Brian Urlacher

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Urlacher quickly established himself as one of the NFL's most productive defensive players, winning the NFL Rookie of the Year Award. During his career, he was selected to eight Pro Bowls, recognized as a first-team All-Pro four times, and won NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2005. He was inducted to the College Football Hall of Fame in 2017 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018.

In Their Own Story

Brian Urlacher's journey began in Lovington, New Mexico, where he led his high school Wildcats to an undefeated 14–0 season and a state championship in 1995. After Texas Tech rejected him without a scholarship, he enrolled at the University of New Mexico. Initially sidelined by coach Dennis Franchione, Urlacher flourished under Rocky Long, who converted him into a versatile defensive weapon. He finished his college career with 442 tackles, three interceptions, and 11 sacks, leading the nation with 178 tackles in his junior year. In the NFL, his rookie season saw him overcome an early benching to record 124 tackles and eight sacks, shattering franchise records. A defining professional moment came on October 7, 2001, against the Atlanta Falcons, where he held Michael Vick to just 18 rushing yards, forced a fumble, sacked him, and returned a turnover for a 90-yard touchdown.

Reader's Guide

Urlacher played for the Chicago Bears from 2000 through 2012. He was a middle linebacker and won NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2005. He led the Bears to an 11–5 record in 2005 and was a key playmaker throughout his career.

Did You Know?

• Urlacher was a consensus All-American and MW Player of the Year in 1999.
• He was selected to eight Pro Bowls and named first-team All-Pro four times.
• Urlacher won NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2005.
• He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2017 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018.