Team Report - CLEVELAND BROWNS (The SportsXchange)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Weeden leading first team in OTAs

Minnesota Vikings have trouble spots looming?

Source: Yardbarker

By most standards, the Minnesota Vikings did a pretty darned good job in the 2013 NFL Draft, but one cylinder on the defensive side may have misfired.  Staring any number of needed linebackers in the face during the final stages of Round One, the Vikings managed to move back up into that late first round gold mine and select……a wide receiver.  The long term upside for the selection of Cordarelle Patterson is still under review, for his immediate impact on this 2013 team appears to be limited, while the selection of a quality linebacker would have had the immediate and significant impact that the picks of DT Sharif Floyd and CB Xavier Rhodes will have.  As it stands right now, there is a gaping hole in the linebacker corps and some questions remain about that unit as well as the receiving group, most created by Patterson’s selection... Read more

Lions: On Brandon Pettigrew's drops

Source: NFC North Blog

I liked what I heard -- er, read -- from Detroit Lions tight end Brandon Pettigrew this week. As Tim Twentyman of the Lions' website writes, Pettigrew has pledged to rectify the series of negative plays he made last season. "I can't put what I did [last year] on anyone else," he said. "I take it upon myself to fix the drops or missed blocks, the plays that weren't made, the fumbles. That's on me and I take it upon myself. It's my problem to fix." Pettigrew fumbled four times in 2012, losing two of them, and dropped eight passes, according to ESPN Stats & Information.

Spielman takes analytical approach…to a point

Source: Scout.com

Vikings general manager Rick Spielman’s actions back the findings of an analytical study about draft success … until he sees a player he really covets.

Browns defenders learning new system, positions (The SportsXchange)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

BEREA, Ohio -- Linebacker D'Qwell Jackson is on his fourth head coach with the Cleveland Browns, so naturally he's seen as many defensive coordinators and systems come and go.

Jared Allen, Minnesota Vikings haven't talked contract

Source: NFL.com by Sessler, Marc

Jared Allen is set to earn $14.3 million in this, the final season of a six-year contract he signed with the Minnesota Vikings in 2008. Allen, 31, says the Vikings have kept silent about a new deal.

Packers, Favre have reconciled indirectly

Source: NFC North Blog

Oh. My. GOD. If I see one more story or hear one more radio interview about the much-suggested but still-unplanned reunion between the Green Bay Packers and Brett Favre, why, I'm going to pack up my blogger uniform, head down to my ranch, start cutting the grass and not come back until the rest of ESPN.com's blog network team flies down in a private plane and begs me to resume as a favor to them. (Starting right after this blog post, of course.

Aaron Rodgers wants Packers to retire Favre’s No. 4

Source: Yardbarker

Aaron Rodgers has learned to forgive and forget. Now he's hoping the Green Bay Packers and its diehard fans can do the same. In a radio interview with "The Jim Rome Show" Wednesday, the Packers' All-Everything quarterback said it's time for the "healing process to begin" between the organization and Brett Favre, whose number, he hopes, can soon be retired. "It's been too long," Rodgers said, via ESPN.com. "You know, our country and the state of Wisconsin, these people are a people of second and third and fourth chances. I think it's time to let the healing process begin for those who are still upset for what went down." Rodgers echoed the recent comments of Packers GM Mark Murphy, who expressed his desire to get Favre "back involved in the organization soon." "I look forward to him being back in the fold, as Mark Murphy has said," Rodgers said. "I think it's time for our fans, this ...

Percy Harvin Feels “Wanted” In Seattle

Source: The Viking Age by Dan Zinski

May 20, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Percy Harvin (11) participates in organized team activities at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Percy Harvin hasn’t been in Seattle long enough to create a headache for coaches, teammates and the media. Give him awhile and he’ll get there. For now though everything is roses and kittens and unicorns with rainbows coming out of their butts.

