Ex-Chicago Bear Scores Big With Workers’ Comp

Former Chicago Bears tight end Gabe Reid never caught a touchdown pass during his three-year National Football League career, but he has caught hundreds of thousands of dollars from the Illinois Workers Compensation Commission.

Reid was awarded $325,000 after suffering a right knee injury while playing for the Bears from 2003-2006, according to a Chicago Tribune report.

It is the largest workers’ comp settlement for a pro athlete in the state of Illinois, an attorney told the newspaper.

Reid is an unrestricted free agent, but has not played in the NFL since the Bears released him in 2006.

The state workers comp office wasn’t done doling out the cash to former Bears, though.

The state agency also awarded former All-Pro safety Mike Brown, who led the Kansas City Chiefs in tackles last season, $140,000 after he suffered leg and foot injuries during his time with the Chicago Bears, according to the Tribune.

Brown’s attorney, Gil Gordon of Chicago-based Gordon Rappold & Miller LLC, told reporters the safety would have received more money if he weren’t still playing in the league.