Career Timeline of Brian Urlacher: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Brian Urlacher, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Brian Urlacher is a retired American football linebacker who spent his entire 13-season NFL career with the Chicago Bears. A standout college player for the New Mexico Lobos, he was drafted ninth overall by the Bears in 2000. Urlacher quickly became a cornerstone of the Bears' defense, known for his exceptional athleticism, intelligence, and leadership. He earned numerous accolades, including NFL Defensive Player of the Year, and was an eight-time Pro Bowl selection. Urlacher is widely regarded as one of the greatest linebackers in NFL history and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2000: Drafted by the Chicago Bears

In 2000, Brian Urlacher was drafted ninth overall by the Chicago Bears in the NFL draft, after playing college football for the New Mexico Lobos.

2000: Selected by the Chicago Bears in NFL Draft

In 2000, Brian Urlacher was selected by the Chicago Bears as the ninth overall pick in the first round of the NFL draft.

2000: Rookie Defensive Player of the Year

In 2000, Brian Urlacher won the league's Rookie Defensive Player of the Month in October, led the Bears with 124 tackles and eight sacks, and was named Defensive Rookie of the Year by multiple news organizations.

2001: Successful 2001 Season

In 2001, Brian Urlacher had a successful season, contributing to the Chicago Bears winning 13 games and being nominated for the NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award.

2001: Selected to Pro Bowl

In 2001, Brian Urlacher was voted to play at the Pro Bowl as an alternate middle linebacker, following his successful rookie campaign.

2002: Appearance on Wheel of Fortune

In 2002, Brian Urlacher appeared on the game show Wheel of Fortune and won over $47,000 for charity.

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2005: NFL Defensive Player of the Year

In 2005, Brian Urlacher was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year.

January 15, 2006: Playoff Game Against Carolina Panthers

On January 15, 2006, Brian Urlacher played in his second career playoff game against the Carolina Panthers, recording seven tackles and one interception in a 29-21 loss.

2006: NFC Champions

In 2006, the Chicago Bears finished with a 13-3 record, won the NFC Championship against the New Orleans Saints, but lost Super Bowl XLI to the Indianapolis Colts. Brian Urlacher earned consideration for the League's Defensive Player of the Year award.

2007: Elected to 2007 Pro Bowl

In 2006, Brian Urlacher was elected to the 2007 Pro Bowl while also earning consideration for the League's Defensive Player of the Year award.

2007: Arthritic Back and Contract Revision

In 2007, the Bears finished last in the NFC North, Urlacher admitted to suffering from an arthritic back, and later had minor neck surgery. During the offseason, he revised his contract with the Bears, receiving a $6 million signing bonus.

2010: NFC North Champions

In 2010, Brian Urlacher and the Bears improved to an 11-5 record, winning the NFC North and earning a first-round bye for the 2011 playoffs.

2012: Ed Block Courage Award

In 2012, Brian Urlacher won the Ed Block Courage Award for sportsmanship and courage, thanking the Bears for their support after his mother's death. Also in 2012, he intercepted Matt Hasselbeck and returned it for a touchdown and later sustained a hamstring injury. Nike took over from Reebok as the NFL supplier and Urlacher modeled the new uniforms.

2012: Models New NFL Uniforms for Nike

In 2012, with Nike taking over as the NFL supplier from Reebok, Brian Urlacher modeled for the new uniforms.

March 12, 2013: Urlacher Becomes a Free Agent

On March 12, 2013, Brian Urlacher became an unrestricted free agent.

May 22, 2013: Retirement Announcement

On May 22, 2013, Brian Urlacher announced his retirement from the NFL via his Twitter account. He ended his career with a team-record 1,779 tackles, 41.5 sacks, and 22 interceptions.