Jump to content

Brian Urlacher

This is a good article. Click here for more information.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Brian Urlacher
refer to caption
Urlacher in 2014
No. 54
Position:Linebacker
Personal information
Born: (1978-05-25) May 25, 1978 (age 46)
Pasco, Washington, U.S.
Height:6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Weight:258 lb (117 kg)
Career information
High school:Lovington
(Lovington, New Mexico)
College:New Mexico (1996–1999)
NFL draft:2000 / round: 1 / pick: 9
Career history
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Total tackles:1,361
Sacks:41.5
Forced fumbles:11
Pass deflections:90
Interceptions:22
Defensive touchdowns:4
Stats at Pro Football Reference
Pro Football Hall of Fame
College Football Hall of Fame

Brian Urlacher (/ˈɜːrlækər/; born May 25, 1978) is an American former professional football linebacker who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 13 seasons with the Chicago Bears. He played college football for the New Mexico Lobos, where he received consensus All-American honors as a senior, and was selected ninth overall by the Bears in the 2000 NFL draft.

Urlacher quickly established himself as one of the NFL's most productive defensive players, winning the NFL Rookie of the Year Award. During his career, he was selected to eight Pro Bowls, recognized as a first-team All-Pro four times, and won NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2005.[1] He was inducted to the College Football Hall of Fame in 2017 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018.

Early life

[edit]

Urlacher was born to Bradley and Lavoyda Urlacher in Pasco, Washington, and his parents raised him with his younger brother Casey Urlacher. After his parents separated, Lavoyda raised Urlacher and his siblings in Lovington, New Mexico. He spent his youth immersed in sports, and developed an interest in football, basketball, track, and later table tennis; he graduated from Lovington High School in 1996. While his mother worked several jobs to keep her family afloat, Urlacher spent his teenage years playing sports for Lovington High School and training in weight rooms.[2]

As he progressed through high school, Urlacher gained experience in all three phases of football. He saw playing time as a running back, wide receiver, return specialist, and defensive back.[3] Urlacher led the Lovington High School Wildcats to an undefeated 14–0 season, and a division 3-A state championship in 1995.[2][4] He finished the season with twelve touchdown receptions, six touchdown returns, and two rushing touchdowns.[3] He additionally received state-recognized honors in football, as well as basketball.[5] Lovington has since recognized Urlacher's accomplishments by retiring his high-school jersey number, and naming a holiday after him.[3]

Urlacher wanted to attend Texas Tech University, but the school did not offer him an athletic scholarship.[2]

College career

[edit]

Urlacher enrolled at the University of New Mexico, majored in criminology, and played for the Lobos.[5] Their head coach, Dennis Franchione, converted Urlacher to linebacker, but often left him on the sidelines in favor of more experienced players.[2] The team finished with winning records during Urlacher's first two years and even made a trip to the 1997 Insight.com Bowl.[2] The team's success prompted Franchione to leave New Mexico in favor of Texas Christian University. His departure prompted the school to hire Rocky Long, a former coach at UCLA.

Urlacher flourished under Long's tenure.[2] Urlacher not only received more playing time, but also played a more versatile role on both offense and defense. Long converted Urlacher into a "Lobo-Back",[6] a cross between a linebacker and free safety, and placed him in a 3–3–5 defense scheme.[7] He spent significant time training with the team's defensive coordinator, Bronco Mendenhall, who helped Urlacher refine his skills as a defensive back.[2] Long also used Urlacher as a return specialist and wide receiver throughout his final two years with the Lobos.[5] Despite Long's extensive changes to the team's roster, formations, and work ethic, the Lobos' performance declined. However, Urlacher became one of the team's most productive players during this time. He finished his career with 442 tackles, three interceptions, 11 sacks, and 11 forced fumbles.[3] Outside of defense, he made seven receptions for 61 yards and six touchdowns as a wide receiver, and had 19 returns for 290 yards as a kick returner.[3]

After the 1999 season, he was one of the finalists for the Jim Thorpe Award, and finished twelfth on the Heisman Trophy ballot.[8] Urlacher received All-American honors from Walter Camp, Football Writers Association of America, and the Associated Press.[5] He played his final collegiate game at the 2000 Senior Bowl, where he was one of the game's top players.[9] Urlacher led the nation with 178 tackles during his junior year, and also set a school record for most tackles in a single season.[3] He finished with the third most career tackles in the University of New Mexico's history.[3] The school has honored Urlacher on several occasions. They awarded him with the Male Athlete of the Year Award in 2000,[10] and held a special halftime ceremony to honor his success in 2006.[11] Urlacher was also the first person to be inducted into the University of New Mexico's Football Wall of Fame.[12] On November 9, 2013, during halftime of New Mexico's game against Air Force, the school retired Urlacher's No. 44 jersey.[13] Urlacher was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame on December 5, 2017.[14]

Professional career

[edit]
Urlacher in the Bears in 2008.

