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, renowned for his 13-season career with the Chicago Bears in the NFL. Prior to his professional career, Urlacher played college football for the New Mexico Lobos, where he excelled and achieved consensus All-American recognition in his senior year. The Bears drafted him ninth overall in the 2000 NFL Draft, marking the beginning of his highly successful tenure with the team.

Sections (4)

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

2000: Named Defensive Rookie of the Year

In 2000, Brian Urlacher led the Bears with 124 tackles and eight sacks, surpassing the franchise's previous rookie records. He was named the Defensive Rookie of the Year by news organizations such as the Associated Press and The Sporting News.

2000: Drafted by Chicago Bears

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

2000: Selected by Chicago Bears in NFL Draft

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

2001: Losing Seasons

After the winning season of 2001, the Bears would go on to have three straight losing seasons.

2001: Played in Pro Bowl

In 2001, Brian Urlacher played in the Pro Bowl as an alternate middle linebacker.

2001: Best Finish Since 2001

In 2005, Urlacher led the Bears to an 11-5 record, marking their best finish since 2001.

2002: Urlacher wins 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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2004: Injuries and New Coach

In 2004, Brian Urlacher suffered several injuries that sidelined him for the majority of the season. The Bears fired Jauron and hired Lovie Smith.

2005: Urlacher wins NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award

Brian Urlacher won the NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award for the 2005 season.

2005: NFL Defensive Player of the Year

In 2005, Brian Urlacher won the NFL Defensive Player of the Year Award.

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 Championship

In 2006, the Bears won the NFC Championship against the New Orleans Saints 39–14, but lost Super Bowl XLI to the Indianapolis Colts 29–17. Urlacher recorded 19 tackles and a forced fumble against the Arizona Cardinals.

2007: Arthritic Back

In 2007, Brian Urlacher admitted to suffering from an arthritic back, but finished the season with five interceptions, five sacks, one fumble recovery, 123 tackles, and a defensive touchdown. Following the season, he received minor neck surgery to treat his arthritic back and revised his contract with the Bears.

2007: Pro Bowl Selection

In 2007, Brian Urlacher was elected to the 2007 Pro Bowl.

2009: Dislocated Wrist and Criticism of Offense

In 2009, Brian Urlacher dislocated his wrist in the season opener against the Packers and missed the remainder of the season. He criticized the Bears offense, stating that the addition of quarterback Jay Cutler had changed the team's identity.

2010: Injury Recovery

In 2010, after recovering from a wrist injury, Brian Urlacher stated he felt more powerful. During the offseason, the Bears bolstered their defense by signing free agent Julius Peppers.

2010: Playoffs

In the 2010 NFL season, with Julius Peppers' help, 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.

2011: NFC Defensive Player

Brian Urlacher was recognized as the NFC Defensive Player of the Month during December/January in 2011.

2011: MCL Sprain

In 2011, during Week 17 against the Minnesota Vikings, Brian Urlacher sprained his MCL.

August 14, 2012: Arthroscopic Surgery

On August 14, 2012, Brian Urlacher had an arthroscopic debridement procedure on his left knee, with the goal of playing in the 2012 season opener.

March 12, 2013: Urlacher Becomes Unrestricted Free Agent

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

May 22, 2013: Urlacher Announces Retirement

On May 22, 2013, Brian Urlacher announced his retirement via his Twitter account. He ended his NFL career with a team-record 1,779 tackles, 41.5 sacks, 22 interceptions, 16 fumble recoveries, and 11 forced fumbles.