Harvin is in the honeymoon phase right now. And he knows that, if he wants that phase to last, he needs to say and do all the right things. So he is saying and doing the

RED ALERT: Shirtless Vikings Do Harlem Shake Video

Source: Yardbarker

If that headline doesn't work for the internet, then nothing will. What you see above is a picture from a video from Vikings players proving that the Harlem Shake phenomenon isn't QUIET dead yet. Unfortunately. It also proves that Harlem Shake videos are only enjoyable when they are shorter in length, and when they involve shirtless NFL players doing them. I also can't embed the video directly for you here because WHAT THE HELL HTML AND YFROG!! But go watch it anyway. Frankly, the only way this could have been any better is if former Vikings and locker room hero Visanthe Shiancoe showed up for a cameo spinning everything like a helicopter.  I do need help identifying everyone though so we can get them into the Shirtless Vikings gallery, and continue to build our library of chestiness. I'm pretty sure I see Andrew Sandejo wearing a bucket on his head. Harrison Smith also is there (what other white guys do we have?) being Dirty Harry. I can't tell who...

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.

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.

Minnesota Vikings: Did the Vikings Make a Mistake Hiring Bill Musgrave?

Source: Bleacher Report

Pundits across the country have indicated that 2013 is the make-or-break year for Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder, but few have any hope for offensive coordinator Bill Musgrave. Despite a playoff appearance, and allowing the Vikings to spend the second-most time with a lead in 2013, fans and experts alike are calling for Musgrave’s head.

And they may be right.

In fact, the Vikings may have made a mistake in hiring him at all.

Bill Musgrave found himself with an offensive coordinator job shortly after Darrell Bevell, like so many other former Vikings, found a job with the

Report: Jared Allen Not Interested In Pay Cut

Source: Daily Norseman by Christopher Gates

While we've been putting together our plans for what we think the Minnesota Vikings should do this off-season, a lot of us have assumed that, at some point, the team would work out some sort of contract extension with Jared Allen to guarantee him a spot on the roster beyond this season and reduce his $17 million+ cap hit.

Yeah, about that. . .

You use the word restructure and that to me makes it feel like they'd want me to take a pay cut. And if anybody asked me to take a pay cut, I'd be

Jared Allen isn’t about to take a pay cut: ‘if anybody asked me to take a pay cut, I'd be through the first door out of there’

Source: Yardbarker

Minnesota Viking defensive end Jared Allen said no one from the team’s front office has approached him about restructuring his contract. However, if that were to happen, it better not be a pay cut because Allen wants no part of that at all. The veteran is open to move some money around, but he isn’t going to take less money that what he signed for. "You use the word 'restructure,' and that -- to me -- makes it feel like they'd want me to take a pay cut," Allen said, via Dan Wiederer of the Star-Tribune. "And if anybody asked me to take a pay cut, I'd be through the first door out of there. So, no. We haven't talked one iota. It is what it is." "We're going to go about our business and play good ball and try to win a Super Bowl. And ... the business stuff? We take care of that in the offseason. I have people to do that. That's why I don't get into it. You're not going to hear it from me. I won't complain. I go...

Jared Allen: Vikings haven’t talked contract ‘one iota’

Source: Yardbarker

Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jared Allen is in the last season of the contract he signed in 2008 and is due to earn $14.3 million this season, which could be his last in a Vikings uniform. The 31-year-old spoke to Dan Wiedere of The Star Tribune and confirmed that Minnesota hasn’t asked him to restructure

Jared Allen: No contract talks with Minnesota Vikings

Source: NFL.com by Sessler, Marc

Jared Allen is set to earn $14.3 million in this, the final season of his contract with the Minnesota Vikings. The 31-year-old pass rusher says the Vikings have kept silent about a new contract.

Jared Allen: No news on talks with Minnesota Vikings

Source: NFL.com by Sessler, Marc

Jared Allen is set to earn $14.3 million in this, the final season of his contract with the Minnesota Vikings. The 31-year-old pass rusher says the Vikings have kept silent about a new contract.

