Urlacher: There’s no scenario or amount of money that could bring me back
Nov 4, 2012; Nashville, TN, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher (54) pursues a Tennessee Titans ball carrier during the second half at LP Field. The Bears beat the Titans 51-20. Mandatory credit: Don McPeak-US Presswire
Brian Urlacher announced his retirement from professional football via Twitter earlier today. It ends speculation about where the Chicago Bears legend will play in 2013 and closes the books on a Hall of Fame career. Urlacher appeared on the Dan Patrick Show shortly after the news broke and it sounded to me like a guy at peace with his decision.
You could say that Urlacher did it “his way” and left on his terms, but with no other offers coming in for the aging linebacker, did he really go out the way he wanted? But it sure sounds like Urlacher has closed the door on a possible return. Near the end of the interview, Patrick tried to stir it up and pose a scenario where the Bears might come a callin’ in August. Urlacher slammed the door on a possible return:
"“There’s no scenario or amount of money that could bring me back,” Urlacher 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.”"
So for anyone hoping for a return, #54 shut it down, like he did so many opponents through the years. For all the sentimental nostalgia seekers, Urlacher gets the storybook ending, retiring having only worn the Orange and Blue. Unlike Michael Jordan, you won’t have to see a Chicago legend in a Washington Wizards (or Minnesota Vikings) jersey.
Next stop, Canton and the Hall of Fame.