Mannelly is a legendary Bear and “the namesake” of our Audibles from the Long Snapper column. Here he is explaining that decision.

Brad Biggs did an excellent job breaking the story on his Twitter feed. Here is a selection of Tweets from the Trib’s leading Bears writer:

Used to joke with Pat Mannelly the last 3 seasons or so on Fridays in the locker room, ask if he was looking forward to setting a record

He was the all-time leader in #Bears history for games played. He’d chuckle a little but he just wanted to do his job that Sunday.

K Robbie Gould: Pat Mannelly “is probably the greatest long snapper to ever play the game.”

I don’t know if Mannelly is the greatest long snapper to ever play. I don’t even know how to begin that analysis. But I know he has given sixteen years of his body to the Chicago Bears organization and that is worthy of celebration.