Tartan

Issue date: 3/24/05 Section: Sports

Kurt Kittner

Kurt Kittner, the only Fighting Illini football player to be drafted in 2002, was recently shipped overseas by the Chicago Bears. He had a three-year run on an NFL roster and is now looking to punch his ticket back into the league.

He left his mark in Champaign by setting several school records while leading the Illini to a Bowl game his senior year. He earned two Big Ten Player of the Week honors and is a three-time Illinois Team Most Valuable Player. Kittner was also a Heisman Trophy candidate, an award reserved for the best college football player in the country.

The Bears recently signed Kittner to an NFL Europe contract. Kittner will play for the Amsterdam Admirals. He has a chance to prove that he belongs on the Bears roster, or any other team's roster that shows interest in him.

I recently contacted Kittner via email and asked him about life overseas and his trying to get back into the NFL after being out of the league last season. The following transcript is an email I received from Kittner on March 5.

Q. Are you excited, scared or both about going to Amsterdam?

A. "I'm excited about going to Amsterdam, it's a chance to go out and play and show that I can be part of the NFL."


Q. How do you think you'll adjust to life off the field while in Amsterdam?

A. "I will adjust fine, in my opinion it is no different then being drafted by the Atlanta Falcons, I'm going to Amsterdam to play football."


Q. What's your attitude coming into the situation? Is this like a tryout for the Bears in your eyes?

A. "This is not only a tryout for the Bears but also the rest of the league."


Q. Have you talked to anyone involved with NFL Europe (your coach, players from Europe) concerning what kinds of adjustments and situations you will face overseas?

A. "Yes, I'm getting ready to go now and trying to make sure that I have a successful showing when I 'm over there."

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