Brian Urlacher Retires

[CowboyDan]

Sad news. I've always been a fan of him as a player. A true field general and a tenacious linebacker.

 

[CowboyDan]

Brian Urlacher announces retirement

By Ryan Wilson | CBSSports.com


May 22, 2013 11:12 am ET

<a href="http://cbssports.com/images/blogs/brian-urlacher-retires.jpg" target="_blank"> After 13 NFL seasons, Brian Urlacher calls it a career. (USATSI)

The Bears and Brian Urlacher parted ways in March and now, two months later, the 13-year veteran has announced his retirement.
"After spending a lot time this spring thinking about my NFL future, I have made the decision to retire," Urlacher wrote Wednesday. "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.


Don't MissStorm clouds QB Sam Bradford's thoughts "I want to thank all the people in my life that have help me along the way," Urlacher continued. "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 the great game, but I leave with no regrets."

Bears linebacker Lance Briggs admitted this week that he already missed Urlacher, his teammate for the last decade.
&#8220;I didn't call the plays before and now I'm calling the plays," Briggs said via CSNChicago.com. "I just have a lot of respect ... I've been spoiled for the last 10 years.&#8221;
The Bears selected Urlacher in the first round of the 2000 NFL Draft. He excelled as a hybrid linebacker-safety at the University of New Mexico and quickly became one of the NFL's best players. Urlacher earned NFC Defensive Rookie of the Year honors, was named to the 2000s All-Decade Team, AP Defensive Player of the Year (2005), and was an eight-time Pro Bowler. He retires with 939 tackles, 41.5 sacks, and 22 interceptions.

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[Maxmadden]

Old School

 

[big dog cowboy]

It was sad to see his skills erode. Damn good player. Should be a first ballot HOFer.

 

[Stryker44]

It was sad to see his skills erode. Damn good player. Should be a first ballot HOFer.

How did his skills erode? He was gaining more and more training and experience in the NFL

 

[Staggerlee]

How did his skills erode? He was gaining more and more training and experience in the NFL

Probably referring to his increasing inability to do east-west running and becoming more of a north-south only player. Not that he could only do that but it did start to show.

 

[Stryker44]

Probably referring to his increasing inability to do east-west running and becoming more of a north-south only player. Not that he could only do that but it did start to show.

How would he lose that ability though, if constantly working to improve?

 

[CowboyDan]

How would he lose that ability though, if constantly working to improve?

This thread's not about Romo. Settle down.

 

[Staggerlee]

How would he lose that ability though, if constantly working to improve?

Not sure if you're serious. Time erodes physical ability. The really good players make up for that loss with an increased mental understanding of the game.

 

[BAZ]

Surprised at this, thought he had one of those "out to prove something to my old team" years left in him. A real passing of the guard with him and Lewis retiring at the same time.

 

[BAZ]

When Sean Lee goes down he should be nice and fresh off the couch, it will be perfect.

 

[TellerMorrow34]

He was a hell of a player for a really long time. Sad to see his career over but he's had a great run.

 

[Blake]

How did his skills erode? He was gaining more and more training and experience in the NFL

You must still be in your teens huh...? So much ignorance in this statement. Come back and pose that question when you're approaching your 30's and you start to notice that perhaps your joints and your back aren't as sturdy as they once were. It's called aging and everyone is affected by it. Yes, even football players. :bang2:

 

[BAT]

When Sean Lee goes down he should be nice and fresh off the couch, it will be perfect.

He was quoted as saying that his 2013 dream scenario would have been to play for Dallas under Marinelli and Kiffin. If not the MIKE, I wonder if Urlacher could play the SAM. He would not have to run sideline to sideline as much.

Or Lee could move to WILL and Carter to SAM, so Urlacher could remain at MIKE and call the plays. Urlacher can still play at near pro bowl level, but it is his familiarity with the defense that would be invaluable. A veritable coach on the field.

I just do not see Will Allen commanding the same respect, let alone calling plays. That's if Will Allen even makes the final roster, nevermind a starting spot.

 

[BAZ]

Well I was half joking, but if Lee goes down the first thing I would do is get on the blower. Thomas, Brooking, Urlacher, it would be quite the list of washed up LB's.