/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/47079486/GettyImages-55402353.0.jpg)
Earlier today during a Chicago Cubs - Cincinnati Reds game on Comcast Sports Net (CSN), former Chicago Bears' linebacker and 7 time Pro Bowler, Lance Briggs, "officially announced" his retirement.
Briggs played every one of his 12 years in the NFL wearing a Chicago Bears uniform. His 7 Pro Bowls are tied with Hall of Fame lineman Stan Jones and center Jay Hilgenberg. The only Bears with more than 7 Pro Bowls are LB Mike Singletary (10), RB Walter Payton (9), LB Bill George (8), LB Dick Butkus (8), LB Brian Urlacher (8) and DL Doug Atkins (8).
Briggs ends his career with 173 games played, 16 interceptions, 5 of which he returned for TDs, 86 passed defended, 16 forced fumbles, 7 fumble recoveries, 15 sacks and 1,172 tackles.
It was fitting that Briggs announced his retirement while in the booth for CSN, because he'll be joining CSN's 2015 Bears coverage as a studio analyst on Bears Pre and Postgame Live. His first day on the job will be opening day against the Packers.
Lance Briggs may have soured a few fans with some of his shenanigans through the years, but there's no question he's one of the greatest Bears of all time.
Even though CSN reports that Briggs is retired, he's still leaving the door slightly ajar for a return to the NFL.
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Ahem! I have not filed any papers. I have NOT offically retired. However, I am excited to ... <a href="https://t.co/JAhkVKD8dS">https://t.co/JAhkVKD8dS</a> <a href="http://t.co/mQMXUuDmW9">pic.twitter.com/mQMXUuDmW9</a></p>— Lance Briggs (@LanceBriggs) <a href="https://twitter.com/LanceBriggs/status/639162752481800192">September 2, 2015</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>
With teams finalizing their rosters by the end of the week, Briggs could be waiting for a last minute call to suit up once again.
What are your thoughts on Lance Briggs' legacy with the Bears?