NFL Draft

[edit]
Pre-draft measurables
Height Weight Arm length Hand span 40-yard dash 10-yard split 20-yard split 20-yard shuttle Three-cone drill Vertical jump Broad jump Bench press
6 ft 3+7⁄8 in
(1.93 m) 		258 lb
(117 kg) 		33 in
(0.84 m) 		9+7⁄8 in
(0.25 m)		 4.57 s 1.63 s 2.69 s 4.18 s 6.94 s 34 in
(0.86 m)		 10 ft 2 in
(3.10 m)		 27 reps
All values from NFL Scouting Combine[15][16]

Urlacher was considered one of the most talented collegiate prospects in the 2000 NFL draft,[17] and impressed spectators and analysts at the NFL Scouting Combine by bench pressing 225 pounds twenty-seven times and completing the forty-yard dash in 4.57 seconds.[2] The Chicago Bears, who needed a defensive playmaker after having the 29th ranked defense in 1999,[18] selected Urlacher in the first round as the ninth overall pick.[19][20]

2000–2004

[edit]

He signed a five-year contract, which was worth nearly eight million dollars with a five and a half million dollar signing bonus, within two months of the draft.[21] Dick Jauron, who was then the Bears head coach, recognized Urlacher's versatility as a middle and outside linebacker, and appointed him as the team's starting strongside linebacker.[2][22] However, Urlacher struggled to perform consistently in his first professional game, and lost his starting position to Rosevelt Colvin.[23] Jauron left Urlacher on the sidelines during the following week, as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers shut out the Bears, 41–0.[24]

He managed to regain a starting spot on the Bears roster after Barry Minter, the team's veteran middle linebacker, was forced to miss the Week 3 game on account of an injury.[25] Urlacher excelled at the middle linebacker position, and recorded 46 tackles, six sacks, and one interception in his next five starts.[24] He suffered a rib cage injury during this period but still won the league's Rookie Defensive Player of the Month in October.[25] He led the Bears with 124 tackles and eight sacks, both of which surpassed the franchise's previous rookie records.[26] Although the Bears finished with a disappointing 5–11 record, Urlacher received a number of individual accolades for his performance during the season. Many news organizations, such as the Associated Press and The Sporting News named him as the 2000 Defensive Rookie of the Year.[5][27] Football fans across the nation also voted Urlacher to play at the 2001 Pro Bowl as an alternate middle linebacker.[2] Urlacher's successful rookie campaign served as the foundation for his professional career and reputation.[28]

Urlacher became one of the Bears' most productive playmakers during the 2001 season. He had one of the best games of his career on October 7 against the Atlanta Falcons. Urlacher held Falcons quarterback Michael Vick, who was well known for his scrambling abilities, to 18 rushing yards,[29] and recorded a forced fumble and sack.[24] He also returned one of Vick's fumbles for a 90-yard touchdown.[24] Two weeks later, Urlacher helped set up a Bears comeback victory against the San Francisco 49ers by intercepting a pass, and later setting up a game-winning touchdown return for Mike Brown, after causing 49ers wide receiver Terrell Owens to lose control of a pass.[2] He also caught a touchdown pass from punter Brad Maynard off a fake field goal attempt against the Washington Redskins in Week 14, which clinched a first-round bye.[30] Urlacher concluded the season with three interceptions, six sacks, and was a candidate for 2001 NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award.[31] Football Digest named Urlacher their publication's defensive player of the year.[31] The 2001 Chicago Bears won 13 games, marking the team's best finish since 1986, but lost to the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Divisional Playoffs.[24]

The Bears' 2001 winning season would be followed by three straight losing seasons. As a result, the Bears fired Jauron and hired Lovie Smith before the 2004 NFL season. After the Bears started the season on the lower rungs of the NFC North, Urlacher suffered several injuries that sidelined him for a majority of the season.[32]

Urlacher in 2011.

2005–2011

[edit]

In 2005, Urlacher won the NFL Defensive Player of the Year after playing for a defensive team that allowed the fewest points per game, and created the most turnovers in the National Football Conference.[33] Urlacher himself recorded at least 10 tackles in six consecutive games, while finishing the season with a team high 121 tackles.[34] He was also credited as one of the team's leaders, whose audibles and experience helped develop several younger teammates.[35] Urlacher led the Bears to an 11–5 record, marking their best finish since 2001. Urlacher played his second career playoff game against the Carolina Panthers on January 15, 2006. He recorded seven tackles and one interception in a 29–21 loss.[24] Urlacher was also selected to the 2006 Pro Bowl, but declined the position on account of an injury.[36]

The team continued their resurgence into the 2006 season, finishing with a record of 13–3. During the season, Urlacher had one of the best performances of his professional career against the Arizona Cardinals.[37] He helped the Bears overcome a 20-point deficit by recording 19 tackles and a forced fumble that was returned for a touchdown.[37] Teammate Devin Hester commented on Urlacher's performance, stating, "We watched the film and everybody was saying that he just turned into the Incredible Hulk the last four minutes of the game, just killing people and running over and tackling whoever had the ball."[38] The Bears won the NFC Championship against the New Orleans Saints 39–14, but lost Super Bowl XLI to the Indianapolis Colts 29–17. Urlacher finished the season with 93 tackles and three forced fumbles. He was elected to the 2006 All-Pro Team and 2007 Pro Bowl, while also earning consideration for the League's Defensive Player of the Year award.[39]

