Free agent MLB Brian Urlacher has retired from the NFL after 13 seasons.
Urlacher, 35 in three days, spent his entire career with the Bears. "Although I could continue playing, I'm not sure I would bring a level of performance or passion that's up to my standards," Urlacher wrote in a statement. "When considering this, along with the fact that I could retire after a 13-year career wearing only one jersey for such a storied franchise, my decision became pretty clear." It's hard to see Urlacher forced out of the game like this, but no team was willing to sign him after his skills declined sharply last season. An injury to a middle linebacker around the league could give Urlacher an opportunity, and he could change his mind. But at this moment, he finishes his career with 1,229 tackles, 41.5 sacks, 22 interceptions, 12 forced fumbles, and eight Pro Bowl selections. He's a shoo-in for the Hall of Fame.

Don't remember another defensive player that affected game-planning for us in Green Bay like Urlacher did.

Andrew Brandt wrote:

Former Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher announced today that he is retiring from the NFL after 13 seasons. I know this is a Packers website but when one of the all-time greats from a division rival hangs up the cleats, it's noteworthy. Urlacher is a sure first-ballot Hall of Famer.  No doubt about it.  Even the casual [...]

JerseyAl  wrote:

After 13 seasons of manning the middle of the field and blowing up backfields across the National Football League, Chicago Bears linebacker extraordinaire Brian Urlacher has called it quits. Like longtime Green Bay Packer Charles Woodson, Urlacher has been waiting for a team to call for his services this offseason. Woodson signed with the Oakland [...]

LombardiAve  wrote:

I agree with his peers that he was overrated, but still undoubtedly a hall of famer and certainly a worthy opponent. Also star of a great Old Spice commercial. I am glad to see him call it a career instead of letting his fading skills leave a lastng impression of him as a terrible player for the vikings.

Originally Posted by: OlHoss1884 

I don't see what he's done over the course of his career that merits being "undoubtedly" a hall of famer. The guy played lights out against the Packers, but in all the other games I've seen ... he wasn't any better than A.J. Hawk most of the time.

Originally Posted by: Zero2Cool