When Moose speaks media listens and learns
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<p align="justify">If every pro team has one player you can go to for some insight, the Chicago Bears' choice is obvious.
<p align="justify">Veteran wideout Muhsin "Moose" Muhammad probably logs the most minutes with the media over the course of the season this side of quarterback Rex Grossman. That's because Grossman has regular weekly sessions in the regular season and Moose doesn't. Moose has interesting things to say and he's always interested in saying them. That's a winning combination the media recognizes and appreciates.
<p align="justify">Almost no subject is out of bounds. Routine football questions will more than fill a reporter's notebook.
<p align="justify">After a scorching morning practice this week, the conversation with Moose began with his role as mentor to the younger receivers. At 34, that means to ALL the rest of them.
<p align="justify">"I'm still playing, my man," he said. "For now, you could say I'm coaching. If they want to pay me a coach's salary on top of what I'm making, I'd be fine with that."
<p align="justify">Bet he would. And it wouldn't be much of a stretch, as he seeks out young receivers as much as they seek him.
<p align="justify">He could be an analyst now or one day a scout. Consider his take on Devin Hester's move to receiver:
<p align="justify">"He's learning. A diligent worker. Definitely has a lot of talent, speed, run after the catch, vision."
<p align="justify">Almost sounds like Mel Kiper Jr. doing a scouting report before an NFL draft.
<p align="justify">"Being a wide receiver is totally different," Moose continues. "You have to work at learning a position like that. Once he gets the ball in his hands, everything else will kick in, what God's given him."
<p align="justify">Moose's own welfare is fair game. He accepts the fact he's not 24 any more, which is harder to do than catching a Grossman pass in triple coverage.
<p align="justify">"Throughout my whole career, I've been one to play with injuries, play hurt," he said. "Hard-nosed type of guy. I think I just enjoy it so much. I enjoy being on the practice field. I enjoy playing. I enjoy doing what I do. I don't want to come off the field.
<p align="justify">"Maybe that's the reason I've played as long as I have. I love it. If there's a question of 'Moose, you need to rest a bit,' or 'Moose, you need
<p align="justify">to do this or that,' now I think I need to start listening to some of that because coaches definitely have my best interest and, of course, the team doctors have my best interest."
<p align="justify">Willingness to accept change. Check.
<p align="justify">Willingness to be reasonable. Check.
<p align="justify">Let's talk about this great offense Chicago has shown in training camp. That, he says, "is great conversation, definitely validated. There's been some explosive plays out here. There's some great talent on this team."
<p align="justify">Nice observation, something many players could make. That's not enough for Moose. Every good viewpoint needs a counterpoint.
<p align="justify">"I don't think we should get complacent or act like we've arrived," he said. "Because we haven't done anything yet. We haven't played a game yet. We haven't seen the offense on the field yet. How good could it really be?"
<p align="justify">He mentions the receiving unit has goals. Individually and collectively. So, naturally, he's asked what they are.
<p align="justify">"This is family stuff," he said.
<p align="justify">OK, so Moose can't tell us everything. We'll still catch up with him on the next slow news day.
Reed Schreck is the NFL Writer for the Rockford Register Star. He can be reached at 815-987-1381 or rschreck@rrstar.com.</font>