Brian Urlacher Announces Retirement

By Chuck Sudo in News on May 22, 2013 3:40PM

Former Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher will have his wish of retiring as a Bear granted, just not in the way he had hoped. Urlacher announced his retirement this morning, two months after the Bears announced he rejected an offer to remain with the team.

Urlacher's statement reads. in part:

Although I could continue playing, I'm not sure I would bring a level of performance or passion that's up to my standards. When considering this, along with the fact that I could retire after a 13 year career wearing only one jersey for such a storied franchise, my decision became pretty clear.

Urlacher spent the spring hoping he could latch on with another team, with the Minnesota Vikings and Denver Broncos often touted as being interested in the linebacker. But there were too many lingering questions about Urlacher's health and, if they were adequately answered, he would have found a new team already.

Urlacher ends his career as one of the most storied players in Bears history and earned his place among the team's amazing lineage of middle linebackers that includes Bill George, Dick Butkus and Mike Singletary. Urlacher's side-to-side speed made him a perfect fit for Lovie Smith's Tampa 2 offense, but knee injuries in recent years slowed him to a shadow of his prime. Urlacher was looking for a two-year deal from the Bears. The club countered with a one-year, $2 million contract.

UPDATE 3 p.m.: The Bears have released a statement:

How lucky we were that Brian Urlacher was a Chicago Bear. 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. In the pantheon of Bears, Brian has earned his place alongside Halas, Grange, Nagurski, Ditka, Payton - and yes, Bill George, Butkus and Singletary. We congratulate Brian on a brilliant career and he will continue to be a welcomed member of the Bears Family in retirement.