Four years of college football was not enough for senior tight end Charlie Dowdle, who signed as a free agent for the Chicago Bears Sunday. Dowdle will start training at rookie camp this week in his home state of Illinois.

“I just felt like I had more in me to give to football,” Dowdle said.

Dowdle spent the week with his phone close by as the NFL Draft was taking place.

“It was a big relief when I got the call this morning. I am excited to go down there and go to work for them,” Dowdle said.

Dowdle is grateful for all the support from his teammates, coaches, family and friends. He said their support was essential for his journey to the NFL.

“Hopefully it turns into a long career down the road, but this is my first chance to be part of the organization,” Dowdle said.

Coach Glenn Caruso spoke highly of his former player and loved seeing him transform physically and emotionally over the past four years.

“I mean, here is a guy who is a phenomenal football player without a doubt, but he is also an amazing teammate, a hard worker, a thoughtful kid and just a joy to be around in general,” Caruso said. “He became one of the best leaders I could have asked for.”

Caruso noted that, just as with any player drafted into the NFL, there is work that needs to be done, but he feels that Dowdle’s experience will benefit him.

“His style of game is one that is played regularly in the NFL. He’s a vertical stretch and a great route-running tight end who is a matchup nightmare,” Caruso said.

Caruso also said that it will be different, but he has faith in Dowdle’s potential.

“At that level, it’s the elite of the elite,” Caruso said. “It’s going to be a little bit different, but when given the opportunity, Charlie has proven to me that there is nothing that he can’t do.”

Timing and fit is an important factor in the draft, according to Caruso.

“It is important to know that being able to get a chance or even make an NFL team is really a lot more about how that player would fit into the system at a time when that team is looking for that certain position,” Caruso said.

Dowdle will be playing as a tight end in rookie camp, which he hopes may lead to a contract.

Marissa Groechel can be reached at groe5630@stthomas.edu.