The Facts: Gould said he wants to be the best kicker ever. So he's eating plenty of M&M ice cream sandwiches and Reese's ice cream at night. Yes, it's all part of the offseason plan the Bears put in place for Gould, who is 34 years old and entering his 12th season. The goal is weight gain. He's at 187 pounds and wants to be at 191 before the season begins. "I just know that putting on weight for me is difficult and I'm not a junk food eater," said a smiling Gould. "I'm really excited, because usually I only put on weight when I'm down at training camp. So to be this heavy at this time of year is something that's good for me."
Diehards Line:
It should help Gould’s strength as he pushes himself to new limits. Gould said he started his offseason training regimen earlier than ever this year. He’s working out six days week, which includes kicking two or three times based on how he feels. Last season wasn’t Gould’s best, and he’d be the first to admit that. His six missed field goals, including a potential game-winner against the 49ers in Week 13, were a major blemish. But Gould still broke the franchise record for most career points last year and set a new single-season record by making 33 field goals. Last season was the first that featured longer extra points. Gould said initially he didn’t like the move from the two-yard line to the 15, but he later began to enjoy it. He missed only one extra point last season, which came in Week 4 against the Raiders. “It makes our position more valuable,” Gould said.