Classic example of JJ giving a player a second chance

[Garret]

Pisa Tinoisamoa was a recruit that every coach except for JJ backed off of...he had an excellent career in Hawaii, was a second round pick (and immediate starter) in 2003, and is still a starting LB in the NFL. Dennis McKnight also is quoted several times in the article.

"June knew that this kid's heart was pure," McKnight said. "He told me to be at the trial and when the judge asks if anyone has something to say, you tell him you have a scholarship in hand. Tell him that we believe in this young man and that if we can get him out of San Diego, everyone will see what kind of person he is. Let us give him a chance.

Jones gave him that challenge.

"He wasn't focused, his work ethic wasn't there," said Jones, now the coach at SMU. "I told him before his last season that this was it -- 'If you don't get focused after we've given you this chance, I'm done with you.'

"He took it and took it to another level, played as well as anybody in the country that year."

http://www.starbulletin.com/sports/spor ... mself.html

[PonyTales]

Does he have a new job after the Rams waived him?

I remember when he played against SMU — he was everywhere.

[MustangLaxer]

The chicago bears signed him about a month ago. the reason he picked the bears was because of head coach lovie smith, former rams defensive coordinator & he was told he would have an opportunity to compete for a starting roll (which he'll earn along side urlacher and briggs). give the guy credit because he didn't want to be handed a starting job on a new team; he wanted to work for it...

BEARS DOWN baby, welcome Pisa

[MustangLaxer]

From chicagobears.com


[quote]
June 1, 2009

New linebacker Tinoisamoa excited to practice with Bears

By: Larry Mayer | Last Updated: 6/1/2009 5:30 PM



LAKE FOREST, Ill. – Participating in his first OTA practice with the Bears Monday, Pisa Tinoisamoa appeared to be as excited as a kid modeling his little league uniform for the first time.

At one point the veteran linebacker removed his helmet, held it front of his face and smiled as he glanced at the “C.â€

[Garret]

Does he have a new job after the Rams waived him?

I remember when he played against SMU — he was everywhere.

The Bears named him their starting strongside LB after they completed their last camp.

[MustangLaxer]

Does he have a new job after the Rams waived him?

I remember when he played against SMU — he was everywhere.

The Bears named him their starting strongside LB after they completed their last camp.

There hasn't been a camp, just OTAs...not sure they have ruled out any competition at any position during voluntary OTAs where the pads dont even come on and contact doesn't exist

[Garret]

Does he have a new job after the Rams waived him?

I remember when he played against SMU — he was everywhere.

The Bears named him their starting strongside LB after they completed their last camp.

There hasn't been a camp, just OTAs...not sure they have ruled out any competition at any position during voluntary OTAs where the pads dont even come on and contact doesn't exist

You are correct, those were OTAs and not camps or minicamps...

The Bears wasted no time in moving Pisa Tinoisamoa into the starting lineup.

As organized team activities ended, coach Lovie Smith announced that the former Ram will be the starting strongside linebacker. Tinoisamoa beat out Hunter Hillenmeyer for the job. The Bears signed Tinoisamoa in May.

http://insider.espn.go.com/espn/blog/index?name=clayton_john&action=login&appRedirect=http%3a%2f%2finsider.espn.go.com%2fespn%2fblog%2findex%3fname%3dclayton_john

[MustangLaxer]

from chicago bears.com

[quote]I was wondering why the Bears haven’t considered trying Jamar Williams at strongside linebacker in an effort to get their three best linebackers on the field at the same time.

Mike A.
Denver, Colorado

The Bears likely will do exactly that this summer in training camp, especially if Jamar Williams picks up where he left off in the OTA practices. No linebacker made more plays on the ball in those workouts than Williams, who could challenge for a starting job alongside Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs. In doing position previews in advance of training camp, I asked linebackers coach Bob Babich about the competition at the strongside position involving Hunter Hillenmeyer, Pisa Tinoisamoa and Nick Roach. The first thing that Babich said to me in response was “You’ve got to throw in Jamar Williams also.â€