The Chicago Bears will take the field in the 2011 NFL Playoffs with four former Lone Star Conference players in the starting lineup, placing the NCAA Division II conference in elite company.

   The LSC is one of seven conferences to boast four or more players on one NFL team’s starting playoff roster. The other six leagues - Atlantic Coast, Big East, Big Ten, Big 12, Pac-10, and Southeastern Conference - are each part of the Bowl Championship Series, whose football champions receive an automatic berth into one of the five BCS bowl games.

   Danieal Manning, Johnny Knox, Roberto Garza and J’Marcus Webb bring LSC ties to the Bears who captured the NFC North championship and a first-round bye in the playoffs. Chicago (11-5) will open the playoffs at 12 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 16 by hosting the Philadelphia Eagles, New Orleans Saints or Seattle Seahawks.

   Manning and Knox both played at Abilene Christian, while Garza hails from Texas A&M-Kingsville and Webb played at West Texas A&M.

   Three leagues – the LSC, ACC and Pac-10 – each have four players starting for the Bears.

   There are 11 ex-NCAA Division II players starting for NFL playoff teams including the four past LSC football standouts.

   Manning, a starting strong safety, is in his fifth season with Chicago. He’s fourth on the team with 72 total tackles (59 solo, 13 assists). Manning also is the team’s leading kickoff returner with 33 returns for 816 yards (24.7 average).

   Knox is the Bears top receiver in his second season. He leads the team with 51 catches for 960 yards (18.8 per catch) and five touchdowns. Knox was named to the Pro Bowl as a rookie last season.

   Garza, in his 10th season, starts at right guard. He has been a key component to offensive line since coming to Chicago in 2005, starting 71-of-80 games played, including 64 straight, while the Bears have rushed for 8,512 yards. Garza is one of two offensive lineman to play in every game over the previous five seasons for Chicago.

   Webb, who is the only rookie that starts for Chicago, has been a mainstay at right tackle this season.

   The NFL Playoffs start January 8-9 with Wild Card Weekend. Former Midwestern State standout Dominic Rhodes is also taking part in the playoffs with the Indianapolis Colts, who play the New York Jets on Saturday. He has 31 rushes for 135 yards over the last three games for the Colts.