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.

Vikings embrace innovation in stadium design

Source: Scout.com

While the clear roof has received most of the attention, the Vikings know that keeping up with technology and the fan experience are critical in their stadium design.

Trouble on the bubble? Defensive players

Source: Scout.com

The Vikings have parted ways with 2012 starters Jasper Brinkley and Antoine Winfield, but the defensive talent added in the offseason makes life on the bubble more uncomfortable for these four veteran defenders.

Minnesota Vikings News And Links, 5/23

Source: Daily Norseman by Christopher Gates

This is probably going to be the last work day of the week for a lot of you, what with the big Memorial Day weekend coming up. We're glad you've chosen to spend at least part of your day hanging out here with your fellow Minnesota Vikings fans.

Since the last time we brought you an Open Thread. . .

-Quarterback Christian Ponder is going to be signing autographs at the Mall of America this evening starting at 6 PM.

-World Wrestling Entertainment is looking to

Vikings' secondary late to the 'Harlem Shake' party

Source: Yardbarker

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. Apparently members of the Minnesota Vikings' secondary couldn't resist getting into the Harlem Shake craze, creating their own video of the dance that had become an internet sensation a few months ago. Of course, Minnesota's outspoken safety Jamarca Sanford is leading the way in this video, which appears to include safeties Harrison Smith, cornerback Bobby Felder safety Mistral Raymond and defensive tackle Fred Evans. With much of the team in town for voluntary workouts and organized team activities beginning next week, the Vikings are apparently already doing organized team activities. The song was created by Baauer and has become an internet meme with sports teams, members of the military and many others doing their own crazy versions of the dance.

Jared Allen says the Vikings haven’t asked him to renegotiate his contract

Source: Yardbarker

The Star Tribune caught up with Minnesota Vikings defense end Jared Allen and asked him if he was asked to renegotiate his contract this past offseason. “You use the word restructure and that to me makes it feel like they’d want me to take a pay cut,” replied Allen. “And if anybody asked me to take a pay cut, I’d be through the first door out of there. So no. We haven’t talked one iota. It is what it is. And we’re going to go about our business and play good ball and try to win a Super Bowl. And like I said the business stuff? We take care of that in the offseason. I have people to do that. That’s why I don’t get into it. You’re not going to hear it from me. I won’t complain. I go about my business.” I don’t think the Vikings could justify asking Allen to take a pay cut.  He’s been a monster throughout his career and has consistently put up impressive sack numbers even when he played injured.   Need NFL Tickets? The post Jared Allen says the Vikings haven’t asked him to re

Come Meet Christian Ponder At Champs Thursday Night!

Source: Vikings Gab by Matt Loede

Hey Vikings Fans! Be at the new Champs Sports for a special appearance from Christian Ponder!

Ponder will be on hand Thursday, May 23, 6 to 7 p.m.

The Champs Sports is at 205 East Broadway

Stop by for an autograph and photo op with the Vikings QB!

Jared Allen Unwilling To Take Pay Cut

Source: The Viking Age by Adam Carlson

Dec 23, 2012; Houston, TX, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive end Jared Allen (69) sacks Houston Texans quarterback Matt Schaub (8) during the third quarter at Reliant Stadium. The Vikings won 23-6. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Campbell-USA TODAY Sports

Defensive End Jared Allen is in the final year of his 6-year contract with the Minnesota Vikings.  As it currently stands, he is set to count as nearly $17 million against the salary cap.  Even though the Vikings have not approached him about taking a pay cut or restructuring his contract, that didn’t stop the 2-time season sack leader from commenting on the

With contract issues on hold, Jared Allen aiming to have big 2013

Source: Star Tribune

The Vikings' star defensive end could be in his final season with the organization. As always, he's speaking his mind on a number of things.