The Bears were unable to replicate their success in the 2007 season, and finished last in the NFC North. In the middle of the season, Urlacher admitted that he had been suffering from an arthritic back, but later claimed the ailment was not serious.[40] Nevertheless, he finished the season on a high note, registering five interceptions, five sacks, one fumble recovery, 123 tackles, and a defensive touchdown.[41] Following the season's conclusion, Urlacher received minor neck surgery to treat his arthritic back.[42] During the offseason, Urlacher revised his contract with the Bears, who granted him a $6 million signing bonus with a $1 million increase in salary each of the next four years.[43]

Urlacher dislocated his wrist in the 2009 season opener against the Packers. He underwent surgery, and went on to miss the remainder of the season.[44] Urlacher had severely damaged a bone in his wrist that was adjacent to a major nerve. Urlacher was forced to wear a cast on his wrist for 12 weeks and spend a month in therapy to recover from the injury.[45] The Bears began to struggle on offense and defense. As frustration built, Urlacher criticized the Bears offense, stating that the addition of quarterback Jay Cutler had changed the team's identity.[46][47] The Bears, who have historically employed a strong running game, were beginning to rely more on the pass on offense.[46][47] He went on to say, "Kyle Orton might not be the flashiest quarterback, but the guy is a winner, and that formula worked for us. I hate to say it, but that's the truth."[46] Urlacher and Cutler later made amends.[46] The Bears finished the season with a 7–9 record, and missed the playoffs for the third consecutive year.

After recovering from the injury, Urlacher stated, "I feel more powerful. I'm running to the football, my keys are a lot more clear now, and I'm playing downhill. ... So I think it did help my body kind of calm down and relax a little bit."[48] During the 2010 offseason, Bears general manager Jerry Angelo bolstered the team's defense by signing free agent Julius Peppers.[49]

With Peppers' help, Urlacher and the Bears improved to an 11–5 record in the 2010 NFL season, winning the NFC North and earning a first-round bye for the 2011 playoffs.[50] After leading the NFC in tackles (49) during the period, Urlacher was recognized as the NFC Defensive Player of the Month during December/January.[51] It was the first time winning the award in his career. In the playoffs, the Bears beat the Seattle Seahawks in the divisional round, before falling to the division rival Green Bay Packers in the NFC Championship game. Urlacher was also voted to his seventh Pro Bowl for his stellar defensive efforts during the year. He was ranked 49th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2011.[52]

In 2011, in Week 17 against the Minnesota Vikings, Urlacher sprained his MCL when teammate Major Wright and Vikings receiver Percy Harvin landed on him with 5:15 left in the game.[53][54] Urlacher was eventually named to the Pro Bowl, but did not play due to the injury against Minnesota. He missed much of the team's summer practice OTA's while trying to recover from the injury.[55] On August 14, 2012, Urlacher had an arthroscopic debridement procedure on his left knee, and stated that his goal was to play in the 2012 season opener.[56] He eventually practiced on September 3,[57] and played against the Colts in the season opener,[58] though he sat out the second half.[59]

2012: Final season and retirement

[edit]
Urlacher in 2009

In 2012, Urlacher won the Ed Block Courage Award, given to those who showed a commitment to sportsmanship and courage. During his award acceptance speech, Urlacher thanked the Bears for their support after his mother Lavoyda Lenard died.[60] Against the Tennessee Titans in Week 9, Urlacher intercepted Matt Hasselbeck and returned the pick 46 yards for a touchdown.[61] Urlacher led the Bears in tackles until Week 13 against the Seahawks, in which he sustained a hamstring injury that sidelined him for the remainder of the season.[62][63] Urlacher became an unrestricted free agent on March 12, 2013.[62] On March 20, the Bears announced that Urlacher would not return in 2013 after the two sides failed to reach an agreement on a new contract.[64] Urlacher later belittled Phil Emery's contract negotiations with him and stated the Bears had little intention to re-sign him.[65] In 2015, Urlacher told ESPN that he still respected the Bears organization and front office, but has yet to speak to Emery, who was fired in 2014.[66]

On May 22, 2013, Urlacher announced his retirement via his Twitter account.[67] In 182 games in the NFL, Urlacher started all but two, the third most in franchise history behind Walter Payton (184) and Olin Kreutz (183), recording a team-record 1,779 tackles, 41.5 sacks, 22 interceptions, 16 fumble recoveries, and 11 forced fumbles.[68]

2018: Hall of Fame induction

[edit]

On November 21, 2017, Urlacher was announced as one of 27 semi-finalists for the 2018 Pro Football Hall of Fame class.[69][70] The nomination was Urlacher's first, and came in his first year of eligibility.[71] On February 3, 2018, Urlacher was voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.[72]

Other work

[edit]
Urlacher at the Incirlik Air Base in 2014

In 2002, Urlacher appeared on the game show Wheel of Fortune and won over $47,000 for charity.[73]

In May 2002, Urlacher appeared in an episode of According to Jim as himself. The episode was titled No Surprises (season 1, episode 22) and aired on May 15, 2002.

