Alex Brown to retire as a Bear

Lake Forest, IL – Defensive end Alex Brown is retiring as a Chicago Bear after nine NFL seasons.

Brown signed a one-day contract with Chicago on Wednesday.

Originally selected by the Bears in the fourth round of the 2002 NFL Draft, Brown recorded 43 1/2 sacks during his eight-year stay with the Bears. He also had five interceptions to rank second all-time by a Bears defensive lineman, trailing Hall of Famer Richard Dent's eight.

The Florida product started 123-of-143 games played with the Bears and Saints, recording 411 tackles and 45 1/2 sacks.

Brown will be recognized on the field before the Bears take on the Denver Broncos on Thursday night in preseason action.