This Eddy Pineiro Quote Proves He's the Kicker Chicago Deserves

The Chicago Bears fans have endured a constant nightmare at kicker over the past three seasons. After Robbie Gould floundered in 2015, resulting in his eventual release, the team bungled their way through Connor Barth and then Cody Parkey. Each of whom only enhanced the misery at a position that had once been a strength with the low point coming against Philadelphia in the playoffs. That's why the team added nine kickers for their competition in May. Ironically though, it was the man who arrived late to the party that won the race in Eddy Pineiro.

While other kickers were trying to make a statement in minicamps, the Bears traded for the second-year man right before training camp. They gave up a conditional 7th round pick to the Oakland Raiders for his services. It was felt his considerable leg strength and history of accuracy might be exactly what they were looking for. He then went toe-to-toe with Elliott Fry throughout camp and the first two preseason games. Most who followed the battle declared it too close to call.

Matt Nagy and his coaches felt differently. Fry was cut and Pineiro suddenly the last man standing. The Bears gave him a simple message. Settle in and do what he does best. If he did, the job was his. Pineiro understood the opportunity in front of him. Failing to show up in the third preseason game against the Colts could unravel everything he'd worked for. He was not going to let that happen.

In 60 minutes he went a perfect 5-for-5 on his kicks including a highlight 58-yard bomb field goal in the 3rd quarter that fueled a Bears comeback victory.

Eddy Pineiro is using Chicago's hopes as his motivation

Pineiro was all smiles after the game, unsurprisingly. It looked and felt as if a piano had fallen off his back. He could finally exhale and focus on his job. He was asked after the game what he felt when seeing the reaction of his teammates after making that big kick. His answer will give Bears fans plenty to feel excited about.

"It was amazing. They all came up and (were) tapping me on the head and it was awesome. I mean I do it for them, I do it for Chicago."

Pineiro is now one preseason game away from becoming the official Bears kicker. Odds are the job is already his. It would take a monumental breakdown for that to change. If so, their long-term outlook suddenly looks far better. He's only 23-years old. Given his natural talent, if he can maintain consistency moving forward Chicago has themselves their kicker of the future. Yet another crafty trade acquisition GM Ryan Pace can add to his growing list.