Left guard Josh Beekman has started 17 games in his first two seasons with the Bears. Recently, I had a chance to talk with him about his chances at winning the starting left guard position and  the Bears chances to make it to the Super Bowl.

I would like to thank Josh Beekman’s agent Calvin Robinson for making this all possible.

Here’s the interview, exclusively on Bearsbacker.com:

Q: First of all how are you doing Josh?

A: I’m doing well, just looking forward to the 2009 season and hopefully the first playoff run of my career.

Q: Was it always your dream to play in the NFL?

A: I think every kid who plays sports has a dream to play professionally but I also wanted to graduate from college. That was important to me and my family as well.

Q: How different is Chicago from Boston College?

A: Its a change of scenery but both have similar elements with cold winter weather. Both are beautiful cities.

Q: Who are your closest buddies from the team or around the NFL?

A: Generally friends I’ve had since college. I generally keep in touch with my former teammates from Boston College the most.

Q: What is your pregame ritual?

A: I just focus on my assignments, what my coaches have taught me and what I need to accomplish during the game.

Q: How many times a week during the season do you work out?

A: I generally work out 5 days a week. Not always weights, sometimes cardio and stretching is very important as well.

Q: What kind of drills do the offensive lineman get put through?

A: Drills to work on blocking techniques, our hands, footwork and recognizing defensive schemes for proper blocking assignments.

Q: I know your in the competition at the left guard position with Frank Omiyale this season. How do you deal with competition?

A: Competition is great, it breeds success. Frank is a great guy and a competitor. All I can do is work hard, listen to my coaches and allow them to make the best decision for our team and be ready when I am called for duty.

Q: What is your ultimate goal to get from the NFL?

A: Every player wants to win the big game but I look to learn and get better every year. I want the Bears organization to realize how honored I am to be a member of the organization and hopefully help get us back to the Superbowl.

Q: What is your ultimate goal in life?

A: Just to be an all around good person. Football is temporary. There will be a lot of life left to live after my career. I want to make my family and friends proud of the person I am off the field as much as the person on.

Q: Who is your role model? Who is the person who helped you get to this point?

A: My mother and father, they raised me well and were very supportive throughout my life. From tough decisions to everyday life they have always been there.

Q: What kind of music do you listen to? What tv shows do you like to watch? Do you play Madden?

A: I listen to all kinds of music, I like to be well rounded, same as television but I definitely prefer Sci-Fi. As for video games I am not into like some of my other teammates but I’ll play every once in a while.

Q: What is your favorite food? Where do you go to eat in Chicago?

A: Its hard to say what my favorite food is but Chicago is definitely a place for good eats. It is one of the best places for food in America!!!

Q: What is favorite vacation spot?

A: Anywhere that I can enjoy time with family and friends and get away for a few days.

Q: How many years do you want to play in the NFL?

A: It all depends on what my body tells me. I would love to have a very long career. As long as I can continue to perform at an elite level.

Q: I’ve heard news that you’re going to take over for Olin Kreutz at center once he retires. How hard would it be to transition over to the center position?

A: If the team’s intentions are to eventually play me at center I am 100% confident the transition would not be a problem. The staff here really does a great job of preparing the O-Line. The hardest part for me would be trying to fill the shoes of Olin who is a great mentor and one of the all time greats in the league.

Q: Does the cold bother you at all during games because the last game at soldier field was very very cold?

A: No I prefer the cold. I think it gives us a distinct advantage against other teams, Being at Boston College and growing up in the NorthEast I am used to playing in the elements.

Q: Do your friends and family ever come to the games?

A: Yes, they make it to a lot of the games. Being an O-Lineman its nice to know there is a loved one in the crowd cheering for you.

Q: What is your favorite part of football?

A: The competition, physical and mental aspects. Preparing all week for that one shot on Sunday, over powering the competition and outsmarting them to a victory.

Q: Do you think this team has what it takes to go all the way to make it back to Miami for Super Bowl 44?

A: Absolutely. The organization has compiled a great group of guys and we are excited about the opportunities we have this year to make it to the big game.

Q: Have you hung out with the new players like Orlando Pace, Jay Cutler, Kevin Shaffer, Frank Omiyale?

A: Yes, we are all at the training facility and I see them on a regular basis. They are all nice guys, great teammates and a wealth of knowledge. I’ve learned a lot from their experience.

Q: What do you think you have to do to win the starting left guard position?

A: Its up to the staff. All I can promise is that I will continue to work hard on a daily basis, listen to my coaches and do everything possible to prepare our team for the 2009 season. Whether as a starter or a alternate.

Q: Thanks so much for your time, good luck this season

A: Thank you!!!