Urlacher has appeared in several commercials for McDonald's, Domino's Pizza, Comcast, Nike, Campbell's Chunky soup, Old Spice, and Glacéau. He also shared the spotlight with Peyton Manning in a MasterCard commercial at a spa. Nike also aired special commercials about Urlacher's high school career containing clips and commentary of plays he made. However, Urlacher later stated that he feels "uncomfortable" appearing in commercials.[74] He was also the cover athlete and spokesperson for Sega Sports' NFL 2K3. During media day before Super Bowl XLI Urlacher wore a hat promoting Glacéau vitamin water, a non-NFL approved sponsor, for which he was fined US$100,000.[75]

Urlacher wrestled in a pay-per-view event for the NWA-TNA promotion. The Bears organization discovered this and forced him to stop.[76]

In 2012, with Nike taking over the NFL supplier from Reebok, Urlacher modeled for the new uniforms.[77] In July 2013, Urlacher announced that he will be an analyst for Fox Sports 1 on Fox Football Daily with Jay Glazer and Curt Menefee; he had been courted by NFL Network but decided on Fox Sports.[78] On September 16, 2014, Urlacher resigned from the role to spend more time with his family.[79]

In December 2014, Urlacher participated in the USO Chairman's Holiday tour, which provided entertainment to US troops in five countries around the world.[80]

Urlacher has also been spokesperson for several companies.[81] Sega Sports selected Urlacher to appear on the cover of NFL 2K3, while other companies, such as Nike, McDonald's, Old Spice, and Vitamin Water, have featured him in several television advertisements and promotions.[82][83][84]

In 2014, Urlacher underwent a hair transplant surgery performed by RESTORE Hair.[85] He became a spokesman for the Illinois-based clinic and appeared on billboards and television.[85] Urlacher later sued a Florida-based hair transplant clinic for using his image and likeness without his consent.[85]

Reputation

[edit]

Following his successful rookie season, Urlacher was able to gain popularity with the fans. On a national level, Urlacher's jersey sales have rivaled those of other NFL superstars, such as Brett Favre and Michael Vick.[86] Football fans across the nation have also voted Urlacher into eight Pro Bowls.[87] Urlacher's teammates and coaches have also praised his character and athletic ability.[88] In 2007, former teammate Tank Johnson called upon Urlacher to testify during one of his court hearings.[89]

Even after winning the NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award for the 2005 season, a 2006 Sports Illustrated poll of 361 NFL players named Urlacher the second most overrated player in the league behind Terrell Owens.[90] In response, Urlacher has stated "Just watch the film. I don't know what people are saying, but I'm not too worried about it anymore. All I can do is go out there and play hard and try and help my team win, and that's what I'm going to keep doing."[91]

NFL career statistics

[edit]
Urlacher in 2019.
Legend
NFL Defensive Player of the Year
Chicago Bears franchise record
Bold Career high
Year Team GP Tackles Interceptions Fumbles Rec TD
Cmb Solo Ast Sck Yds Int Yds PD TD FF FR TD
2000 CHI 16 124 98 26 8.0 49 2 19 5 0 0 1 0 0
2001 CHI 16 118 91 27 6.0 37 3 60 8 0 2 2 1 1
2002 CHI 16 153 117 36 4.5 34 1 0 7 0 2 2 0 0
2003 CHI 16 115 86 29 2.5 15 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 0
2004 CHI 9 72 54 18 5.5 19 1 42 7 0 2 0 0 0
2005 CHI 16 122 98 24 6.0 44 0 0 5 0 1 0 0 0
2006 CHI 16 142 93 49 0.0 0 3 38 9 0 1 1 0 0
2007 CHI 16 123 93 30 5.0 36 5 101 12 1 0 2 0 0
2008 CHI 16 93 79 14 0.0 0 2 11 9 0 0 1 0 0
2009 CHI 1 3 3 0 0.0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0
2010 CHI 16 126 97 29 4.0 19 1 0 10 0 1 2 0 0
2011 CHI 16 102 84 18 0.0 0 3 7 7 0 0 2 1 0
2012 CHI 12 68 53 15 0.0 0 1 46 7 1 2 2 0 0
Career 182 1,361 1,046 315 41.5 252 22 324 90 2 11 15 2 1

Personal life

[edit]

Urlacher has two daughters, Pamela and Riley, with ex-wife Laurie Urlacher and a son, Kennedy, with Tyna Robertson. Like his father, Kennedy became a standout football player in high school and currently plays for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.[92] Urlacher lives with his daughters and has visitation rights with his son.[93] In June 2005, Urlacher filed suit to establish paternity of his son Kennedy. Genetic testing determined that he is Kennedy's father. Kennedy's mother, Tyna Robertson, was already well known to the media, having made claims of sexual assault against famed dancer Michael Flatley and a doctor from Naperville, Illinois.[93] Urlacher and Robertson maintain joint custody over Kennedy. In 2017, Urlacher appealed to a Cook County court to remove Kennedy from Robertson's custody after her husband, Ryan Karageorge, was shot and killed in their residence.[94]

