Israel Idonije on Bears upcoming season and love for Bears fans - Chicago News and Weather | FOX 32 News

On Friday night, the Chicago Bears willhost the fans at Soldier Field for the Family Fest. Israel Idonije joinedus live from Bourbonnaisto talk about the event and the Bears' upcoming season.

FOX: How confident do you feel?

Idonije: We feel good. Training camp hasbeen great. It's a process of getting everybody's bodies back into the physicalnature of the game. It's been a great process. Guys are staying healthy. That'swhat training camp is about. Everyone getting a little bit better. As a teamright now we look really good.

FOX: So things a little bit different thisyear with the first round pick Shea McClellan, who would love to get someplaying time away from you. How is that going? How is he looking and how do youhandle a rookie like that? Do you tell him all the tricks of the trade? What'sthe relationship like in a situation like that?

Idonije: It's a great relationship. He's atalented young guy. At the end of the day last year Julius and I took way toomany snaps. We need someone to come in and spell some snaps and get in there,be productive as a rusher. So he has all the abilities and tools to do that,and when he's successful our team is successful and that's the ultimate goal.As the older guy on the team we help him as we can.

FOX: We've been promoting the FOX FamilyFest and a lot of our viewers are going to be out there on Friday at SoldierField. Will this be your first time out there this season?

Idonije: It is. Our first time on thatgrass running around, hitting. This will be an opportunity for a group of fansthat may not have a chance to watch us practice to watch a great practice. Outhere in Bourbonnaiswe have had 10,000-plus fans almost every practice. We're looking forward togetting in front of the fans. The energy level will be high. Great day for us.

FOX: I have to ask you one question. Ithink it probably is the number one question on most Bears' fans' minds: JayCutler and Brandon Marshall reunited. From a defensive guy's point of view, howare they looking and how excited should Bears fans be?

Idonije: They look good. Both of them have beenmaking some outstanding plays. Excuse me. You can just see they have achemistry. They communicate well together. Brandon is just extremely talented. He's justbeen something to watch. The fans are in for a treat this year.

The Family Fest is Friday, August 3, atSoldier Field. For $8, fans get to see the team practice at 7 pm with fireworksto follow. There's more information on chicagobears.com.