Posts tagged Brian Urlacher

Brian Urlacher retires, saying “I didn’t want to play for anyone else.”

Brian Urlacher, former Chicago Bears All-Pro linebacker, announced his retirement from the NFL via Twitter on Wednesday, three days shy of his 35th birthday.

Urlacher was an unsigned free agent but spent his entire career in Chicago and retires as a Bear.

“After spending a lot of time this spring thinking about my NFL future, I have made a decision to retire,” Urlacher wrote in a statement.

“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. I want to thank all of the people in my life that have helped me along the way. I will miss my teammates, my coaches and the great Bears fans. I’m proud to say that I gave all of you everything I had every time I took the field. I will miss this great game, but I leave it with no regrets.”

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Urlacher, Bears officially conclude talks, #54 is gone for good

The Bears offered Urlacher a $1-2 million contract which he turned down.  The team and him have officially parted ways after over a decade.  Sad day.

Free Agency Round-Up

The Bears have re-signed:

•  DT Nate Collins
• CB Zack Bowman

The Bears have released:

• TE Kellen Davis (who’s getting looked at by the Browns)
• TE Matt Spaeth (re-signed with the Steelers)
• DT Matt Toeina
  

Former Bears who have found new homes are:

• LB Geno Hayes (Jacksonville)
• OG Lance Louis (appears he’ll sign with Miami)
• LB Nick Roach (Oakland)

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As of this time the Bears are absurdly thin at linebacker but with cap space perilous and Brian Urlacher’s contract talks still ongoing you’d think the team would make it a very high priority going into the draft.

GM Phil Emery could still swing a move at any time, but I wouldn’t expect anything until the preseason.  With glaring holes at guard and linebacker I would also fully expect the Bears to trade down from their 20th overall pick.

From PFT:

Per a source with knowledge of the situation, the Bears and Urlacher are engaged in ongoing discussions aimed at extending a career that began in Chicago 13 years ago, via the first round of the draft.

In 2009, the Cowboys opted not to make a play for Lewis.  Not coincidentally, they’ve had no real leadership on defense since then.  If Urlacher gets to market, it would be wise for the Cowboys to make a run at him — especially since Dallas is installing a 4-3 defense.

Still, Urlacher is more important to the Bears that any other team.  Even with a new coaching staff, “Urlacher” and “Bears” are synonymous.

Urlacher inducted into UNM Hall of Fame

Brian Urlacher regarding his induction into the University of New Mexico Hall of Fame:

“I always love coming back here. This is my home. I’m always proud to say I’m from New Mexico,” Urlacher said. “Coach Fran recruited me to New Mexico offering me a scholarship I’m really glad he did cause it worked out good for me here and coach Rocky Long I played my last two years here at UNM and he just allowed me to be a football player no a linebacker or a position player or a safety he just let me play football.”

Urlacher, Bears talking contract

Per NFL.com:

The Chicago Bears and Brian Urlacher’s agents have met in Indianapolis to discuss the veteran linebacker’s contract situation, a source briefed on the situation said Saturday.

The source termed the talks between the sides as “preliminary,” but the Bears have made it clear they would like to have Urlacher back next season.

Urlacher, 34, missed the final four games of the 2012 season because of an injured hamstring, but the pending free agent also would like to return for a 14th season with the Bears.

New Bears coach Marc Trestman recently said it would be “premature” to discuss Urlacher’s future.