In 2011, Urlacher's mother Lavoyda Lenard Urlacher died, and Urlacher was granted temporary leave from the team, returning in time for the season opener.[95][96] His younger brother, Casey, had a brief career in the Arena Football League and was later elected mayor of Mettawa, Illinois, in 2013.[97]

In April 2012, Urlacher began dating model and actress Jenny McCarthy.[98][99] In August 2012, McCarthy announced that she and Urlacher had ended their relationship.[100] Urlacher married Jennipher Frost, a former contestant on America's Next Top Model on March 13, 2016.[101]

Urlacher enjoys golfing in his spare time, and during an episode of Home Turf, he revealed a room in his mansion containing a trove of golf paraphernalia. When home, Urlacher revealed that he also enjoys watching the Discovery Channel, National Geographic, and HBO's Entourage. Urlacher enjoys listening to a wide variety of music, including hip hop, rock, and country music.[102]

On August 27, 2020, Urlacher made a post to his Instagram story criticizing NBA players for boycotting playoff games over the police shooting of Jacob Blake in Kenosha, Wisconsin, and "liked" a now-deleted post supporting shooting suspect Kyle Rittenhouse and stating "Patriot Lives Matter," generating significant news and opinion coverage.[103][104][105] The Bears responded to the posts, stating, "The social media posts in no way reflect the values or opinions of the Chicago Bears organization."[106]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ D. Emile Delaney. "University of New Mexico's All-Time NFL Player". Yahoo! Sports. Archived from the original on February 9, 2013. Retrieved September 13, 2012.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k " Brian Urlacher - Biography " Archived August 20, 2010, at the Wayback Machine. JockBio.com. Retrieved on July 18, 2007.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g The Official website of the Chicago Bears, Roster - 54 Brian Urlacher Archived October 13, 2008, at the Wayback Machine, chicagobears.com, Retrieved on July 18, 2007.
  4. ^ "40th Annual - New Mexico Sports Hall of Fame" (PDF). New Mexico Sports Hall of Fame. March 3, 2013. Retrieved November 26, 2024.
  5. ^ a b c d e NFLPlayers.com, Brian Urlacher #54 Archived September 29, 2007, at the Wayback Machine, Retrieved on July 18, 2007.
  6. ^ Harvey, Kitson, And now for some football.... Archived July 19, 2011, at the Wayback Machine (February 2, 2007), Duke City Fix, Retrieved on July 20, 2007.
  7. ^ The Official Site of the University of New Mexico Athletics, Player Bio: Rocky Long:: Football Archived March 15, 2007, at the Wayback Machine, cstv.com, Retrieved on July 18, 2007.
  8. ^ Gonzales, Carolyn, The Big Hitter Archived September 28, 2007, at the Wayback Machine (Fall 2004), Mirage Magazine, Retrieved on July 18, 2007.
  9. ^ The Official website of the Senior Bowl, The Senior Bowl-- A Look Back At 57 Years Of Football Excellence Archived December 10, 2007, at the Wayback Machine, seniorbowl.com, Retrieved on July 18, 2007.
  10. ^ The Official site of the University of New Mexico Athletics, Traditions – Hall of Honor, cstv.com, July 19, 2007.
  11. ^ Limón, Iliana, UNM football: Lobos rally from 21-point deficit to beat Utes Archived July 7, 2011, at the Wayback Machine (October 20, 2006), The Albuquerque Tribune, Retrieved on July 19, 2007.
  12. ^ Mayer, Larry, Lightning strikes twice for Urlacher Archived December 27, 2008, at the Wayback Machine (October 20, 2006), chicagobears.com, Retrieved on July 19, 2007.
  13. ^ "New Mexico retires Brian Urlacher's jersey". Sports Illustrated. Associated Press. November 9, 2013. Archived from the original on November 9, 2013. Retrieved November 17, 2013.
  14. ^ Mayer, Larry (December 6, 2017). "Urlacher, Peterson enter College HOF". Chicago Bears. Archived from the original on December 8, 2017. Retrieved December 8, 2017.
  15. ^ "Brian Urlacher, New Mexico, OLB, 2000 NFL Draft Scout, NCAA College Football". draftscout.com. September 21, 2006. Retrieved August 26, 2012.
  16. ^ "Brian Urlacher Combine Results". nflcombineresults.com.
  17. ^ Buchsbaum, Joel, Linebackers: Arrington's athleticism, instincts make him the top LB prospect Archived December 8, 2006, at the Wayback Machine (December 27, 1999), profootballweekly.com, Retrieved on July 18, 2007.
