Former NFL GM: Urlacher is 'borderline Hall of Famer'

Source: Inside the Bears

Considering his accomplishments, his overall value and the way he changed the perception of the middle linebacker position, longtime Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher seems destined for the Hall of Fame.

The debate it seems is whether he will be a first-ballot Hall of Famer or have to wait a little longer. He will be part of stellar group of players who will be eligible in 2018, including linebacker Ray Lewis, cornerback Ronde Barber, guard Steve Hutchinson and quite possibly receiver Randy Moss.

But one former NFL personnel man doesn't quite believe in Urlacher's credentials. Former New York Giants general manager Ernie Accorsi said on

Hot Button: Was Urlacher best Bears LB?

Source: ESPN Chicago

Respect to Mike Singletary. Respect to Dick Butkus, Bill George, George Connor, Clyde "Bulldog" Turner, Joe Fortunato, Doug Buffone, Wilber Marshall, Otis Wilson, or any of the other guys not mentioned here. But from this vantage point, Brian Urlacher -- even if he doesn't believe it himself -- is the greatest linebacker in Bears history. Vote!

Toliver applying lessons learned

Source: Scout.com

The NFL has taught Bears wide receiver Terrence Toliver much humility. Having bounced around the league his first two years, he now has a realistic shot of contributing in Chicago this year.

Brian Urlacher retires as a Chicago Bear, leaves historic legacy

Source: Yardbarker

This morning  Brian Urlacher announced his retirement after 13 years with the Chicago Bears. The Bears decided not to re-sign  Urlacher after last season when a reasonable contract deal couldn’t be met. It was an emotional moment for the organization and its fans, but it was a decision I supported and thought necessary for the Bears to stay competitive in a tough NFC North division. Despite that, it was still sad to see Urlacher go. He’s the only player on the Bears I remember watching throughout most of my life, and a player that became iconic not only in Chicago but around the NFL. Even though he wasn’t happy with the Bears’ decision, I think it means a lot to the fans that he decided to retire as a Bear. It wouldn’t feel right otherwise. He brought credibility and pride to the Bears’ defense, and fans and opponents knew and respected that. He was an eight-time Pro Bowler, winner of the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year award in 2005, and retires as the franchise’s leader in ta...

Knee scope sends James Casey to sideline (National Football Post)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Eagles TE expected fully ready for training camp

RG-3 firing passes during OTA (National Football Post)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Redskins QB did rehab work on the side

2013 Chicago Bears Schedule Breakdown: Bill Swerski's Superfans Predict the 2013 Post Season

Source: Windy City Gridiron by Superfans

Vikings: 2013 and done for Jared Allen?

Source: NFC North Blog

To this point of the offseason, the Minnesota Vikings have elected to carry untouched the largest salary-cap hit for a non-quarterback in the NFL. Despite his cap charge of $17.063 million, defensive end Jared Allen told the Star Tribune recently that "we haven't talked one iota" about a contract extension that would lower that figure. So what does that mean about Allen's future with the team? Based on what is known at the moment, it's not outlandish to suggest that the Vikings plan to part ways with Allen when his contract expires after the 2013 season.

Toughest player? Urlacher surprises some

Source: ESPN Chicago

The first name Brian Urlacher mentioned Thursday when asked who was the toughest player he ever faced might surprise some Chicago Bears fans. "I played against him, and played with him, (Jay) Cutler is tough, man," Urlacher said on "Mike & Mike In The Morning" on ESPN Radio. "I know a lot of people don't like him, and this and that, but I played against him when he was in Denver and I played with him in Chicago, and I'd just rather play with him in Chicago.

Urlacher's game of legends

Source: Chicago Tribune

Steve Rosenbloom: Full marks to the Arizona Cardinals.

Why Brian Urlacher will be a first-ballot NFL Hall of Famer

Source: Chicago Sun-Times

MARK POTASH: Brian Urlacher wasn’t the best Bears linebacker of all time — there’s only one Dick Butkus. Urlacher arguably rates somewhere between Bill George and Mike Singletary in the pantheon of the Bears linebackers. But so what? Theodore Roosevelt is no Abraham Lincoln. But he’s still on Mount Rushmore.

