Uploaded September 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
FOX Chicago’s Lauren Scafidi sits down with former Chicago Bears defensive lineman Israel Idonije. From Lovie Smith’s grueling two-a-day training camps and wild on-field brawls to Devin Hester’s unforgettable Super Bowl XLI kickoff return, Israel opens up about his 11-year NFL career, his journey from Nigeria and Canada to Chicago, and his love for the city. Plus, find out his favorite Chicago dining spots, how he created a superhero comic book universe, and a game of "Bear Down" or "Back Out".
Timestamps / Chapter Markers
00:00 - On This Episode
00:40 - Watching the Bears as a Fan in Chicago
04:25 - From Lagos & Canada to the NFL
06:15 - What Fans Get Wrong About NFL Speed & Intensity
08:35 - Lovie Smith’s Training Camps & 2006 Defense Brotherhood
10:45 - The Bears Alumni Group Chat & Watching Teammates' Kids
12:06 - Life Advice for Young Athletes & Post-NFL Prep
15:00 - Wild On-Field Trash Talk & End Zone Royal Rumbles
17:35 - Super Bowl XLI Memories: Devin Hester’s Kick Return
21:00 - An Accidental Football Career: From Bulls Dreams to the NFL
26:35 - Investing in Chicago: Building South Loop Hospitality
32:45 - Mocktails, Cooking, and Restaurant Management
37:45 - Creating The Protectors Comic Book Series
41:15 - Teaching EQ and Communication to Youth
44:38 - Drafting a Superhero for the 2006 Bears Defense
46:12 - Game: Bear Down or Back Out?
47:35 - Who Would You Call? Teammate Edition
48:53 - Share Some Sunshine
:bell: Subscribe to FOX 32 Chicago: youtube.com/fox32chicago
:studio_microphone: Follow Host Lauren Scafidi: @laurenscafiditv
:iphone: Stream 'Not Live' anytime on the FREE FOX Local CTV App on Roku, FireTV, and Apple TV!
FOX Chicago’s Lauren Scafidi sits down with former Chicago Bears defensive lineman Israel Idonije. From Lovie Smith’s grueling two-a-day training camps and wild on-field brawls to Devin Hester’s unforgettable Super Bowl XLI kickoff return, Israel opens up about his 11-year NFL career, his journey from Nigeria and Canada to Chicago, and his love for the city. Plus, find out his favorite Chicago dining spots, how he created a superhero comic book universe, and a game of "Bear Down" or "Back Out".
Timestamps / Chapter Markers
00:00 - On This Episode
00:40 - Watching the Bears as a Fan in Chicago
04:25 - From Lagos & Canada to the NFL
06:15 - What Fans Get Wrong About NFL Speed & Intensity
08:35 - Lovie Smith’s Training Camps & 2006 Defense Brotherhood
10:45 - The Bears Alumni Group Chat & Watching Teammates' Kids
12:06 - Life Advice for Young Athletes & Post-NFL Prep
15:00 - Wild On-Field Trash Talk & End Zone Royal Rumbles
17:35 - Super Bowl XLI Memories: Devin Hester’s Kick Return
21:00 - An Accidental Football Career: From Bulls Dreams to the NFL
26:35 - Investing in Chicago: Building South Loop Hospitality
32:45 - Mocktails, Cooking, and Restaurant Management
37:45 - Creating The Protectors Comic Book Series
41:15 - Teaching EQ and Communication to Youth
44:38 - Drafting a Superhero for the 2006 Bears Defense
46:12 - Game: Bear Down or Back Out?
47:35 - Who Would You Call? Teammate Edition
48:53 - Share Some Sunshine
:bell: Subscribe to FOX 32 Chicago: youtube.com/fox32chicago
:studio_microphone: Follow Host Lauren Scafidi: @laurenscafiditv
:iphone: Stream 'Not Live' anytime on the FREE FOX Local CTV App on Roku, FireTV, and Apple TV!