  18. ^ Mayer, Larry (June 5, 2013). "From Day 1, Bears knew Urlacher would be special". Chicago Bears. Archived from the original on June 8, 2013. Retrieved June 7, 2013.
  19. ^ Sports Illustrated, CNNSI.com's 2000 NFL Mock Draft (April 12, 2000), cnnsi.com, Retrieved on July 19, 2007.
  20. ^ "2000 NFL Draft Listing". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved March 19, 2023.
  21. ^ Pasquarelli, Len (June 6, 2003). "Urlacher highest paid player in franchise history". ESPN. Retrieved June 26, 2021.
  22. ^ Kiper, Mel, Prospects rise quickly at Senior Bowl (March 8, 2002), espn.com, Retrieved on July 19, 2007.
  23. ^ Chicago Tribune, 20 Questions With... Brian Urlacher (2006), chicagosports.com, Retrieved on July 19, 2007.
  24. ^ a b c d e f Yahoo! Sports, Brian Urlacher - Chicago Bears - Game Log, Retrieved on July 20, 2007.
  25. ^ a b Mayer, Larry, He's The Randy Moss Of Defense Archived October 4, 2007, at the Wayback Machine (March 2001), Football Digest, Retrieved on July 20, 2007.
  26. ^ RetroJersey.net, About Brian Urlacher Archived September 29, 2007, at the Wayback Machine, Game Time Promotions, Retrieved on July 20, 2007.
  27. ^ Darling, Dave, TSN's 2000 NFL Awards Archived August 9, 2011, at the Wayback Machine(January 29, 2001), The Sporting News, Retrieved on July 20, 2007.
  28. ^ Judge, Clark, Riddle of the middle: When would Bears have shifted Urlacher? Archived February 2, 2007, at the Wayback Machine (January 30, 2007), CBS SportsLine.com, Retrieved on July 20, 2007.
  29. ^ Yahoo! Sports, Michael Vick- Atlanta Falcons - Game Log, Retrieved on August 5, 2007.
  30. ^ Maske, Mark, Redskins Fall From Race (December 24, 2001), The Washington Post. Retrieved on June 26, 2008.
  31. ^ a b Brian Urlacher Profile (2008), Scout.com. Retrieved on June 26, 2008
  32. ^ "Urlacher injured again". TVNZ. Reuters. December 23, 2004. Archived from the original on November 11, 2007. Retrieved November 4, 2008.
  33. ^ Yahoo! Sports, NFL Statistics By Team – 2005. Retrieved on July 2, 2008.
  34. ^ Pro-Football-Reference.com, Players, Brian Urlacher. Retrieved February 10, 2012.
  35. ^ Associated Press, named AP Defensive Player of the Year (January 6, 2006), ESPN. Retrieved on July 7, 2008.
  36. ^ Alder, James, 2006 NFL Pro Bowl Rosters Archived February 18, 2011, at the Wayback Machine, about.com. Retrieved on July 2, 2008.
  37. ^ a b Mayer, Larry (October 20, 2006). "Lightning strikes twice for Urlacher". Chicagobears.com. Archived from the original on December 27, 2008. Retrieved March 23, 2009.
  38. ^ "Roster". Chicago Bears. Archived from the original on May 19, 2011. Retrieved March 1, 2012.
  39. ^ Pro-Football-Reference.com, 2006 Chicago Bears Statistics & Players, Retrieved on March 23, 2009.
  40. ^ Engel, Mac, Cowboys assistants, Falcons to talk soon (January 2, 2008), Star-Telegram.com, Retrieved on February 9, 2008.
  41. ^ Mayer, Larry, Big plays highlighted productive season for Urlacher Archived January 30, 2008, at the Wayback Machine (January 27, 2008), chicagobears.com, Retrieved on February 9, 2008.
  42. ^ Associated Press, Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher has minor neck surgery (February 8, 2008), Yahoo! Sports, Retrieved on February 9, 2008.
  43. ^ Smith, Michael (June 22, 2008). "Sources: Urlacher to get raise with revised contract". ESPN. Retrieved March 23, 2009.
  44. ^ McClure, Vaughn (September 14, 2009). "Brian Urlacher likely out for the season with wrist injury". Chicago Tribune. Archived from the original on July 18, 2011. Retrieved September 14, 2009.
  45. ^ Mayer, Larry (September 15, 2009). "Why can't Urlacher play with cast on dislocated wrist?". chicagobears.com. Archived from the original on April 23, 2010. Retrieved December 30, 2010.
  46. ^ a b c d "Cutler bears criticism, says Urlacher didn't need to issue apology". NFL.com. Associated Press. November 30, 2009. Archived from the original on July 14, 2011. Retrieved January 4, 2011.
  47. ^ a b Silver, Mike (November 30, 2009). "Urlacher struggles with sideline role". Yahoo! Sports. Associated Press. Retrieved January 4, 2011.
  48. ^ Mayer, Larry (September 30, 2009). "Urlacher feels revitalized after one-year hiatus". chicagobears.com. Archived from the original on July 22, 2012. Retrieved December 30, 2010.
