Windy City Gridiron - Brian Urlacher Retires from the NFLA Chicago Bears communityhttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/49985/windy-fav.png2013-05-26T15:00:06-05:00http://www.windycitygridiron.com/rss/stream/41237872013-05-26T15:00:06-05:002013-05-26T15:00:06-05:00Urlacher and his identity to the Bears
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<figcaption>Ronald Martinez</figcaption>
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<p>We recap a podcast interview from Thursday and also share some personal thoughts about what a star player means to the team's fans.</p> <p>Thursday night, I did another one of my sparkling podcast appearances with Making Sense With Mike And Tom (Protip: Never believe someone's self-analysis of their performance in a public interview or other appearance). You can listen to our conversation <a target="_blank" href="http://www.blogtalkradio.com/making-sense-with-mike-and-tom/2013/05/23/making-sense-with-mike-and-tom">right here</a> (I came on at the half-way point and we rambled for about 25 minutes).</p>
<p>The day before, of course, <span>Brian Urlacher</span> officially announced his retirement from the NFL.</p>
<p>We spoke for about the first half of our conversation on discussing Urlacher and how the team built to move on from one of the best linebackers ever, and then moved into all the changes this offseason's presented to the <a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Bears</a>, but I thought I'd share my thoughts on Urlacher with you guys. As I primarily post on the weekends, I'm typically "late to the party" on some of these topics, but it's been four days since his retirement and I should get my thoughts here too.</p>
<p>Urlacher's a Hall of Famer. He might get squeezed out on the first ballot, but he will get in.</p>
<p>We're talking about a linebacker that succeeded, and succeeded extremely well, in two eras of football combined into one. He had success early in his career (Defensive Rookie of the Year; four consecutive Pro Bowls and two All-Pro nominations in his first four seasons). He succeeded at the height of his career (All-Pro nominations in 2005 and 2006 with two extremely good defenses, Super Bowl appearance; 2005 Defensive Player of the Year). Late in his career he added another couple Pro Bowl appearances. 8 Pro Bowls, 4 All-Pros.</p>
<p>His final numbers over 13 seasons (essentially 12, since 2009 was a complete washout) are impressive. And those are the plays he <i>made.</i> Because if a player's in coverage, and doing their job, the play can't go in his direction.</p>
<p>His stats won't match up entirely to <span>Ray Lewis</span>. That's fine; Lewis played four more seasons, in multiple defenses, with the best numbers of his era, but Urlacher's a close second (and matched him in sacks, believe it or not - not bad for a player who couldn't shed blocks, right, <span>Dhani Jones</span>?). They can both be worthy.</p>
<p>Mike Freeman wrote about how Urlacher's the <a target="_blank" href="http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/blog/mike-freeman/22285328/brian-urlacher-was-one-of-the-last-of-the-great-mlb-headbangers">last of a dying breed</a> - the brutal linebacker. Now, brutal linebacking is something Bears fans have gotten used to over their history. But the game is changing - and has changed. I don't agree with Freeman's assertion that a middle linebacker had to be like Dick Butkus and throw players into the bench (and he doesn't exactly go into detail about how mean a linebacker had to be), but the position always had to make its impact felt.</p>
<p>Urlacher made his impact felt. Played fast, hit hard, had to be where he had to be, made sure others did the same, made plays on the ball and the player.</p>
<p>We also talked about how it's unfair to compare the players coming after him to him. Urlacher's athleticism was uncanny. <span>Khaseem Greene</span>, <span>Jonathan Bostic</span> and DJ Williams are athletic, but none to the tune of Urlacher in his prime. And they're not replacing Urlacher in his prime - they're replacing Urlacher with a bad leg. None of them may have eight years of playing under Lovie Smith to rely on, but knowledge can be picked up.</p>
<p>Urlacher will be a Hall of Famer, and the Bears will be able to move on from a Hall of Fame linebacker just fine.</p>
<p>But that's from a football perspective. From a personal perspective, this year's different.</p>
<p>I wasn't really a big sports fan, and certainly not much of a football fan (at least that I can remember), until high school (my brother played little league, and I was/am a Cubs fan, but that's another story for another time). In fact, I owned two jerseys before I owned my first Bears jersey - a <span>Brett Favre</span> jersey and a <span>Daunte Culpepper</span> jersey. <a href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Packers</a> and <a href="https://www.dailynorseman.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Vikings</a>. Blasphemy, I know.</p>
<p>In 2001, I was writing for our local "teen" "newspaper" (it was a Friday insert of the local newspaper where every high school in the area had a couple pages for their writers to add stories). Everyone knows what happened that season - the Bears went 13-3 behind a pair of Mike Brown... well, I hesitate to call them "miracles" but extremely unlikely endings in the Bears' favor. Behind those wins, I wrote an article for that insert recapping the Bears' great season. I'll never forget that article, not because it actually made the front page of the insert (and took up nearly the remainder of our school's allotted space), but because the editor at the paper wrote "Bears Dominate NLFL Football" as the headline.</p>
<p>But rereading the recaps of those games, it was almost like a light clicked on - that team changed me. I was hooked. I'd been kind of a curious fan before, but this was different.</p>
<p>And the next jersey I got was Brian Urlacher's.</p>
