CHICAGO, Ill. - Western Illinois offensive lineman Mike Lamphear (Burr Ridge/Hinsdale South) was invited to join the Chicago Bears in their NFL preseason camp. The Bears open camp on Saturday (July 29) in Bourbonnais.

Lamphear started every game at tackle during his final three years, a streak of 36 consecutive games and 37 total starts throughout his career (46 games played). He was one of five true-freshmen to earn a letter in 2007, culminating his career with the Leathernecks by helping the squad return to the Division I playoffs last season and winning their opening round game.

The Leathernecks posted the best turnaround in Missouri Valley Football Conference history, going from 1-10 to 8-5 last year (second in the regular season MVFC standings). Part of the turnaround credit went to Lamphear and the offense as the unit finished third nationally in total offense, 11th in scoring, 13th in passing offense and 23rd in rushing offense.

Lamphear helped protect quarterback Matt Barr, who finished second nationally in the Walter Payton Award balloting (National Offensive Player of the Year).