BOURBONNAIS -- Chicago Bears receiver Johnny Knox, who was demoted in favor of newcomer Roy Williams, said Thursday he has no plans to seek a trade.
"I’m a Bear, and I want to stay a Bear for life," Knox said.
Knox wasn’t surprised about such speculation after Williams replaced him as the "X" receiver in offensive coordinator Mike Martz’s scheme. He admitted being frustrated by the decision but vowed to work hard to regain his starting role.
"I could see where people were coming from, but it was basically people trying to stir something up," Knox said of the trade talk.
Last season, Knox led the Bears with 960 receiving yards and tied for the team lead with five touchdown receptions while averaging 18.8 yards per catch.
Both Martz and receivers coach Darryl Drake said Knox needs to work on his overall game in order to regain his job. But Drake also noted that even if Knox doesn't start, he'll still be an integral part of the offense.
Drake later berated reporters in response to the Tribune's report about Knox possibly seeking a trade if he were demoted.
"Johnny Knox never said one word (about a trade)," Drake said. "Nothing ever came out of his mouth. Johnny Knox texted me this morning wondering where this (bleep) comes from. I'm going to tell you right now, if you guys keep making this stuff up and bringing this stuff up, you're going to deal with me. That ain't going to be real nice. That ain't going to be real positive.
"Johnny Knox is trying to do everything he needs to do. He don't need all this. He's trying to be the best he can possibly be. If Johnny Knox would have said that, fine, he'd have to deal with it. But when he doesn't, I'm going to have to get involved with it. It's as simple as that."
vxmcclure@tribune.com
twitter@vxmcclure23
"I’m a Bear, and I want to stay a Bear for life," Knox said.
Knox wasn’t surprised about such speculation after Williams replaced him as the "X" receiver in offensive coordinator Mike Martz’s scheme. He admitted being frustrated by the decision but vowed to work hard to regain his starting role.
"I could see where people were coming from, but it was basically people trying to stir something up," Knox said of the trade talk.
Last season, Knox led the Bears with 960 receiving yards and tied for the team lead with five touchdown receptions while averaging 18.8 yards per catch.
Both Martz and receivers coach Darryl Drake said Knox needs to work on his overall game in order to regain his job. But Drake also noted that even if Knox doesn't start, he'll still be an integral part of the offense.
Drake later berated reporters in response to the Tribune's report about Knox possibly seeking a trade if he were demoted.
"Johnny Knox never said one word (about a trade)," Drake said. "Nothing ever came out of his mouth. Johnny Knox texted me this morning wondering where this (bleep) comes from. I'm going to tell you right now, if you guys keep making this stuff up and bringing this stuff up, you're going to deal with me. That ain't going to be real nice. That ain't going to be real positive.
"Johnny Knox is trying to do everything he needs to do. He don't need all this. He's trying to be the best he can possibly be. If Johnny Knox would have said that, fine, he'd have to deal with it. But when he doesn't, I'm going to have to get involved with it. It's as simple as that."
vxmcclure@tribune.com
twitter@vxmcclure23