaughn McClure, Chicago Tribune reporter 9:14 p.m. CDT, October 26, 2011


Chris Conte figured he had to do something special to celebrate his first NFL interception.

Moments after the Bears rookie safety picked off Josh Freeman in Sunday's 24-18 victory over the Buccaneers, Conte extended his arms like a bird and flapped his wings all the way to the sideline. It was Conte's way of recognizing the nickname teammate Henry Melton anointed him with: Birdman.

"We were talking about it — Henry, myself and Corey Wootton — that I had to do something if I made a play,'' Conte said. "I had to hit them with the Birdman or something. So, that was my Birdman.

"I don't know exactly where it came from. You have to ask Henry.''

Melton provided some clarity.

"It was early on, after we broke training camp, that I just started calling him that because it goes with his style of play,'' Melton said. "Especially when he breaks to the ball. It's kind of like he's gliding.''

The Bears only hope it's smooth sailing for the rookie from here on out.

Conte, a third-round pick from Cal, entered the starting lineup at free safety in Week 6 after free-lancing veteran Brandon Meriweather was benched. He did his job the last two weeks, lining up deep to prevent the big play while supporting the run and lining up in coverage when called upon. His interception in London ended a Bucs scoring drive near the end zone.

"He did a good job, like we expected,'' coach Lovie Smith said of Conte. "Everything you're looking for in a safety, he has.''

The 6-foot-2, 203-pounder caught the Bears' attention before the draft despite playing just one year at safety. He started his college career as a cornerback.

"I don't think I was a true cornerback,'' Conte said. "I had the quickness, speed, good feet and was able to break on the ball well, so people said, `Oh, this kid can play corner.' But safety is the more natural position for me. It's so much easier for me to play safety. I struggled at corner in college.''

The fact he already has a nickname is telling, but Conte earned the respect of his teammates even before his celebration dance. When Conte was inserted into the starting lineup, linebacker Brian Urlacher said Conte was one of the most athletically gifted safeties he ever has been around. And Urlacher should know a thing or two about the position as an All-American free safety in college at New Mexico.

Urlacher's compliment humbled Conte.

"I'm glad to hear that,'' Conte said. "Urlacher's one of the nicest guys I've ever met. He's someone that I really look up to and want to be like.''

If the 22-year-old Conte is able to have a fraction of the success Urlacher has had on the field, the Birdman might find himself as the starting free safety for years to come.