May 27, 2010

Bears rookie is Cheyenne

Bears rookie Horn proud of Native American heritage

By Larry MayerThe main reason that Native American children look up to Bears rookie Levi Horn has little to do with the fact that the 6-foot-6 offensive tackle towers over them.

To the kids, Horn is much more than a pro football player. He’s one of them—a Native American who is part of the Northern Cheyenne Tribe, which is based in southeast Montana. Pittsburgh Steelers safety Tuff Harris is believed to be the only other Native American currently in the NFL.

Horn, who spent three days speaking to wide-eyed kids on the Fort Belknap Reservation in Montana earlier this month, enjoys being viewed as a role model.

“I really like it,” said Horn, who was raised solely by his mother. “My mom got an education, but when I was a kid I really didn’t [have an adult male role model] and I didn’t get to see any athletes. I didn’t even know of any athletes that were Native American. It’s nice to be somebody for a little kid and help them.”
Comment:  For more on the subject, see Tunica-Biloxi Green Bay Packer and Crow is NFL Reserve Player.

Below:  "Levi Horn participates in a drill during the Bears rookie minicamp at Halas Hall."

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