Why Brian Urlacher will be a first-ballot Hall of Famer

Source: Chicago Sun-Times

MARK POTASH: Brian Urlacher wasn’t the best Bears linebacker of all time — there’s only one Dick Butkus. Urlacher arguably rates somewhere between Bill George and Mike Singletary in the pantheon of the Bears linebackers. But so what? Theodore Roosevelt is no Abraham Lincoln. But he’s still on Mount Rushmore.

Packers: Finding ways to use Mike Neal

Source: NFC North Blog

All we know for sure is that on May 21 -- more than two months before training camp and 109 days before the start of the regular season -- Mike Neal was working as an outside linebacker during a Green Bay Packers organized team activity (OTA). Does that mean Neal has a new position? Or is this simply a spring experiment? I doubt even the Packers have an answer to that question yet. Neal has been a defensive end for the past three years, and despite his well-chronicled athleticism, his listed weight of 294 pounds would be rare even in a 3-4 scheme.

On the record: NFL on Brian Urlacher's retirement

Source: Inside the Bears

Here's a collection of comments from around the league about longtime Bears linebacker and his retirement after 13 seasons in the NFL:

Rodgers wants to see Favre honored in Green Bay (National Football Post)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Current QB says 'it's been too long'

Former Bear Urlacher calls it a career

Source: Yardbarker

In the end, Brian Urlacher knew it was the right decision. After 13 years in a Chicago Bears uniform, wearing another jersey just didn’t feel right. So, after a uneasy separation from the only team he knew after being selected with the ninth overall pick in the 2000 NFL Draft, Urlacher quietly exited the spotlight with a paragraph announcement via Twitter Tuesday morning (announcement [...]

Rodgers: Urlacher was 'favorite player to play against'

Source: Chicago Tribune

Green Bay coach Mike McCarthy wasn’t the only Packers representative speaking with fond remembrance about the career of Chicago Bears middle linebacker Brian Urlacher on Wednesday.

Debating greatness: Urlacher vs. Lewis

Source: ESPN Chicago

First Ray Lewis and now Brian Urlacher. Two middle linebackers who redefined the position won't be back in 2013 with each opting to end their certain Hall of Fame careers. Urlacher and Lewis, who will be on the 2018 ballot for Canton, have been compared throughout their careers. Now that the final chapters have been written on their storied careers, who was the superior player? ESPNChicago.com's Jeff Dickerson and Jon Greenberg state the case for each.

Harbaugh says Crabtree will not miss entire season (National Football Post)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

But 49ers coach doesn't offer timetable

Brian Urlacher Retires

Source: Chicago Bears Daily Blog by Roy Taylor

Will have to find the time to write a proper BearsHistory.com tribute to Brian Urlacher, who retired on Wednesday after an illustrious career as a Chicago Bear. Despite his resorting to frequent insults of the fans in defense of Lovie Smith late in his career, and calling the Bears’ final offer of $2.5 million for one season “insulting,” Urlacher has

Johnny Jolly graduates from drug program in Houston (National Football Post)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Will join Packers' OTA's next week

BBAO: Retire Brian Urlacher's No. 54?

Source: NFC North Blog

We're Black and Blue All Over: Now that we've dissected Brian Urlacher's retirement and assessed his chances at enshrinement in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, we should ask the next question: Will the Bears retire his No. 54? That issue might be more complicated than the Hall of Fame. It would seem a natural next step, but the Bears already have 13 numbers retired in a sport where 90 players are taken to training camp and 53 make the final roster.

Where Does Brian Urlacher Rank Among Greatest Players in Bears History?

Source: Bleacher Report

It seems like yesterday that the Chicago Bears took a young, converted safety out of New Mexico with the ninth overall pick in the NFL draft.

Debuting in 2000, Brian Urlacher spent 13 seasons in a Chicago uniform before retiring. In a great lineage of Bears players, we can finally start the debate of where Urlacher ranks in franchise history. 

Who makes the Mount Rushmore of Bears players? You immediately have Walter Payton, Dick Butkus and George Halas making the list. You could debate the fourth member being either 

The Bears Den: May 23, 2013 - Offseason news and notes

Source: Windy City Gridiron by Spongie

Urlacher retires after 13 illustrious seasons - 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.