  49. ^ Clayton, John (March 5, 2010). "Julius Peppers, Chicago Bears finalize deal". ESPN.com. Retrieved March 5, 2010.
  50. ^ "2010 Chicago Bears Rosters, Stats, Schedule, Team Draftees, Injury Reports". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved October 16, 2024.
  51. ^ "Brian Urlacher, Eric Weems named NFC players of the month | ProFootballTalk". Profootballtalk.nbcsports.com. January 6, 2011. Retrieved September 10, 2012.
  52. ^ "2011 NFL Top 100". Pro-Football-Reference.com. Retrieved July 24, 2024.
  53. ^ "Urlacher sprains left MCL late in victory". Chicagobears.com. January 1, 2012. Archived from the original on January 27, 2012. Retrieved March 1, 2012.
  54. ^ "MRI shows no ACL damage for Urlacher". Chicagobears.com. January 2, 2012. Archived from the original on January 25, 2012. Retrieved March 1, 2012.
  55. ^ "Write Now Blog | 2012 | August | 28". Blog.chicagobears.com. August 28, 2012. Archived from the original on December 2, 2012. Retrieved September 10, 2012.
  56. ^ "Brian Urlacher undergoes knee surgery for Bears". NFL.com. Retrieved August 14, 2012.
  57. ^ Mayer, Larry (September 3, 2012). "Urlacher returns to practice field". Chicagobears.com. Archived from the original on September 6, 2012. Retrieved September 10, 2012.
  58. ^ "Bears LB Urlacher set for opener vs Colts – NFL News | FOX Sports on MSN". Msn.foxsports.com. June 29, 2012. Archived from the original on September 9, 2012. Retrieved September 10, 2012.
  59. ^ Mayer, Larry. "Explosive Bears outduel Colts". Chicagobears.com. Archived from the original on September 12, 2012. Retrieved September 10, 2012.
  60. ^ "Urlacher presented Ed Block Award". Chicagobears.com. April 10, 2012. Archived from the original on March 13, 2013. Retrieved August 4, 2012.
  61. ^ Mayer, Larry (November 4, 2012). "Tillman forces career-high four fumbles in win". Chicago Bears. Archived from the original on November 6, 2012. Retrieved November 4, 2012.
  62. ^ a b Mayer, Larry (February 21, 2013). "Emery respects Urlacher too much to 'slight' him". Chicago Bears. Archived from the original on February 24, 2013. Retrieved February 21, 2013.
  63. ^ Patra, Kevin (December 5, 2012). "Brian Urlacher won't call his Chicago Bears career over". National Football League. Retrieved December 5, 2012.
  64. ^ McIntyre, Brian (March 20, 2013). "Chicago Bears announce that Brian Urlacher will not be back in 2013". Yahoo! Sports. Retrieved March 20, 2013.
  65. ^ Dickerson, Jeff (January 19, 2015). "John Fox to meet Urlacher, Ditka". ESPN. ESPNChicago.com. Retrieved January 24, 2015.
  66. ^ Dickerson, Jeff (January 21, 2015). "Brian Urlacher: Fox hire is 'awesome'". ESPN. ESPNChicago.com. Retrieved January 24, 2015.
  67. ^ Wright, Michael C. (May 22, 2013). "Urlacher retiring from NFL after 13 seasons". ESPN.com. Retrieved July 24, 2024.
  68. ^ Mayer, Larry (May 22, 2013). "Urlacher reflects on unforgettable Bears career". Chicago Bears. Archived from the original on June 7, 2013. Retrieved May 23, 2013.
  69. ^ "Semi-finalists announced for 2018 Hall of Fame class". NFL.com. Retrieved November 22, 2017.
  70. ^ "Terrell Owens, Randy Moss, Ray Lewis lead 27 Hall of Fame semi-finalists for 2018". CBSSports.com. Retrieved November 22, 2017.
  71. ^ Biggs, Brad. "Brian Urlacher named semi-finalist for Pro Football Hall of Fame". chicagotribune.com. Retrieved November 22, 2017.
  72. ^ Biggs, Brad. "Bears great Brian Urlacher elected to Hall of Fame on first ballot Bears great Brian Urlacher elected to Hall of Fame on first ballot". Chicago Tribune.
  73. ^ "BEING BRIAN URLACHER: Traylor goes into overdrive". Fox Sports. msn.foxsports.com. January 12, 2002. Archived from the original on June 29, 2013. Retrieved May 26, 2013.
  74. ^ "Brian Urlacher "My Say"". JockBio.com. Archived from the original on September 27, 2007. Retrieved July 11, 2006.
  75. ^ "Urlacher fined $100,000 by NFL for wearing hat". ChicagoBears.com. Archived from the original on May 22, 2007. Retrieved April 19, 2007.
  76. ^ "Brian Urlacher Facts". JockBio.
  77. ^ "Photos - NFL, NIKE Unveil New Uniforms". Nfl.com. Retrieved August 4, 2012.
  78. ^ "Urlacher set to join Fox Sports 1". Chicago Tribune. July 28, 2013. Retrieved July 29, 2013.
  79. ^ Just, David (September 16, 2014). "Brian Urlacher resigns from analyst role with FOX Sports". Chicago Sun-Times. Archived from the original on September 17, 2014. Retrieved September 17, 2014.