<p>It's a throwback now, and that makes me a little sad. Players retire, and in football their careers are a lot shorter than in other sports (paging Jamie Moyer, paging Jamie Moyer), but when a player identifies so much with a franchise that you're a fan of, like Sammy Sosa with the Cubs pre-2004, or Frank Thomas with the Sox, or Michael Jordan with the Bulls (the first, and the second time), it's depressing. In your head you know the player can't play forever and the team may even be better when they move on, but in your heart you kind of wish that player would play forever. Especially a player from that era when you first woke up to becoming a fan of that team. You don't know anything else aside from that player on that team.</p>
<p>We've seen the team without Urlacher before - 2009. That was just an injury though, one that took him out the whole year. But this is different. This time, he's really gone, and he isn't coming back.</p>
<p>So, I'll admit, I'm a little sad Urlacher's no longer an active player. But the team moves on. The team's added players to that position like they do every year. And the players might play better than Urlacher would have been able to give them.</p>
<p>But Urlacher's Bears brought me completely on board, and now the two part ways - one to the path to the Super Bowl, and one to the Hall of Fame.</p>
https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2013/5/26/4368042/urlacher-and-the-players-identity-to-the-team-and-its-fansSteven Schweickert2013-05-24T15:00:05-05:002013-05-24T15:00:05-05:00Urlacher not a "guaranteed" Hall of Famer
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<figcaption>Ezra Shaw</figcaption>
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<p>Of all the praise that has been heaped on Brian Urlacher since he announced his retirement Wednesday, most of it has involved the discussion, even assumption, that he will one day be enshrined in the Pro-Football Hall of Fame. Former Colts and Giants general manager Ernie Accorsi is not convinced.</p> <p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Bears</a> fans who have watched <span>Brian Urlacher</span> since he came into the league 13 years ago know that he is among the best linebackers in franchise history. He has earned that place with his play.</p>
<p>He was a perennial Pro-Bowler, an All-Pro and the Defensive Player of the Year in 2005. Is Brian Urlacher the greatest linebacker ever? Probably not, but did he change the way the position is played? Did he revolutionize the middle linebacker position? I believe the argument is there. He was among the first with his size, speed and range at that position.</p>
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<center> MORE: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.windycitygridiron.com/2013/5/23/4359944/chicago-bears-brian-urlacher-is-a-lock-for-the-hall-of-fame">Brian Urlacher is a lock for the Hall of Fame</a> </center>
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<p>However, one former NFL executive does not think so.</p>
<p>According to Pro-Football Talk, Ernie Accorsi <a target="_blank" href="http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/05/23/ernie-accorsi-not-convinced-brian-urlacher-is-a-hall-of-famer/">was asked</a> about Urlacher's Hall of Fame candidacy during a Sirius XM Radio interview. This was his answer:</p>
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<p>"I think he’s a borderline Hall of Famer," Accorsi said. "I don’t know that he’s a definite Hall of Famer. I think there is a host of them, like Willie Lanier, that were dominant players. He was good, but I wouldn’t put him in that level."</p>
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<p>The follow up question was if Urlacher was a guaranteed Hall of Famer:</p>
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<p>"I don’t think he’s a guarantee. I mean, he may get in because he got a lot of publicity and he was a hard player. But his span that he covered was really restricted. Now a lot of those middle linebackers were in those days. They didn’t have three or four wide receivers so they stayed on the field for three downs. They might be off today. But, no, I certainly don’t have him in [Dick] Butkus or <span>Ray Lewis</span> [category]. And I don’t think he should be in there, really with [Joe] Schmidt and [Ray] Nitschke and those guys, either."</p>
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<p>Now Accorsi is entitled to his opinion of course, but how wrong is he? I thought I would compare Urlacher's resume to those he mentioned.</p>
<p>Now the first player he mentioned, Willie Lanier, played 11 seasons for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.arrowheadpride.com/">Kansas City Chiefs</a> from 1967-77. He was an 8-time Pro-Bowler and 3-time First Team All-Pro. He played before tackles and sacks were stats so all I can say is that he played 149 games, had 27 interceptions and scored two touchdowns.</p>
<p>Urlacher on the other hand, played 13 seasons, 182 games, had 22 interceptions, scored three defensive TDs and was an 8-time Pro-Bowler and a 4-time First Team All-Pro. To me, those are very, very similar careers. Now, I didn't see Lanier play, but from the stats it seems like Accorsi is really splitting hairs to say that Lanier was dominant and Urlacher is merely "borderline."</p>
<p>Joe Schmidt played 13 seasons for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.prideofdetroit.com/">Detroit Lions</a> in the '50s and '60s, he appeared in 155 games, had 24 interceptions, 17 fumble recoveries and was a 10-time Pro-Bowler and 8-time First Team All-Pro.</p>
<p>Now Ray Nitschke is among the All-Time greats, like Butkus. Nitschke played 15 seasons, 190 games, had 25 interceptions, two defensive TDs and 23 fumble recoveries, a one-time Pro Bowler and 3-time First Team All-Pro. Butkus played in 119 games, scored one defensive TD, had 22 interceptions, 27 fumble recoveries and he was an 8-time Pro Bowler and 5-time First Team All-Pro.</p>
<p>Finally, the most recent player that Accorsi compared Urlacher to was Ray Lewis. Lewis, the media darling, is no doubt one of the best LBs of all time. Lewis played 17 seasons, 228 games, 31 interceptions, three defensive TDs and had 20 fumble recoveries. He was a 13-time Pro Bowler and 7-time First Team All-Pro. Since he played in the same era as Urlacher, I can list his sack and forced fumble stats. Lewis forced 19 fumbles and had 41.5 sacks. Urlacher had 11 forced fumbles and 41.5 sacks.</p>
<p>Yes, that's right, Urlacher and Lewis have the exact same number of career sacks. Lewis played many seasons in the more blitz-heavy 3-4 defensive scheme but has the exact same sack stats.</p>
