Fast Willie Might Be Old, But Still Fast Enough For Plodding Bears

On Tuesday, I expounded on the Chicago Bears’ inability to land an offensive coordinator for next season.

Reasons range from Lovie Smith’s job security (or lack thereof) to a petulant quarterback behind an aged offensive line. But could one possible reason for candidates jolting the Bears be the fact that Chicago has no No. 1 (or No. 2 for that matter) wide receiver?

And while the names Anquan Boldin and Terrell Owens have been discussed by Bears fans and media, there’s another name out there worth considering. And as a former Bear himself, I think convincing him to re-up with the Monsters of the Midway wouldn’t prove too difficult.

He’s already played for the Bears in a Super Bowl. No, not Super Bowl XLI. I’m talking Super Bowl XX. Ladies and gentlemen, I bring you Willie Gault.

On Friday, Gault is competing with former Super Bowl participants in a race during the Millrose Games at Madison Square Garden. David Tyree, Tim Dwight, Anthony Dorsett Jr., Ryan LaCasse and Phillip Buchanon will race against the member of the 1980 U.S. Olympic team (an American boycott prevented Gault from winning Olympic gold).

So what if Gault is 49. If Herschel Walker can talk himself into mixed martial arts, then why can’t Gault still play? Both were 1980s athletic genetic freaks.

Gault, once considered the fastest football player ever, can still fly. In 2006, he set world records in the 100 and 200 meters for athletes 45-49. He posted a 100-meter time of 10.72 seconds, and 200-meter clip of 21.80 seconds.

OK, so he’s a fast near-50-year old, and those records were set four years ago. But you can’t teach speed.

Gault finished in the top-five in yards per reception four times during his 11-year career and with his speed and actual knowledge of route running (something Chicago’s receivers aren’t exactly in tune with), Gault could be exactly what Jay Cutler and the Bears’ offense needs.

And he seriously thinks he can do it.

“Yep, I’m ready,” Gault said. “I’m serious. I am not kidding. I will come out for two years. I know I can do it. I believe it.”

If the Bears and Gault make this happen, he would become the oldest player to lace ‘em up in NFL history (The Ageless Wonder, George Blanda played until he was 48 before finishing his career in 1975 with the Raiders).

Granted it’s a stretch. But with no first or second round pick and slim pickings in free agency, I say leave no stone unturned. Perhaps Tom Waddle and Johnny Morris are still working out…