Brian Urlacher's Best Plays

By Chuck Sudo in News on May 22, 2013 8:20PM

The tributes are flowing for Brian Urlacher after the Bears linebacker announced his retirement this morning after 13 seasons. The Bears released a statement where team chairman George McCaskey praised Urlacher for his services to the team.

"Over the last 13 years Brian Urlacher has been an outstanding player, teammate, leader and face of our franchise," Bears chairman George H. McCaskey said in March after the team had announced that it was unable to reach a contract agreement with Urlacher.
"As Bears fans, we have been lucky to have such a humble superstar represent our city. He embodies the same characteristics displayed by the Bears all-time greats who played before him and he will eventually join many of them in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

"We thank Brian for all he has given our team and our city. He will always be a part of the Bears family. We wish him the very best."

Urlacher will be a Pro Football Hall of Famer; the question is will be enshrined in Canton on his first ballot? Odds are he won't: Urlacher's first year of eligibility also coincides with that of Baltimore Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis, who retired after the Ravens won the Super Bowl. Lewis is a near lock to make the Hall in his first ballot. Urlacher was a great player, but may have to deal with former players and sportswriters who routinely voted him the most-overrated player in the NFL during his playing days.

Digressing, Urlacher is worthy of enshrinement, as these highlights we found on YouTube show. When he was at his peak, no one on the field could block him.

85-Yard Interception Return For a Touchdown Against Brett Favre, Dec. 23, 2007