The Chicago Bears on Thursday picked Gabe Carimi, a Wisconsin Badgers offensive tackle, in the first round of the NFL draft.
The 6-foot-7, 314-pound Carimi started 49 games for Wisconsin over four years. He will be counted on to shore up a Bears offensive line that allowed a league-high 56 sacks last season.
He said he had no qualms about being the 29th pick.
"The Bears picked me and I have faith in the Bears organization and I'm glad they have faith in me. I'm willing to help support the Bears in any way possible," he told the media at Halas Hall via telephone.
On being a Wisconsinite and playing "behind enemy lines":
"It's not enemy lines over here if you look at my house. I converted about 100 Packer fans to where they should be now," said Carimi.
Coveted by offensive line coach Mike Tice, the "Jewish Hammer," as Carimi is known, said he's excited to join the team.
"I cannot wait to play for Mike Tice. I think he's a great coach and one of the best coaches in the National Football League and I'm just excited to play for him," he said.
Carimi wasn't the only one excited about the draft pick. Kristin Cavallari, who got engaged this week to Bears QB Jay Cutler, sent out a tweet shortly after the announcement
"Yay we got an offensive lineman!!! Go bears," she said.