<p>Some how Lewis is seen as perhaps the greatest linebacker of all time. His career numbers aren't a heck of a lot different than Urlacher's. I'm not listing sack stats because those are so subjective. I hate to say it, but is Lewis considered better because he danced his little dance every Sunday and was all "fiery" and gave a lot of speeches and wore a lot of eye black? 17 seasons and over 200 games played is certainly worthy of the Hall of Fame by itself. it's remarkable. But as far as the stats go, I see five players who all have very similar careers (Urlacher, Schmidt, Nitschke, Butkus and Lanier) and one whose career was just a tad longer and got a couple more rings and a couple more post season honors (Lewis).</p>
<p>To me, they are all worthy of the hall. Sorry Accorsi, but Urlacher is every bit the Hall of Famer that any of these guys are.</p>
<p><b>MORE FROM WINDY CITY GRIDIRON:</b></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.windycitygridiron.com/2013/5/23/4359746/brian-urlacher-retires-from-the-chicago-bears">Follow the full Brian Urlacher Storystream</a></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.windycitygridiron.com/2013/5/22/4355524/breaking-down-the-2013-chicago-bears-schedule-predictions">Chicago Bears schedule prediction Storystream</a></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.windycitygridiron.com/2013/5/22/4349988/chicago-bears-playbook-marquess-wilson-west-coast-offense">Bears Playbook - Marquess Wilson's West Coast Style</a></p>
https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2013/5/24/4361136/former-nfl-gm-ernie-accorsi-chicago-bears-brian-urlacher-hall-of-fameSam Householder2013-05-23T21:03:54-05:002013-05-23T21:03:54-05:00Brian Urlacher is a lock for the Hall Of Fame
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<p>If you truly don't think Brian Urlacher will be enshrined in Canton some day, then you haven't been paying attention.</p> <p><span>Brian Urlacher</span> will be a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame some day, and it's OK if it's not on the first ballot. There's a chance he will be a fist ballot guy, but if he isn't, it's nothing to gnash your teeth over.</p>
<p>Many <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Bears</a> fans want to bang the drum for Urlacher's first ballot candidacy, and I get that, but in reality the only difference in being elected on the first ballot and not, is the bio line that reads,<i> "First Ballot Hall Of Famer"</i>. If you make it into that select company it's a special day.</p>
<p>The latest Chicago Bear that went into the Hall was defensive end Richard Dent, who was elected in 2011, fourteen years after he retired. Dan Hampton was elected twelve years after he retired. Mike Ditka was part of the 1988 Hall Of Fame Class, and he retired in 1972. Are their Bears' legacies any less than that of first ballot inductee Mike Singletary?</p>
<p>When ever I think about a players Hall Of Fame credentials, in any sport, the first thing I consider is; <i>Was he one of the very best at his position for a decade?</i> Was Brian Urlacher one of the best middle linebackers in the game during his 13 years? The answer is an emphatic yes.</p>
<p>Brian Urlacher may not have been the premier middle linebacker in the NFL during his 13 year career, but he was definitely in that conversation. Urlacher himself gives the honor of best MLB in his era to <span>Ray Lewis</span>, and I tend to agree. Regardless of your personal feelings about Lewis, he was an exceptional football player. Sure he played the game with a theatrical flair, and his pre-game dance took on life of it's own, but he was damn good between the lines.</p>
<p>The second half of Urlacher's career, the best inside linebacker was probably San Francisco's <span>Patrick Willis</span>, who has never missed a Pro Bowl in his six year career that began in 2007. He's another outstanding football player, and when Urlacher was missing Pro Bowls from 2007-09, it was Willis that was talked up as the best inside backer in the NFC.</p>
<p>The only Pro Bowl that Urlacher missed in his first seven years in the league was 2004, when he only played nine games. An injury robbed him of what probably would have been another Pro Bowl that year. In 2007 the Bears' record dipped after their Super Bowl, and Urlacher missed the Pro Bowl even though he had an outstanding statistical season.</p>
<p align="center">MORE: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.windycitygridiron.com/2011/5/17/2172981/greatest-chicago-bears-seasons-brian-urlacher-2007/in/4123787">Greatest Chicago Bears Seasons: Brian Urlacher 2007</a></p>
<p>The Bears missed the playoffs again in 2008, and Urlacher again missed the Pro Bowl. Then in 2009 he went down with a season ending wrist injury in the week one game against the <span class="sbn-auto-link"><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/">Packers</a></span>. Many experts figured this was the beginning of the end for Urlacher. It wasn't.</p>
<p>In 2010 Urlacher not only returned to the field, but he was named to the Pro Bowl for a 7th time, then he made it an 8th in 2011. Last season he valiantly tried to play, but it was clear the injury he suffered in the week 17 game of 2011 was too much to overcome.</p>
<p>He had moments of the "old" Urlacher last year, but he just couldn't fully recover from his knee injury. Then a hamstring injury ended his 2013 season prematurely.</p>
<p>In total, he had those eight Pro Bowl nods, he was named 1st team All Pro four times, one 2nd team All Pro, a Defensive Rookie Of The Year award, and a Defensive Player Of The Year award. The one thing missing from his resume was the Super Bowl ring, and unfortunately some voters will hold that against him. Those voters will be idiots, but that won't stop them.</p>
<p>Another often talked about knock on his career, was his perfect match for the Lovie Smith Tampa 2 defense. The old cockamamie "product of the system" argument. If you were to build a Tampa 2 middle linebacker from the ground up, he would be Brian Urlacher. His speed and coverage ability was tailor made for that defense, but it baffles me that some conveniently forget that he was a four time Pro Bowler before Lovie Smith was hired to coach the Bears.</p>