  80. ^ "Archived Document". Archived from the original on September 15, 2015. Retrieved December 23, 2014.
  81. ^ Mariotti, Jay, 'Overrated' Urlacher could be NFL MVP Archived December 1, 2006, at the Wayback Machine (October 30, 2006), Chicago Sun-Times, Retrieved on July 18, 2007.
  82. ^ Darren, Rovell (April 18, 2007). "Urlacher Gets Fined $100,000 For Super Bowl Stunt". CNBC. Retrieved June 26, 2021.
  83. ^ Rosenthal, Phil (April 18, 2007). "Brian Urlacher with hair? Might as well be Jake from State Farm". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved June 26, 2021.
  84. ^ Mattise, Nathan, Fans put their knowledge of all things Urlacher to the test Archived July 7, 2011, at the Wayback Machine (June 27, 2007), The Albuquerque Tribune, Retrieved on July 18, 2007.
  85. ^ a b c Owens, Jason (March 7, 2019). "Brian Urlacher suing hair transplant group over blog post". Yahoo! Sports. Retrieved June 26, 2021.
  86. ^ Adler, James (2002). "Top 10 NFL Player Jerseys". About.com. Archived from the original on September 18, 2008. Retrieved November 4, 2008.
  87. ^ "Brian Urlacher statistics". Pro-Football-Reference.com.
  88. ^ "Brian Urlacher, They Say". Jockbio.com. Archived from the original on May 27, 2012. Retrieved August 4, 2012.
  89. ^ CBS Chicago, Tank Johnson Sentenced To 120 Days In Jail Archived March 17, 2007, at the Wayback Machine Retrieved on March 15, 2007
  90. ^ "Overrated: Terrell Owens, Brian Urlacher ... and Tom Brady?". AOL Sports. October 31, 2006. Archived from the original on December 29, 2008. Retrieved November 4, 2008.
  91. ^ Mayer, Larry (October 31, 2006). "Adversity not slowing Urlacher's meteoric rise". chicagobears.com. Archived from the original on December 27, 2008. Retrieved November 4, 2008.
  92. ^ "Notre Dame Signs Safety Kennedy Urlacher". www.si.com. Sports Illustrated. December 20, 2023. Retrieved January 25, 2024.
  93. ^ a b "Decision in Urlacher's child custody battle". ABC7. October 18, 2006. Archived from the original on June 29, 2011. Retrieved November 4, 2008.
  94. ^ Haugh, David (January 12, 2017). "Brian Urlacher gets temporary custody of son after boy's stepfather is killed". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved January 13, 2017.
  95. ^ "Chicago Bears' Brian Urlacher leaves team after death of mother - ESPN Chicago". Espn.go.com. September 15, 2011. Retrieved August 4, 2012.
  96. ^ "Brian-Urlacher-back-with-Bears-after-mom's-unexpected - Chicago Sun-Times". Suntimes.com. Retrieved August 4, 2012.
  97. ^ "Casey Urlacher Elected Mayor of Mettawa". www.nbcchicago.com. NBC Chicago. April 9, 2013. Retrieved July 31, 2013.
  98. ^ "Jenny McCarthy 'Giddy' Over New Romance With Brian Urlacher". CBS Local Media. April 23, 2012. Retrieved April 27, 2012.
  99. ^ Zwecker, Bill (April 22, 2012). "Jenny McCarthy giddy over her love touchdown with Brian Urlacher". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved April 27, 2012.
  100. ^ Jordan, Julie (August 16, 2012). "Jenny McCarthy & Brian Urlacher Split Up". People. Retrieved August 16, 2012.
  101. ^ Thompson, Phil (March 14, 2016). "Brian Urlacher marries". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved March 14, 2016.
  102. ^ Liukin, Nastia (2006). "AT&T's Home Turf". AT&T Inc. Archived from the original on September 13, 2008. Retrieved November 4, 2008.
  103. ^ Finley, Patrick (August 27, 2020). "Brian Urlacher on Instagram: Brett Favre braver than NBA players". Chicago Sun-Times. Retrieved August 27, 2020.
  104. ^ Gaydos, Ryan (August 27, 2020). "Brian Urlacher appears to slam NBA players' strike over Jacob Blake shooting". Fox News. Retrieved August 27, 2020.
  105. ^ Ruiz, Steven (August 27, 2020). "Brian Urlacher got real ignorant and liked an Instagram post supporting the Kenosha shooting suspect". For The W!n. USA Today Sports. Retrieved August 27, 2020.
  106. ^ Florio, Mike (August 27, 2020). "Bears: Brian Urlacher's social media posts don't reflect our values or opinions". Pro Football Talk. NBC Sports. Retrieved August 27, 2020.
[edit]
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Brian Urlacher.
Wikiquote has quotations related to Brian Urlacher.
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Brian_Urlacher&oldid=1265585040"