Kev: Brian Urlacher Retires

Urlacher reflects

Facing the facts: 'I'm just not quite the same player I used to be,' says Brian Urlacher

Source: Yardbarker

Former Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher took a long look in the mirror after lingering in free agency without any takers. At 34, he knew he his limitations. Rather than waiting it out for the rest of the offseason, and eventually get picked up by some team, he decided to go out on his own terms and face reality. "Honestly, I'm just not quite the same player I used to be," Urlacher told Rich Eisen during a podcast on Wednesday. "If I was the same player that I was three or four years ago, I think I'd still want to play, but I'm not. After I hurt my knee, I just haven't been able to do the same things I want to do. So, it's frustrating for me, and I don't want to do it anymore." He's now apparently at peace with himself, and although he still is irked by the whole process with the Bears and his eventual departure, he doesn't harbor any grudges. He does think however, that if Lovie Smith were still around, things would'...

Bear Dawn: Brian Urlacher Retirement Edition

Source: Bear Goggles On by Boomer

Congratulations to Brian Urlacher on his retirement.  The interwebs were abuzz since just after 10AM on Wednesday morning with news that the Chicago Bears legend announcing his retirement with this simple tweet

 

It was an honor to play my entire career for the @chicagobears say.ly/GOh5Sxs

— Brian Urlacher (@BUrlacher54) May 22,

Wednesday's Sports In Brief (The Associated Press)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

VIRGINIA WATER, England (AP) -- Sergio Garcia apologized to Tiger Woods for saying he would serve fried chicken if they were to have dinner at the U.S. Open, an ugly addition to nearly two weeks of verbal sparring.

Packers' McCarthy: 'Everyone has so much respect for Brian'

Source: Chicago Tribune

The Green Bay Packers are not going to miss Brian Urlacher.

Bowen: Nobody played the game like Urlacher (Comcast SportsNet Chicago)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Comcast SportsNet contributor and former NFL safety Matt Bowen joined SportsNet Central to weigh in on Brian Urlacher's storied 13 year career.

Bowen: Nobody played the game like Urlacher

Source: CSN Chicago by skrinch

Comcast SportsNet contributor and former NFL safety Matt Bowen joined SportsNet Central to weigh in on Brian Urlacher's storied 13 year career.

TELANDER: Brian Urlacher carried on proud tradition of Bears’ MLBs

Source: Chicago Sun-Times

When you think of the Bears, you think of middle linebackers. And when you think of middle linebackers, you think of Brian Urlacher. Or, you should.

Brian Urlacher calls it quits with gas left in the tank

Source: Chicago Sun-Times

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. Urlacher will be there. He wasn’t the best Bears linebacker of all time — there’s only one Dick Butkus. Urlacher arguably rates somewhere between Bill George and Mike Singletary in the pantheon of the Bears linebackers. But so what? Theodore Roosevelt is no Abraham Lincoln. But he’s still on Mount Rushmore. And like Teddy Roosevelt, who was only a top-10 president when his visage was carved on Rushmore in the late 1930s, but …

Praise together: Bears family salutes Brian Urlacher

Source: Chicago Sun-Times

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. “You always knew you could call ‘Lach and he would do whatever he could to abide that,” former Bears fullback Jason McKie said. “He was the type of guy who would take the shirt off his back if you needed it. ““He never put himself above anybody. He always went out of his way to speak to everybody in the building, whether you were an undrafted guy, a tryout guy, a first-, …

Why Bears Fullback Evan Rodriguez Is an Emerging Star in Chicago

Source: Bleacher Report

Among the Chicago Bears players who has the most to gain with the change in coaches from Lovie Smith to Marc Trestman is fullback Evan Rodriguez, who could become a star in a more creative offense.

Rodriguez is a unique player who should have a unique role, unlike what the Bears gave him last season.

He played tight end and caught 69 passes for 871 yards and seven touchdowns at Temple. Excitement for the rookie grew after a good showing in training camp in which he reportedly put on a "clinic against the team's defense with clutch grabs, more precise routes and a display of

Urlacher special to Bears

Source: Chicago Tribune

Middle linebacker announces retirement via Twitter but legacy on and off field will be lasting

Typical of how a giddy little brother of a probable Hall of Fame middle linebacker would react, Casey Urlacher couldn't stop gushing over Brian Urlacher's endless accomplishments in 13 NFL seasons.

Haugh: No athlete since Jordan symbolized Chicago more than Urlacher

Source: Chicago Tribune

Since '85 Bears era in passionate football city, nobody played it better

Whenever Brian Urlacher does something to confirm he hates attention as much as he loves football — grunt through a news conference, breeze by adoring fans, retire via Twitter — my mind goes back to 2003 in a corner of the Bears locker room.