<p>Urlacher thrived in the Dick Jauron version of the 4-3 that had those two behemoth defensive tackles in front of him eating up the middle. During these years Urlacher was playing a different game entirely. He wasn't concerned with the middle third in pass coverage, he was playing more of an attacking role as the mike backer. Two of his three highest tackle totals came during the Jauron years, as did more than half of his career sack totals.</p>
<p>Brian Urlacher is a player that would have thrived in any scheme, and at any linebacker position. He had the speed to be a 3-4 pass rushing OLB or a 4-3 weakside OLB, and he had the strength to play the strongside in a 4-3.</p>
<p>The other argument against him that pops up from time to time is that he may not even be the best linebacker on his team. Former teammate, and current Bear Lance Briggs, was named to seven consecutive Pro Bowls from 2005-11, and he is a damn good linebacker. But using him as an argument against Urlacher's Hall worthiness is just asinine. Playing with good talent doesn't diminish what one player can do.</p>
<p>Ray Lewis played with players that were voted into 36 combined Pro Bowls during his 17 year career, and Urlacher had 20 such players named during his 13 year career <i>(Briggs' 7 is the most, and <span>Tommie Harris</span> is next with 4)</i>. Mike Singletary played with two other Hall Of Famers on his defense, and that didn't stop Hall voters from electing him.</p>
<p>Brian Urlacher was one of the most physically gifted linebackers to ever play in the NFL. He was also one of the most cerebral players to ever play his position. He was a leader of his team and the face of his franchise for his entire career.</p>
<p>Wearing the yellow jacket that signifies pro football greatness is a special honor that few ever receive, and in my opinion Brian Urlacher deserves to be there, and he will be there. But don't take my word for it, here's what a couple of the quarterbacks that he matched wits with <a target="_blank" href="http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/NFL-coaches-players-share-admiration-for-Urlacher/9448b6f6-f0b5-4c38-bb39-e06a1c61589f">had to say</a>.</p>
<p><span>Peyton Manning</span>, his opponent in the 2006 Super Bowl said, <i>"It's a no-brainer when it comes to Brian having a Hall of Fame career."</i> and Green Bay's <span>Aaron Rodgers</span>,<i> "Brian was the ultimate competitor, leader, and a no-doubt Hall of Famer,"</i>.</p>
<p>Urlacher was a playmaker, a game changer, and he was at the top of his game throughout the majority of his career. Exactly the type of legacy that will get someone into Canton.</p>
<p><b>More From Windy City Gridiron</b></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.windycitygridiron.com/2013/5/23/4359746/brian-urlacher-retires-from-the-chicago-bears">Check out the full Urlacher Storystream</a></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.windycitygridiron.com/xs-and-os-bears-playbook">Check out our Xs & Os section</a></p>
<p><a target="_blank" href="http://www.windycitygridiron.com/2013/5/21/4352244/confidence-check-chicago-bears-running-backs">Confidence Check: Bears Running Backs</a></p>
https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2013/5/23/4359944/chicago-bears-brian-urlacher-is-a-lock-for-the-hall-of-fameLester A. Wiltfong Jr.2013-05-23T07:02:23-05:002013-05-23T07:02:23-05:00The Bears Den: May 23, 2013
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<figcaption>Ezra Shaw</figcaption>
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<p>Join us for this Brian Urlacher heavy edition of the Bears Den.</p> <p><b><a href="http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Urlacher-retires-after-13-illustrious-seasons/da68e020-0c91-4814-bb3f-fffc009d5b41" target="_blank">Urlacher retires after 13 illustrious seasons</a> </b>- Larry Mayer: Star MLB Brian Urlacher on Wednesday announced his retirement from the NFL. Urlacher spent all 13 seasons of his illustrious NFL career with the Bears.</p>
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<center> Kev: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.windycitygridiron.com/2013/5/22/4355520/brian-urlacher-officially-announce-retirement-from-the-nfl-Bears-Chicago">Brian Urlacher Retires</a> </center>
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<p><b><a href="http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Urlacher-reflects-on-unforgettable-Bears-career/df8b0f6c-be6f-47b5-9f46-c93be26f14f6" target="_blank">Urlacher reflects on unforgettable Bears career</a></b> - Larry Mayer: When Brian Urlacher first joined the Bears in 2000, he never dreamed he'd have an illustrious 13-year career that likely will culminate in his induction in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.</p>
<p><b><a href="http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Former-Bears-teammates-will-miss-Urlacher-on-off-field/7d4489cf-3675-4617-a197-d0a5ec393f9f" target="_blank">Former Bears teammates will miss Urlacher on, off field</a> </b>- Larry Mayer: News of Brian Urlacher's retirement reverberated through Halas Hall Wednesday as his former Bears teammates celebrated the star MLB's illustrious 13-year NFL career. <b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.chicagobears.com/news/article-1/Twitter-reacts-to-Brians-Urlachers-retirement/f5e45305-809d-460a-87ec-4f98aab3b085">Reactions from Twitter</a></b>.</p>
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<center> Lester: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.windycitygridiron.com/2013/5/22/4355968/twitter-reacts-to-former-chicago-bears-linebacker-brian-urlacher">Twitter reacts to former Bears MLB Brian Urlacher</a> </center>
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<p id="paragraph4" style="opacity: 1; transition-property: all; transition-duration: 0s; transition-timing-function: cubic-bezier(0.25, 0.1, 0.25, 1);" class="pgh-paragraph"><b>Urlacher retirement</b></p>
<p><b><a href="http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20130522/sports/705229840/" target="_blank">Urlacher announces NFL retirement with ‘no regrets’</a> </b>- Bob LeGere: Statistics and records were never as important to him as wins and his relationships with teammates, staff and fans.</p>
