Chicago Bears Countdown to Kickoff: 54 Days with Brian Urlacher

Brian Urlacher drafted top-10 by Chicago Bears, Becomes DPOY

Following the end of Urlacher's illustrious collegiate career, the defensive specialist entered the 2000 NFL Draft, where he was selected by the Chicago Bears with the ninth overall pick. The Bears added Urlacher to a defense that finished the prior season in the bottom five of the NFL, so it was paramount to find a foundational piece of the defense at the top of the class, and the Lobo did not disappoint.

As early as his rookie season, Urlacher's dominance as a professional began to come into focus. In his first season, he managed to start in 14 of the team's games where he logged 124 tackles, eight sacks, and two interceptions en route to being named the NFL's Defensive Rookie of the Year, making him just the third Bear to do so after Mark Carrier in 1990 and Wally Chambers in 1973. Urlacher was also named to his first Pro Bowl following his rookie season.

As a second-year player, Urlacher continued to climb the ladder of elite defensive NFL players, as the linebacker recorded 118 tackles, six sacks, three interceptions, and two fumble recoveries. Urlacher had one of the best and most iconic performances of his career this season, taking on the Atlanta Falcons and their dynamic quarterback Michael Vick.

Urlacher helped the Bears keep Vick under 20 rushing yards and even returned one of the quarterback's fumbles 90 yards for a touchdown. Urlacher was seemingly able to match the speed and athleticism of Vick, one of the most dangerous players in the NFL, and it became apparent that Urlacher was a true freak of nature considering his speed at his size.