Jacksonville man pleads guilty to stabbing Bears fan to death

Source: NFL.com by NFL.com

A Jacksonville man pleaded guilty Tuesday to second-degree murder in the 2012 killing of a Chicago man before a Chicago Bears-Jacksonville Jaguars game.

Chicago Bears Veteran LB Brian Urlacher Retires

Source: Sports Media 101 by Serena Sanderson

The Chicago Bears lost veteran linebacker Brian Urlacher to retirement today. The Bears have long been known for their strong defense, and for the last 13 seasons, Urlacher has been a leader on that defense.

Chicago will be hard pressed to find a replacement for Urlacher, who averaged over 100 tackles per season.

"After spending a lot of time this spring thinking about my NFL

Bowen: Urlacher could do it all, and then some

Source: Chicago Tribune

Middle linebacker forced foes to alter plans because they couldn't run through him or pass over him

Brian Urlacher revolutionized the middle linebacker position in the NFL.

Mulligan: Urlacher exits NFL stage quietly

Source: Chicago Tribune

He still wanted to play but evidently not at 2nd-rate pay so he fades away with no fanfare

Twitterwas launched in 2006, six years after the Bears selected Brian Urlacher with the ninth overall pick in the 2000 draft.

Pompei: It's fitting Urlacher ends career as lifelong Bear

Source: Chicago Tribune

It wouldn't have been right for great middle linebacker to don colors of rival for swan song

There will be no purple smudge on the accomplishments of Brian Urlacher. The sight of him with some sort of cat or bird on his helmet never will make anyone wince. He will not have that moment when he makes us recall Willie Mays with the Mets.

Teammates react to Urlacher's retirement (Comcast SportsNet Chicago)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Brian Urlacher called hundreds of players "teammate" throughout his 13-year career, and a few shared their thoughts on what they will miss most about the recently-retired middle linebacker.

Teammates react to Urlacher's retirement

Source: CSN Chicago by mstrotman

Brian Urlacher called hundreds of players "teammate" throughout his 13-year career, and a few shared their thoughts on what they will miss most about the recently-retired middle linebacker.

Urlacher says he would still play for Lovie

Source: Inside the Bears

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. Urlacher announced his retirement Wednesday.

"I do believe that, yes," Urlacher said during an interview on NFL Network's "NFL Total Access" Wednesday. "I think my desire to be there would be a lot more as well.

"Nothing against the new coaching staff because I never played for them, but when you start playing for a guy like Lovie, you want to keep playing. So I think if he was there, my desire, my want-to to play would still be there."

Urlacher will have company on first Hall of Fame ballot

Source: Chicago Tribune

Fellow middle linebacker Lewis will reach eligibility in same year; Moss could join them

The conversation about if Brian Urlacher would reach the Pro Football Hall of Fame likely shifted to when after the 2010 season.

54, an Ode

Source: ChicagoNow by Jeff Hughes

Urlacher could do it all, and then some

Source: Chicago Tribune

Middle linebacker forced foes to alter plans because they couldn't run through him or pass over him

Brian Urlacher revolutionized the middle linebacker position in the NFL.

Photos: Bears in the Hall of Fame

Source: Chicago Tribune

Bears Playbook - Marquess Wilson's West Coast Style

Source: Windy City Gridiron by Steve Ronkowski

fter the Phil Emery's first two picks - Kyle Long and Jonathan Bostic - the pick that intrigues me most is Marquess Wilson. Declared a potential first-rounder at various points in his college career, he pulled a Chilo Rachal and walked away from his team in the middle of last season. His draft stock plummeted accordingly, but the Bears took a chance on Wilson with the team's final pick.

I'll leave Wilson's off-the-field claims of abuse at the hands of head coach

Tradition helps ease loss of Urlacher

Source: ESPN Chicago

We don't know much about quarterbacks in Chicago; how could we if the best one we ever had played so long ago he wore a leather helmet? We don't know much about receivers either; Brandon Marshall is like a Martian in the context of Chicago's football history. But linebackers we know. Great linebackers we've watched in abundance. George, Butkus, Singletary, Urlacher. It's a linebacker's Mount Rushmore. Linebackers are to the Bears what centers are to the Lakers: Mikan, Wilt, Kareem, Shaq.