<p><b><a href="http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/bears/20284151-606/brian-urlacher-calls-it-quits-with-gas-left-in-the-tank.html" target="_blank">Urlacher calls it quits with gas left in the tank</a> </b>- Mark Potash: Age took its toll on Brian Urlacher, but history will repair that damage and then some. You can make your reservations for Canton in 2018 right now.</p>
<p><b><a href="http://blogs.suntimes.com/bears/2013/05/urlacher_says_he_would_still_p.html" target="_blank">Urlacher says he would still play for Lovie</a></b> - Adam L. Jahns: It seems like a moot point now with Marc Trestman now in charge of the Bears and Lovie Smith gone. But Brian Urlacher said he believes he'd still be playing if Smith was the Bears' head coach.</p>
<p><b><a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-spt-0523-mulligan-bears-urlacher-chicago-20130523,0,4589333.column" target="_blank">Urlacher exits the NFL stage quietly</a></b> - Mike Mulligan: Bears MLB still wanted to play but evidently not at second-rate pay so he just fades away with no fanfare.</p>
<p><b><a href="http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000205547/article/brian-urlacher-injury-coach-change-factors-in-retiring" target="_blank">Urlacher: Injury, coach change factors in retiring</a></b> - Dan Hanzus: Why did Brian Urlacher retire? The Bears legend told "The Rich Eisen Podcast" that he couldn't ignore the truth, saying, "Honestly, I'm just not quite the same player I used to be."</p>
<p><b><a href="http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-total-access/0ap2000000205567/Urlacher-If-Lovie-still-was-a-Bear-I-d-be-too" target="_blank">[Video] NFL Total Access</a></b> - Brian Urlacher joins Andrew Siciliano to discuss why he decided to retire and what could have caused him to stick around for at least one more year.</p>
<p><b><a href="http://www.csnchicago.com/bears-talk/urlachers-loyalty-bears-special" target="_blank">Urlacher's loyalty to Bears 'special'</a></b> - Kip Lewis: There will be no pictures or stories of him ever donning colors representing another franchise. That is special nowadays.</p>
<p><b><a href="http://www.dailyherald.com/article/20130522/sports/705229764/" target="_blank">For Reinsdorf and Urlacher, time is relative</a></b> - Mike Imrem: A player is the man for a while, but the owner is the man for as long as he wants to be.</p>
<p><b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-spt-0321-bears-timeline-urlacher-chicago-2-20130321,0,7565813.story">Brian Urlacher timeline</a></b>; <b><a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-brian-urlacher-bears-photos,0,1021527.photogallery" target="_blank">Photos</a></b>.</p>
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<p><b>Reflecting on #54<br></b></p>
<p><b><a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-spt-0523-mcclure-bears-urlacher-chicago-20130523,0,525982,full.story" target="_blank">Urlacher special to the Bears on and off the field</a></b> - Vaughn McClure: #54 announced his retirement via Twitter but his legacy will be lasting.</p>
<p><b><a href="http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/bears/20285632-606/telander-brian-urlacher-carried-on-proud-tradition-of-bears-mlbs.html" target="_blank">Urlacher carried on proud tradition of Bears’ MLBs</a></b> - Rick Telander: Bill George, they say, started the position. Dick Butkus turned it into performance art for sadists. Mike Singletary made it into religion. Urlacher played the famed Chicago position in a way that was his alone, even as it paid homage to the past.</p>
<hr>
<center> Dane: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.windycitygridiron.com/2013/5/22/4356686/bears-chairman-george-mccaskey-releases-statement-on-brian-urlacher">Bears release statement on Urlacher's retirement</a> </center>
<hr>
<p><b><a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-spt-0523-bowen-bears-urlacher-chicago-20130523,0,4189293.column" target="_blank">Urlacher could do it all, and then some</a></b> - Matt Bowen: Bears MLB forced the opposition to plan around him because it couldn't run through him or pass over him (<b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.csnchicago.com/bears-talk/bowen-nobody-played-game-urlacher">non-Tribune link</a>)</b>.</p>
<p><b><a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-spt-0324-bears-pompei-chicago-20130324,0,7271939,full.column" target="_blank">Brian Urlacher deserving of a 54-gun salute</a></b> - Dan Pompei: When Brian Urlacher held up that navy blue jersey for the first time on that April day in 2000, his face a little pimply and his scalp covered with closely cropped blond hair, no one had any idea what 54 would come to represent.</p>
<p><b><a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-brian-urlacher-chicago-bears-green-bay-packers-20130522,0,336065.story" target="_blank">Packers' McCarthy: 'Everyone has so much respect for Brian'</a></b> - Brad Biggs: The presence of the MLB for 13 seasons made for terrific battles within the game involving him and Packers QBs Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers.</p>
<p><b><a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcnorth/post/_/id/56639/brian-urlacher-impact-on-teammates" target="_blank">Urlacher's impact on teammates</a></b> - Kevin Seifert: Emotions always run high when a superstar retires, and those who spent time around him tend to wax nostalgic. They are already beginning the work toward cementing a legend. <b><a target="_blank" href="http://www.csnchicago.com/video_content_type/alex-brown-shares-memories-time-urlacher">[Video] Alex Brown on his time with #54</a></b>.</p>
<p><b><a href="http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/bears/20275349-606/brian-urlacher-retires-as-he-should-a-bear.html" target="_blank">Brian Urlacher retires as he should — a Bear</a></b> - Rick Morrissey: This is how he was meant to leave the stage, not as a broken-down LB playing out his career with another team, but as a Bear for life.</p>
<p><b><a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-spt-0523-pompei-bears-urlacher-chicago-20130523,0,2439345.column" target="_blank">It's fitting Urlacher ends career a lifelong Bear</a></b> - Dan Pompei: It wouldn't have been right for great MLB to don the colors of another team for a swan song. <b><a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-pompei-urlacher-20130522,0,5080905.column" target="_blank">Urlacher still had what it takes</a></b>.</p>
