In somewhat of a stunning move and despite being defiant about continuing his playing career, Brian Urlacher has retired after 13 years, all with the Chicago Bears.

After contract negotiations broke off with the Bears in March Urlacher pronounced himself ready to continue playing even with another team. It seemed almost personal that he had something left and wanted to stick it to the Bears. Chicago offered the Middle Linebacker only a 1 year deal for about 2 million. Urlacher felt the offer was insulting.

Urlacher is 3rd in Bears history in games played with 180. He was the defensive  rookie of the year in 2000. He was the next great Chicago middle linebacker, following in the foot steps of Mike Singletary and Dick Butkus.

Urlacher claimed in radio interviews after making his retirement public that contract offers he was hearing weren't worth putting his body on the line for. There was speculation that he might return to the Bears for a 14th season but bears management seemed luke warm on that idea.

Urlacher showed much love in his comments for now former Bears coach Lovie Smith, who was fired after the season and replaced by Marc Trestman.

Urlacher had a decent final season by his standards. He was in on 68 tackles which for some players is a really good year. For the monster in the middle it was just OK.

Urlacher must have thought long and hard about this choice and it sounded as such. After initially being defiant about retiring he now claims he wanted to only play for 1 team in his career, that being the Chicago Bears. Next stop for Urlacher will probably be the hall of fame

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