Ponder To Sign Autographs At Mall Of America

Source: Daily Norseman by Christopher Gates

If you're in or near the Twin Cities area, tomorrow you have an opportunity to get something autographed by everybody's favorite quarterback.

No, not him.

No, not him, either.

No, not. . .dang it, people I'm talking about Christian Ponder.

The event is to celebrate the opening of the new Nike Yardline store at the Champs Sports store located at the Mall of America. This is the second store of it's kind that will be opening in the country, and promises to provide consumers with special access to signature Nike football products, athletes, teams, and experiences while connecting the local and national football community both in store and

Louis Delmas can't practice -- already?!

Source: NFC North Blog

Catching up around the division Wednesday after Brian Urlacher's retirement illuminated at least one curious development. Detroit Lions safety Louis Delmas isn't participating in organized team activities (OTAs), and not just simply to avoid wear and tear on his troublesome knees. According to what Lions coach Jim Schwartz told reporters, Delmas isn't able to participate. "He's not here right now going through this stuff," Schwartz said. "But there's nothing that he could get out of this because he can't physically do the stuff that we're doing right now.

Video: Brian Urlacher remembers when Tom Brady ‘juked me out of my shoes’ (Shutdown Corner)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

In his 13-year career, Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher established himself as one of the greatest NFL players of the new millennium. And when he officially retired on Wednesday, it got people thinking about his legacy. A Super Bowl appearance, 180 regular-season starts, 41.5 sacks, 22 interceptions, 1,052 solo tackles, eight Pro Bowls, four First-Team All-Pro nominations, and his status as one of the few players to rack up the AP's Defensive Rookie of the Year (2000) and Defensive Player of the Year (2005) awards all will likely lead Urlacher to the Pro Football Hall of Fame sooner than later. That said -- and this happens to every great player -- there are those moments one would rather forget. When Urlacher called into the Dan

Christian Ponder to Sign Stuff So I Can Give It To You

Source: Yardbarker

OK people, I'm not going to lie. This post is total corporate shill, but it's for a good cause. Namely, you may get free stuff out of it! And it's weird from my perspective, so we're totally rolling with it. Word around the burning Metrodome campfire is that Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder will be attending a grand re-opening of a Champs Sports location at the Mall of America this Thursday night, at 6PM. This Champs will also include a Nike Yardline area. He'll be around for an hour signing all sorts of stuff (presumably the new, sexy Vikings jersey!) and doing more Nike stuff. How knows? Maybe Samantha Ponder will even show up! That would be like an added bonus. But that's not all. Purple Jesus Diaries may also be able to secure one of these signed items so that we can turn it around and give it to one of our lucky, poor, weirdly dedicated readers. COOL! First, here's the requisite information: NIKE AND C...

WWE Looking To Recruit From NFL

Source: Daily Norseman by Christopher Gates

We've made no secret of the fact that we're big fans of World Wrestling Entertainment around here. Well, I am, anyway. Apparently WWE has some fans at the National Football League offices, too, as it appears that Vince McMahon and company are attempting to strike up a sort of "working relationship" with the NFL.

Jim Ross, a WWE announcer who now assists with the company's talent-development program, is meeting Wednesday with NFL Players Association officials in Washington, D.C. Ross hopes to develop a working relationship that could lead to the NFLPA funneling players whose

Fallout: 49ers lose Crabtree (Rotoworld)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Evan Silva examines the fallout from Michael Crabtree's torn Achilles' tendon, in both real life and fantasy football.

Don't count on a Brian Urlacher comeback

Source: NFC North Blog

It never seemed likely that the Minnesota Vikings would pursue Brian Urlacher in free agency, given their sharp turn toward youth over the past two years. And now it seems clear that Urlacher had little interest in a mercenary-style role with the Vikings or any other NFL team. On the day he announced his retirement, Urlacher told ESPN 1000 that he could never get his mind around playing for another team, and was especially adverse to answering a mid-summer emergency call.

Vikings waive OT Mark Jackson.