<p><b><a href="http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=9301684" target="_blank">[Video] ESPN</a></b> - Jeff Dickerson reacts to the news that LB Brian Urlacher has retired after 13 seasons with the Bears.</p>
<p><b><a href="http://www.csnchicago.com/bears-talk/urlacher-ending-not-what-it-should-have-been" target="_blank">Urlacher ending not what it should have been</a></b> - Moon Mullin: Unseemly rupture in the relationship when Urlacher spurned the Bears’ offer for a final season cheated the Bears, Urlacher and football out of what should have been. <b><a href="http://www.csnchicago.com/video_content_type/moon-breaks-down-urlachers-decision" target="_blank">[Video] View from the Moon</a></b>.</p>
<p><b><a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-spt-0523-haugh-bears-urlacher-chicago-20130523,0,4600899.column" target="_blank">No athlete since Michael Jordan symbolized Chicago more than Urlacher</a></b> - David Haugh: From his first day as a Bear to his last, Urlacher never considered himself special, which perhaps was why he became that way.</p>
<p><b><a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/rosenblog/chi-brian-urlacher-chicago-bears-rosenbloom-20130522,0,1298987.column" target="_blank">Two different styles, two great Brian Urlachers</a></b> - Steve Rosenbloom: Brian Urlacher was asked to change a style that had earned him All-Pro honors. He changed. And again made All-Pro.</p>
<p><b><a href="http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=9303098" target="_blank">[Video] ESPN</a></b> - Cris Carter and Jerry Rice look back at the career of Brian Urlacher.</p>
<p><b><a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-chicago-bears-jerry-angelo-brian-urlacher-20130522,0,1272202.story" target="_blank">Angelo on Urlacher: 'He was about the team'</a></b> - Jerry Angelo didn't draft Brian Urlacher, but quickly learned to appreciate the cornerstone LB during his 11-year tenure as Bears GM.</p>
<p><b><a href="http://www.suntimes.com/sports/football/bears/20284130-606/praise-together-bears-family-salutes-brian-urlacher.html" target="_blank">Praise together: Bears family salutes Brian Urlacher</a> </b>- Adam L. Jahns: Although his talent, intelligence, accomplishments on the field and overall value to the Bears always said superstar, Brian Urlacher always just wanted to be one of the guys.</p>
<p><b><a href="http://www.csnchicago.com/bears-talk/buffone-nfl-waits-nobody" target="_blank">Buffone: 'NFL waits for nobody'</a> </b>- Moon Mullin: Doug Buffone can relate to Urlacher, having turned down a final contract offer after the 1979 season.</p>
<p><b><a href="http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2013/05/22/baffoe-urlacher-makes-the-right-call/" target="_blank">Urlacher makes the right call </a></b>- Tim Baffoe: Maybe he could have been trotted out like an animal in a Russian circus, broken and sad, and that could be the pathetic last chapter of an otherwise great career. Nobody wanted to see that.</p>
<p><b><a href="http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=9302993" target="_blank">[Video] Waddle & Silvy</a></b> - Where does Brian Urlacher rank among the all-time greats of the storied Bears franchise?</p>
<p>----------</p>
<p><b>Ditka</b></p>
<p><b><a href="http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=9301621" target="_blank">[Video] ESPN</a></b> - Former Bears coach Mike Ditka discusses the retirement of Brian Urlacher.</p>
<p>----------</p>
<p><b>Hall of Fame career</b></p>
<p><b><a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/chi-brian-urlacher-retires-haugh-20130522,0,4157472.column" target="_blank">Next stop for Urlacher is Canton</a></b> - David Haugh: Nobody ever will say with certainty whether Urlacher could have played in the NFL next season. We always will know Urlacher chose to take the honorable way out of the league.</p>
<p><b><a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/nfcnorth/post/_/id/56663/calling-canton-brian-urlachers-candidacy" target="_blank">Calling Canton: Brian Urlacher's candidacy</a></b> - Kevin Seifert: The best case to be made for Brian Urlacher's candidacy, now that he has announced his retirement, is that his career reversed the decades-long decline in the value of the position.</p>
<p><b><a href="http://www.nfl.com/videos/nfl-network-total-access/0ap1000000205444/Casserly-Urlacher-a-Hall-of-Fame-player?continuous=false" target="_blank">[Video] NFL Total Access</a></b> - Ex-NFL GM Charley Casserly breaks down the career of Brian Urlacher and how he stacks up against the great LBs in Bears and NFL history.</p>
<p><b><a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/football/bears/ct-spt-0523-biggs-bears-urlacher-chicago-20130523,0,603202.story" target="_blank">Urlacher will have company on first Hall of Fame ballot</a> </b>- Brad Biggs: The conversation about <i>if </i>Brian Urlacher would reach the Pro Football Hall of Fame likely shifted to <i>when</i> after the 2010 season. Ray Lewis will reach eligibility in the same year.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/story/2013-05-22/brian-urlacher-retires-linebacker-chicago-bears-ray-lewis-lance-briggs-hall-of-f" target="_blank"><b>Urlacher set standard for LBs in pass-crazy era</b> </a>- Vinnie Iyer: Urlacher—along with Derrick Brooks and Lance Briggs, who both starred as cover-2 contemporaries on the weak side—brought the "pass linebacker" to the limelight.</p>
<p><a href="http://miketanier.sportsonearthblog.com/brian-urlacher-and-historys-greatest-linebackers/" target="_blank"><b>Brian Urlacher and history’s greatest LBs</b> </a>- Where does #54 rank among the great LBs in NFL history?</p>
<p><b><a href="http://espn.go.com/chicago/nfl/story/_/id/9303018/chicago-bears-linebacker-tradition-helps-ease-loss-brian-urlacher" target="_blank">Tradition helps ease loss of Brian Urlacher</a></b> - Michael Wilbon: The natural tendency is to say Urlacher is going to be irreplaceable, except that this is where the Bears, almost magically, come up with a capable successor.</p>
