Eben Britton

Eben Britton (born October 14, 1987) is an American football guard for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League. He was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second round of the 2009 NFL Draft. He played college football at Arizona.

Early years

Britton played his high school career at John Burroughs High School in Burbank, California. He was a three-year varsity starter at the school earning All-CIF honors and All Foothill League honors.

Considered a four-star recruit by Rivals.com, Britton was listed as the No. 16 offensive tackle prospect in the nation.^[1]

College career

In 2008, Britton moved to left tackle from right tackle and according to the coaches registering a school season-record 111 key knockdowns. He was named First-team All-Pac-10. In 2007 he played right tackle earned Second-team All-Pac-10 honors. The previous season, 2006, the coaches voted him Arizona's most consistent and best offensive lineman. He redshirted in 2005. He majored in creative writing.

Professional career

2009 NFL Draft

In an NFL Draft loaded with talented offensive linemen, Britton was considered one of the better players available,^[2] and drew comparisons to Marc Colombo.^[3] However, he was deemed "not athletic enough to be a consistent pass blocker against the faster pass rushers" at left tackle, and therefore was projected to "have a long, solid career on the right side."^[4] Initially thought of as a potential first-rounder, Britton fell to the second round, where he was selected 39th overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars. Reportedly angry about not being drafted in the first round, Britton said: "I'm gonna work my ass off for the Jacksonville Jaguars and people are gonna regret it. I've got my own agenda, and that's first and foremost to take the Jacksonville Jaguars to the Super Bowl. Secondly, I'm gonna be the greatest offensive tackle to ever play this game."^[5]

Jacksonville Jaguars

In an effort to rebuild their offensive line, the Jaguars selected Eugene Monroe and Britton with their first two picks. While Monroe was to occupy the left tackle spot, Britton was expected to compete with Tony Pashos for the starting nod at right tackle.^[6] On August 1, 2009, the Jaguars signed Britton to a four-year deal worth approximately $4.6 million that includes $2.83 million guaranteed.^[7] Britton was named the starting right tackle prior to the final preseason game. Pashos was moved to right guard as a result. After the final preseason game, Pashos was released and Britton was listed as the starting right tackle.^[8]

In the 2012 preseason, Britton was moved from right tackle to left guard.

Chicago Bears

Britton signed with the Chicago Bears on April 16, 2013.^[9]

Personal life

His father, the New York painter Jeff Britton, played college basketball at Jacksonville University. His grandmother is Estelle Parsons. who won the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress for her role in Bonnie and Clyde.

References

External links

• Arizona Wildcats bio