Source: Vikings Gab by Chris Boynton

The Vikings made a roster move on Tuesday, releasing offensive tackle Mark Jackson.

Jackson was a 6-foot-6 undrafted free agent who played his college ball at Glenville State. The team signed him to a  free agent contract on April 30th.  Jackson had participated in the team’s rookie camp.

The Vikings roster now stands at 89 players, one below the offseason limit. This includes 86 players under contract as well as tenders out to their three unsigned first-round draft picks.

Vikings Defenders Prove The Harlem Shake Isn't Dead Yet

Source: Daily Norseman by Eric J. Thompson

It's the middle of May. If you haven't noticed, actual NFL news around these parts has been awfully slow since the post-draft hype settled down. Brian Urlacher officially isn't going to be a Viking, but we already knew that. We're still months away from training camp, the preseason, or any other football of real significance. It's tough to keep busy as an NFL fan this time of year.

So what do NFL players do to keep themselves entertained during the doldrums of the NFL schedule? Well, apparently if you're a defensive player for the

Urlacher announces retirement

Source: Vikings Gab by Chris Boynton

Ok, the drama is over. Brian Urlacher will not be joining the Minnesota Vikings and we can put all talk to the contrary to bed. This morning he released the following statement below through his Twitter account saying that after 13 seasons, he’s calling it quits after Eight Pro Bowl seasons and being named Defensive Player of the Year in 2005.

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

Calling Canton: Brian Urlacher's candidacy

Source: NFC North Blog

Reviewing the Pro Football Hall of Fame's list of middle linebackers is a sobering experience. The position is well-represented, but almost all of the enshrinees -- Dick Butkus, Jack Lambert and Willie Lanier among them -- are drawn from a long-gone era of NFL defenses. In fact, former Chicago Bears star Mike Singletary is the only current Hall of Famer whose career started in the past 36 years. The best case to be made for Brian Urlacher's candidacy, now that he has announced his retirement, is that his career reversed the decades-long decline in value of the position.

Confident Childs creating illusion he'll be back in purple

Source: Yardbarker

EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. Working out at the team's facilities, Minnesota Vikings receiver Greg Childs smiles widely, displaying a supreme confidence and looking nothing like a player in the midst of an intense rehab from a potentially career-ending injury. Childs has always had that swagger, that confidence in himself and his physical gifts. It's one reason that he never doubted he'd be back to play for Minnesota, even after suffering torn patellar tendons in both of his knees in training camp last season. Childs has been running for about three months. He says he can run routes, though he doesn't run through them full speed with his teammates yet. He's done some cutting on those two surgically-repaired knees, even jumping on the knees that have let him down too many times in his career. "I'm doing all the things I was doing before," Childs said earlier this month while working out during the team's offseason conditioning program. "I'm pretty much able to do all m

'You were who we thought you were'

Source: NFC North Blog

Congratulations to the Arizona Cardinals, who for the time being at least have won the reaction to Brian Urlacher's retirement with this tweet: You were who we thought you were. Congrats. RT @BUrlacher54: It was an honor to play my entire career for the @ChicagoBears. The reference, of course, is to what almost certainly was the best game of Urlacher's career. In the Chicago Bears' legendary 24-23 victory over the Cardinals, Urlacher finished with 25 tackles (according to the Bears' coaching film), two quarterback hurries, two pass breakups and a forced fumble.

Brian Urlacher retires, assuring he won't be Vikings middle linebacker

Source: Star Tribune

The speculation can end. The longtime Chicago Bears great is not coming to aid the Vikings.

Urlacher retires, ending Vikings speculation

Source: Scout.com

Former Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher is retiring after 13 seasons, ending speculation that he might sign with Minnesota, a rumor the Vikings have consistently denied.