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<p style="opacity: 1; transition-property: all; transition-duration: 0s; transition-timing-function: cubic-bezier(0.25, 0.1, 0.25, 1);" class="pgh-paragraph"><i>What the flump is going on in this video?</i></p>
<p><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/04mfKJWDSzI?rel=0" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2013/5/23/4358406/chicago-bears-den-may-23-2013-offseason-news-and-notes-urlacher-retiresSpongie2013-05-22T15:14:42-05:002013-05-22T15:14:42-05:00Bears release statement on Urlacher's retirement
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/JhZ2jL2ewf54FvvS7vJ64dy8ONI=/0x0:1000x667/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/13513155/gyi0064465015.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Jonathan Daniel</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The Chicago Bears have released a statement in the wake of Brian Urlacher's retirement from the game, and it really hits home about how much he meant to this franchise.</p> <p><a href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/" class="sbn-auto-link">Chicago Bears</a> chairman George McCaskey on <span>Brian Urlacher</span>:</p>
<p>"How lucky we were that Brian Urlacher was a Chicago Bear.<br><br>"Brian announced his retirement in the same, understated way in which he carried himself at Halas Hall the last 13 years - he simply wanted to be one of the guys and play the game he loves. But his rare ability, work ethic and passion for football put him among the greats to ever play the game. Besides superlative play on the field, he was also the unquestioned leader in the locker room, as well as the sometimes reluctant face of the franchise. Brian is a special person who represented our team and our city with skill and humility while never seeking acclaim or recognition.<br><br>"In the pantheon of Bears, Brian has earned his place alongside Halas, Grange, Nagurski, Ditka, Payton - and yes, Bill George, Butkus and Singletary.<br><br>We congratulate Brian on a brilliant career and he will continue to be a welcomed member of the Bears Family in retirement."</p>
<p><i>(h/t to <a href="http://chicago.cbslocal.com/2013/05/22/bears-release-statement-on-urlachers-retirement/" target="_blank">CBS Chicago</a> for transcribing)</i></p>
https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2013/5/22/4356686/bears-chairman-george-mccaskey-releases-statement-on-brian-urlacherDane Noble2013-05-22T13:00:52-05:002013-05-22T13:00:52-05:00Twitter reacts to former Bears MLB Brian Urlacher
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/GigMLH_ru94go1dpqbifTJ8vAxE=/0x553:2810x2426/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/13542445/20121001_mje_se2_874.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Matthew Emmons-US PRESSWIRE</figcaption>
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<p>Brian Urlacher has officially announced his retirement from the Chicago Bears and he did it via Twitter. So we figured we'd go to Twitter and see what the Twitterverse is saying about #54. </p> <p><span>Brian Urlacher</span> may have eventually found somewhere to play in 2013, but he decided the allure of retiring after wearing nothing but the iconic "C" of the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.windycitygridiron.com/">Chicago Bears</a> on his helmet was too important to pass up.</p>
<p align="center">MORE: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.windycitygridiron.com/2013/5/22/4355520/brian-urlacher-officially-announce-retirement-from-the-nfl-Bears-Chicago">Brian Urlacher officially announces retirement from the NFL</a></p>
<p>Since Urlacher took to Twitter to make his announcement, we thought we'd take to Twitter to see what was being said about the legendary Chicago linebacker.</p>
<p>From the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="https://www.revengeofthebirds.com/">Arizona Cardinals</a>, the opponent that faced the wrath of his best game.</p>
<p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>You were who we thought you were.Congrats.RT @<a href="https://twitter.com/burlacher54">burlacher54</a>: It was an honor to play my entire career for the @<a href="https://twitter.com/chicagobears">chicagobears</a>.</p>&mdash; Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) <a href="https://twitter.com/AZCardinals/status/337250560615014401">May 22, 2013</a></blockquote><br><script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>From the Bears #1 Draft pick, <span>Kyle Long</span>.</p>
<p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Loved the way Urlacher played. Wish I could have spent some time on the same team with him. Heck of a career</p>&mdash; Kyle Long (@Ky1eLong) <a href="https://twitter.com/Ky1eLong/status/337248442462113792">May 22, 2013</a></blockquote><br><script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>From actor and comedian Denis Leary.</p>
<p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Brian Urlacher was so tough his middle name should have been Ditka.</p>&mdash; Denis Leary (@denisleary) <a href="https://twitter.com/denisleary/status/337231518281900032">May 22, 2013</a></blockquote><br><script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>From former Bear <span>Matt Toeaina</span>.</p>
<p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>@<a href="https://twitter.com/burlacher54">burlacher54</a> was 1st player to introduce himself to me when I arrived to the locker room in '07. The ultimate teammate. HOF</p>&mdash; <span class="sbn-auto-link">Matt Toeaina</span> (@JimmyFlySnuka75) <a href="https://twitter.com/JimmyFlySnuka75/status/337247680151552000">May 22, 2013</a></blockquote><br><script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>From current Bears linebacker <span>J.T. Thomas</span>.</p>
<p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Congrats on 13 years of greatness Big Guy! Thank you for everything.</p>&mdash; J.T.3. (@TheRealJT3) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheRealJT3/status/337242992194764800">May 22, 2013</a></blockquote><br><script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>From current Bears wide out <span>Earl Bennett</span>.</p>
