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After 13 seasons, iconic Chicago Bears lineback Brian Urlacher has announced plans to retire.
The 34-year-old took to Twitter on Wednesday (May 22) to make the official announcement, explaining that he cannot compete on the level of play he would like.
"After spending a lot of time this spring thinking about my NFL future, I have made a decision to retire," Urlacher wrote (@BUrlacher54). "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."
After last season, the Bears chose not to resign Urlacher after the two sides couldn't agree on a new contract. He became a free agent and wanted to play for another club. However, after briefly testing the free agent market, he chose to retire instead.
"I want to thank all of the people in my life that have helped me along the way," Urlacher said. "I will miss my teammates, my coaches, and the great Bears fans. I'm proud to say that I gave all of you everything I had every time I took the field. I will miss this great game, but I leave it with no regret."
Urlacher was named NFL defensive player of the year in 2005, and is an eight-time Pro-Bowler. He leaves as the Bears' franchise leader in tackles (1,779). He is also one of four players to post 40 or more sacks and 20 or more interceptions since 1982, when sacks became an official NFL statistic.
The 34-year-old took to Twitter on Wednesday (May 22) to make the official announcement, explaining that he cannot compete on the level of play he would like.
"After spending a lot of time this spring thinking about my NFL future, I have made a decision to retire," Urlacher wrote (@BUrlacher54). "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."
After last season, the Bears chose not to resign Urlacher after the two sides couldn't agree on a new contract. He became a free agent and wanted to play for another club. However, after briefly testing the free agent market, he chose to retire instead.
"I want to thank all of the people in my life that have helped me along the way," Urlacher said. "I will miss my teammates, my coaches, and the great Bears fans. I'm proud to say that I gave all of you everything I had every time I took the field. I will miss this great game, but I leave it with no regret."
Urlacher was named NFL defensive player of the year in 2005, and is an eight-time Pro-Bowler. He leaves as the Bears' franchise leader in tackles (1,779). He is also one of four players to post 40 or more sacks and 20 or more interceptions since 1982, when sacks became an official NFL statistic.