Israel Idonije excited to play against Bears

When defensive end Israel Idonije signed with the Detroit Lions a week ago, the move came as a pretty big surprise. Aside from the fact that the Lions were never really linked to Idonije before he signed, it was just really surprising that he decided to join a division rival of the Chicago Bears. He played for the Bears from 2004-2012, and now he will line up against them twice during the 2013 season.

While it may be a bit strange to play for a different NFC North team after so many years in Chicago, Idonije is embracing the change. In fact, he said during an interview on NFL AM on Tuesday morning that he is actively looking forward to going up against his former team. Via Pro Football Talk:

"I’m looking forward to twice a year, dressing up, suiting up and getting after it on the field when we play the Bears in Detroit and then in Chicago," Idonije said on NFL AM.

Idonije also mentioned that he always has extra motivation when he faces the Cleveland Browns since he was briefly with them during his rookie season. The Lions actually play them twice as well in 2013 (once in the preseason and once in the regular season), so Idonije will get a chance to continue to remind the Browns that he once was theirs.