Ex-CLU Punter Sullivan Cut by NFL’s Bears
Kent Sullivan’s bid to become the only Cal Lutheran player in the National Football League was cut short this week.
The Chicago Bears cut Sullivan, CLU’s punter last season, but he remains optimistic about his chances of playing professional football.
“Personally, I feel this isn’t the end,†said Sullivan, who punted a total of six times in the Bears’ exhibitions against Miami and San Diego. “For me, this is just the beginning.â€
By reducing their roster to 60 players, the Bears decided to keep veteran Maury Buford, a member of Chicago’s 1986 Super Bowl championship team.
Sullivan averaged more than 42 yards a kick but did not play against Kansas City on Sunday night. The Bears only punted once, a 42-yard effort by Buford.
“Maury and I had a fairly friendly relationship,†said Sullivan, who grew up near Chicago and called the Bears his favorite team. “He told me to just keep my head up.â€
Sullivan, one of 17 rookies cut by the Bears on Monday, averaged 37.2 yards a kick last year at Cal Lutheran and was signed by the Bears as a free agent.
Final NFL cuts will not take place until Labor Day, but Sullivan said that the Bears decided to settle on a punter in order to give the other a chance to catch on with another team.
“I talked to Coach (Mike) Ditka yesterday, and he sounded very positive,†Sullivan said Tuesday. “He said he was impressed with my technique. He also said, ‘If Buford doesn’t work out, you can be back in two to four weeks.’ â€
In the meantime, Sullivan will head to Colorado Springs, Colo., to try to join a semipro football team.
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