Brian Urlacher: Impact on teammates

Source: NFC North Blog

What made Brian Urlacher special? You have to start, of course, with the way a 6-foot-4, 258-pound man could run, hit and organize a defense on the field. But even an occasional in-person observer of the Chicago Bears over the past decade could notice the reverential stature Urlacher held with his teammates. If he had enemies, they never surfaced. Urlacher mixed equal doses of dry humor, man's-man competitiveness and two-way respect to keep the Bears' locker room humming smoothly and largely conflict-free during his tenure.

See Christian Ponder at Nike Yardline at Champs Sports in Mall of America

Source: The Viking Age by Dan Zinski

Dec 30, 2012; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Green Bay Packers linebacker Brad Jones (59) pushes Minnesota Vikings quarterback Christian Ponder (7) out of bounds for an 8 yard run in the first quarter at the Metrodome. The Vikings win 37-34. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Hey Viking fans, heads up. Your undisputed starting quarterback for 2013, Christian Ponder, will be making an appearance and signing autographs Thursday, May 23rd at the new Nike Yardline at Champs Sports location in Mall of America. Ponder will be on-hand starting at 6 PM. So get down there and get yourself an autograph. I don’t know if Samantha

Reaction to Brian Urlacher retirement

Source: NFC North Blog

In the wake of Brian Urlacher's announcement that his 13th NFL season would be his last, current and former NFL players took to Twitter to send out tributes to the Hall of Fame Bears linebacker. Fans also sent their thoughts via our NFC North Twitter account (@espn_nfnblog). Here are some of the highlights.

Chris Kluwe Takes Another Shot at Vikings

Source: The Viking Age by Dan Zinski

May 20, 2013; Alameda, CA, USA; Oakland Raiders punter Chris Kluwe (5) at organized team activities at the Raiders practice facility. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Does Chris Kluwe harbor any bitterness toward the Vikings after being released? The answer is clearly yes. If you’re looking for evidence of this, all you need do is follow his Twitter feed. The proof is in the pudding. Or should I say tweeting.

The tweets are not overtly angry of course. Kluwe can be blunt when he wants but he can also be subtle. He knows the fine art of the gentle shot. He took another one on Tuesday when he tweeted (during a

Reaction to Brian Urlacher retirement

Source: NFC North Blog

In the wake of Brian Urlacher's announcement that his 13th NFL season would be his last, current and former NFL players took to Twitter to send out tributes to the Hall of Fame Bears linebacker. Fans also sent their thoughts via our NFC North Twitter account (@espn_nfnblog). Here are some of the highlights.

Brian Urlacher Ends Vikings Speculation By Retiring

Source: The Viking Age by Dan Zinski

Nov 4, 2012; Nashville, TN, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher (54) awaits the snap against the Tennessee Titans during the first half at LP Field. The Bears beat the Titans 51-20. Mandatory credit: Don McPeak-US Presswire

Brian Urlacher is likely no longer an option for the Vikings at middle linebacker. On Thursday the life-long Bears linebacker announced his retirement from the NFL, ending a long and distinguished career. Urlacher said in a statement:

After spending a lot of time

Brian Urlacher admirably accepts his lot

Source: NFC North Blog

Congratulations to linebacker Brian Urlacher, who found peace and satisfaction with his 13-year career Wednesday rather than extend beyond what felt organic to everyone -- most importantly him. The assumption has always been that Urlacher, who turns 33 on Saturday, would play for the Chicago Bears or no one in 2013. He parted ways with the Bears in March, on Wednesday he confirmed the latter part of that supposition. In announcing his retirement, Urlacher acknowledged with stark honesty that "I'm not sure I would bring a level of performance or passion that's up to my standards.

Brian Urlacher announces his retirement (Shutdown Corner)

Source: Yahoo! Sports

Former Chicago Bears middle linebacker Brian Urlacher announced on Wednesday that he has decided to retire from the NFL after 13 seasons. "After spending a lot of time this spring thinking about my NFL future, I have made a decision to retire," Urlacher said in a statement posted on Twitter. "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 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