Miami Dolphins Vs. Chicago Bears: Connections

Both the Miami Dolphins and the Chicago Bears still find themselves very much alive in their respective decisions, though both teams will need a win this Sunday to keep pace in the playoff race.  The Dolphins travel to Soldier Field for the fifth time in their history.  Here are five connections between the Dolphins and Bears.

1. Brandon Marshall, WR Chicago Bears

Obviously the most well known connection between the two teams.  The Dolphins acquired Marshall from the Denver Broncos back in 2010 for two second round picks (one in 2010 and one in 2011).  He failed to ever reach his full potential in Miami, partially due to Miami’s lack of a solid QB during his time in Miami.  Marshall also had a bad case of the drops, and was a baby both on and off the field.  That being said, he did put up back-to-back 1,000 yard seasons during his two years in South Beach.  The Dolphins traded Marshall to the Bears in 2012 for two 3rd round draft picks (one future and one in 2012).  Like every other decent player whose ever left Miami, Marshall has enjoyed extended success in Chicago, becoming Jay Cutler’s go to receiver.

2. Dante Rosario, TE Chicago Bears

You probably never knew Rosario was a member of the Miami Dolphins, and that’s because he basically wasn’t.  The Dolphins signed Rosario on September 5, 2011, and was released September 20, 2011.  He obviously had a lasting impact…

3. Martellus Bennett, TE Chicago Bears

Another Bears TE with a Dolphins connection.  Bennett and Dolphins QB Ryan Tannehill were teammates at Texas A&M.  While Tannehill redshirted his freshman year in 2007, Bennett enjoyed his final season with the Aggies before declaring for the 2008 NFL Draft, where he was taken by the Dallas Cowboys in the 2nd round.  Now, he enjoys his role as Cutler’s security blanket and red zone target.

4. Marc Trestman, HC Chicago Bears

Trestman has coached pretty much throughout the continent, including a successful career in the CFL.  One of his many pit stops as a coach was in Miami in 2004, where he serves as Assistant Head Coach to Dave Wannstedt.

5. Paul Pasqualoni, DC Chicago Bears

It seems like every Bears coach was at one point with the Dolphins.  Paul held the same position, defensive coordinator, with the Dolphins from 2008-2009.  He now coaches one of the NFL’s most tenacious and well-known D’s in Chicago.

FINS UP!

Feel free to share any connections in the comments section below.