Brian Urlacher Retires: Bears Linebacker Says Retirement Final

Much like the fate of a ball carrier ensnared by one of his bone-rattling tackles, Brian Urlacher insists there’s no returning from the retirement announcement he made early Wednesday.

As was his way over the course of his 13-year career, Urlacher’s approach was as much measured as it was spectacular. “It was an honor to play my entire career for the Chicago Bears,” he simply tweeted.

And just like that he was gone. Urlacher is likely to end up in Canton, enshrined in the NFL Hall of Fame based on his eight Pro Bowl appearances and 2005 NFL Defensive Player of the Year award.

Urlacher was sure to say all the right things on Wednesday, but all early indications were he didn’t feel this day had to yet come. Negotiations with the Bears suddenly broke off after the two sides were unable to cap length discussions with a new deal. Talk of new options in Minnesota and Denver never materialized, all leading to today’s announcement.

"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 he 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 I could retire after a 13-year career wearing only one jersey for such a storied franchise, my decision became pretty clear."

Later appearing on "The Dan Patrick Show" Urlacher assured the host there is no chance he will change his mind and play again. "There's no scenario or amount of money that could bring me back," he said. “I'm very happy with my decision. I'm 100 percent solid on this. I'm tired of working out. As old as I am and as much as my body is sore right now, I'm tired of working out."

Bears linebacker Lance Briggs played 10 seasons alongside Urlacher and was among those saddened to see him go. “I don't have words in regards to Brian right now," he told ESPN.  "He meant something different for me than he did for most. So for most, it's just a thankful answer. For me, it's deeper than that. I'm just not ready to speak on it."

The ninth overall pick in 2000, Urlacher ends his career with 180 starts, third on the team’s all-time list. The Bears drafted Jonathan Bostic and Khaseem Greene as possible replacements in last month’s draft.

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