<p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Great player... Great teammate... Awesome person!!!!</p>&mdash; earl bennett (@Agent_Orange80) <a href="https://twitter.com/Agent_Orange80/status/337243204170682368">May 22, 2013</a></blockquote><br><script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>From Sports Illustrated's Peter King.</p>
<p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Brian Urlacher picked the Brian Urlacher way to retire: understated, not looking for spotlight. A winner. Gave it all he had.</p>&mdash; Peter King (@SI_PeterKing) <a href="https://twitter.com/SI_PeterKing/status/337237601675251712">May 22, 2013</a></blockquote><br><script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>From former Bear <span>Hunter Hillenmeyer</span>.</p>
<p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>@<a href="https://twitter.com/burlacher54">burlacher54</a> was the most coachable superstar, best locker room leader I ever played with. Proud to call him a teammate for 8 seasons</p>&mdash; Hunter Hillenmeyer (@hthill) <a href="https://twitter.com/hthill/status/337227302410784768">May 22, 2013</a></blockquote><br><script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>From Jay Glazer of FOX Sports.</p>
<p><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Just spoke w Urlacher. Honestly seems happy with his decision and insisted he only wanted to play with one team</p>&mdash; Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) <a href="https://twitter.com/JayGlazer/status/337263309520781312">May 22, 2013</a></blockquote><br><script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></p>
<p>From the Seattle Seahawks.</p>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Congrats to Pasco, WA native @<a href="https://twitter.com/burlacher54">burlacher54</a> on an amazing career with the @<a href="https://twitter.com/chicagobears">chicagobears</a> <a title="http://shwks.com/mj5c" href="http://t.co/yTD03yzvT8">shwks.com/mj5c</a></p>
— Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) <a href="https://twitter.com/Seahawks/status/337257845517078529">May 22, 2013</a>
</blockquote>
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<script charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script></p>
https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2013/5/22/4355968/twitter-reacts-to-former-chicago-bears-linebacker-brian-urlacherLester A. Wiltfong Jr.2013-05-22T12:46:59-05:002013-05-22T12:46:59-05:00Arizona Cardinals tweets about Brian Urlacher<h3 class="link-title"><a rel="nofollow" href="/rss/stream/4123787">Arizona Cardinals tweets about Brian&nbsp;Urlacher</a></h3>
<div class="description"><p><p>Brian Urlacher announced his retirement, and the Arizona Cardinals had a response.</p></p></div>
https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2013/5/22/4356126/arizona-cardinals-tweets-about-brian-urlacherDane Noble2013-05-22T10:31:53-05:002013-05-22T10:31:53-05:00Brian Urlacher Retires
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<figcaption>Scott Cunningham</figcaption>
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<p>The Chicago Bears legend is hanging up the cleats after 13 seasons.</p> <p>The end is here.</p>
<p>Middle linebacker Brian Urlacher, the ninth overall pick in the 2000 NFL draft, is retiring after a storied NFL career. From his <a href="http://twitter.com/BUrlacher54" target="_blank">twitter feed:</a></p>
<blockquote>
<p><span style="color: #333333; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap;">It was an honor to play my entire career for the </span><a style="color: #0084b4; font-family: Arial, sans-serif; line-height: 18px; white-space: pre-wrap; background-color: #ffffff;" dir="ltr" class="twitter-atreply pretty-link" href="https://twitter.com/ChicagoBears"><s style="text-decoration: none; color: #66b5d2;">@</s><b style="font-weight: normal; color: #0084b4;">ChicagoBears</b></a></p>
</blockquote>
<p><iframe src="http://www.whosay.com/p/345346" frameborder="0" height="392" width="644"></iframe></p>
<p>The <span style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-weight: bold; line-height: normal;">8-time Pro Bowler & 4-time First-Team All-Pro </span>played with the Bears for his entire professional career. 41.5 sacks, 22 interceptions, 12 fumbles forced, and 16 fumble recoveries during that time.</p>
<p> </p>
<div class="sidebar">
<a href="http://www.windycitygridiron.com/2013/4/22/4255056/chicago-bears-linebacker-brian-urlacher-highlights-cardinals-dennis-green">
<h2>Highlights of the Bears legend</h2>
<img src="http://cdn3.sbnation.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/11979785/gyi0063169575.0_standard_730.0.jpg"></a> <span>With a career that spanned so many years, it's impossible to make a definitive highlight reel, but this is good.</span>
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<p>A solid prospect coming out of New Mexico, Urlacher set the franchise record for tackles in a season with 153. However, his career really began to flourish when defensive-minded Lovie Smith took control of the Bears in 2004. The Urlacher-led defense in 2005 (where #54 was the defensive player of the year) went to the playoffs, and in 2006 they played in, and ultimately lost, the Super Bowl. In 2012, Urlacher was awarded the Ed Block Courage Award, given to those who show a commitment to sprotsmanship and courage.</p>
<p>After watching long-time head coach Lovie Smith get ousted from his position following several disappointing seasons, speculation came as to whether the Bears would want to bring the linebacker back. There was some discussion early on, but contract talks broke off when they could not come to an agreement on the funds.</p>
<p>#54 on the field, and #1 in many of our hearts, Urlacher defined the Chicago Bears for an entire generation of fans.</p>
<p>Share your favorite Urlacher memories below. We'll feature several looks back at this iconic Bears over the next few days.</p>
<p><b>Update: </b>Just because we can, here's an Urlacher feel-good memory.</p>
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<p><iframe src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/v168s33q8Nw" frameborder="0" height="315" width="560"></iframe></p>
https://www.windycitygridiron.com/2013/5/22/4355520/brian-urlacher-officially-announce-retirement-from-the-nfl-Bears-ChicagoKev H