Brian Urlacher Announces His Retirement

After a 13-year career as one of the most feared linebackers in the NFL, Brian Urlacher has decided to call it quits rather than play for a team other than the Bears.

"It was an honor to play my entire career for the Chicago Bears," Urlacher wrote, posting this message to his Whosay account:

After spending a lot of time this spring thinking about my NFL future, I have made a decision to retire. 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 taht I could retire after a 13 year career wearing only one jersey for such a storied franchise, my decision became pretty clear. I want to thank all of the people in my life that have helped me along the way. 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 regrets.

Urlacher made the Pro Bowl eight times in his career, and was a five-time all-pro, but age catches up to us all. Urlacher will turn 35 this weekend, and the Bears parted ways with him in March, since even the veteran's minimum is over $900,000. Just last week, Urlacher was reported to be leaning toward signing with Minnesota.