Chicago Bears Countdown to Kickoff continues today with 54 days remaining until the start of the season, meaning that today's installment will focus on the life and career of the best player in franchise history to wear the number 54, Hall of Fame linebacker Brian Urlacher.
Brian Urlacher's path from Washington to New Mexico to the Chicago Bears
Originally hailing from Pasco, Washington, Urlacher grew up with his siblings and mother in Lovington, New Mexico, where he began to develop an affinity for several sports, including basketball, track, and of course, football. At Lovington High School, Urlacher was a star in all phases of the game, splitting time as a running back and wide receiver on offense, a defensive back on defense, and even a returner on special teams.
As a versatile player who made an impact on every aspect of the game, Urlacher led Lovington to an undefeated record as a senior, helping the school win the Class 3A State Championship. Widely regarded as perhaps the best high school football player in New Mexico state history, Urlacher accepted a scholarship from the nearby University of New Mexico, where he would become an integral part of the Lobo's program.
Upon joining the team, Urlacher was advised by head coach Dennis Franchione to make a switch from safety to linebacker, but the defensive specialist was used sparingly throughout his first two seasons. Heading into his junior season, the team relieved Franchione of his position and brought in Rocky Long as his replacement, who helped unlock Urlacher's true potential in the college setting.
Long creatively decided to use Urlacher as somewhat of a gadget player, taking occasional snaps on offense and even serving as the team's punt returner. While getting a blazing fast 6'4", 240 lbs athlete the ball in open space is a good idea, Urlacher made himself a household name at the college level for his defensive prowess.
As an upperclassman, Urlacher played a somewhat scheme-independent position called the "Lobo-back", which is similar to a "star" or "robber" player. Essentially, Urlacher had some freedom to roam the middle of the field and was able to pick up players crossing the field horizontally.
Urlacher excelled in this Lobo position and earned several top collegiate awards, including making the First-Team All-American as a senior as well as being named a finalist for the Jim Thorpe award, given to the nation's top collegiate defensive back of the season. In his final two seasons, Urlacher was voted a team captain twice and won the Team MVP award both years.
As a junior, Urlacher's 178 total tackles led not only his team and conference but the nation as a whole. Urlacher is arguably the best player to come through the Lobo's football program, highlighted by adding six offensive touchdowns during an elite senior defensive campaign.