History of Brian Urlacher in Timeline

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

May 25, 1978: Brian Urlacher's Birth

On May 25, 1978, Brian Urlacher was born in Pasco, Washington. He later became a professional football linebacker.

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1986: Best Finish Since 1986

In 2001, the Chicago Bears had their best season since 1986, winning 13 games.

1995: Won State Championship

In 1995, Brian Urlacher led Lovington High School to an undefeated season and a division 3-A state championship.

1996: Graduated from Lovington High School

In 1996, Brian Urlacher graduated from Lovington High School.

1997: Insight.com Bowl

In 1997, Brian Urlacher's team, the New Mexico Lobos, made a trip to the Insight.com Bowl.

1999: Finalist for Jim Thorpe Award

In 1999, Brian Urlacher was a finalist for the Jim Thorpe Award.

1999: Bears defense ranked 29th

In 1999, the Chicago Bears defense was ranked 29th, leading to their need for a defensive playmaker, which resulted in them drafting Brian Urlacher.

2000: Male Athlete of the Year Award

In 2000, Brian Urlacher received the Male Athlete of the Year Award from the University of New Mexico.

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.

2001: Bears' Winning Season

In 2001, the Bears had a winning season, but this was followed by three straight losing seasons.

2001: Best Finish Since 2001

In 2005, the Bears finished with an 11-5 record, their best finish since 2001.

May 15, 2002: Appearance on According to Jim

On May 15, 2002, Brian Urlacher appeared as himself in an episode of According to Jim titled "No Surprises".

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May 2002: Appearance on According to Jim

In May 2002, Brian Urlacher appeared as himself in an episode of According to Jim.

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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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2004: Injuries and New Coach

In 2004, Brian Urlacher suffered injuries that sidelined him for most of the season, and Lovie Smith was hired as the new coach of the Bears.

June 2005: Paternity Suit Filed

In June 2005, Brian Urlacher filed suit to establish paternity of his son Kennedy. Genetic testing later confirmed that he is Kennedy's father, with Tyna Robertson as the mother. They maintain joint custody.

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: Named Second Most Overrated Player

In 2006, despite winning the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award in 2005, a Sports Illustrated poll named Brian Urlacher the second most overrated player in the league. He responded by saying he was not worried about it and would continue to play hard.

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.

2006: Special Halftime Ceremony

In 2006, the University of New Mexico held a special halftime ceremony to honor Brian Urlacher's success.

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: Testimony for Tank Johnson

In 2007, Brian Urlacher was called upon by former teammate Tank Johnson to testify during one of his court hearings.

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.

2009: Wrist Injury and Criticism of Offense

In 2009, Brian Urlacher dislocated his wrist in the season opener, underwent surgery, and missed the remainder of the season. He also criticized the Bears offense and the addition of quarterback Jay Cutler.

2010: Recovery from Injury

After recovering from a wrist injury, Brian Urlacher stated he felt more powerful during the 2010 offseason.

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.

2011: Ranked 49th in NFL Top 100

In 2010, Brian Urlacher was ranked 49th by his fellow players on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2011.

2011: Death of Mother

In 2011, Brian Urlacher's mother, Lavoyda Lenard Urlacher, died, and he was granted temporary leave from the team.

2011: Sprained MCL

In 2011, during week 17 against the Minnesota Vikings, Brian Urlacher sprained his MCL. He was eventually named to the Pro Bowl, but did not play due to the injury.

April 2012: Began Dating Jenny McCarthy

In April 2012, Brian Urlacher began dating model and actress Jenny McCarthy.

August 14, 2012: Arthroscopic Debridement Procedure

On August 14, 2012, Brian Urlacher had an arthroscopic debridement procedure on his left knee.

August 2012: Ended Relationship with Jenny McCarthy

In August 2012, Jenny McCarthy announced that she and Brian Urlacher had ended their relationship.

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.

July 2013: Joins Fox Sports 1

In July 2013, Brian Urlacher announced that he would be an analyst for Fox Sports 1 on Fox Football Daily.

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November 9, 2013: Jersey Retired

On November 9, 2013, the University of New Mexico retired Brian Urlacher's No. 44 jersey.

2013: Brother Elected Mayor

In 2013, Brian Urlacher's younger brother, Casey, who had a brief career in the Arena Football League, was elected mayor of Mettawa, Illinois.

September 16, 2014: Resignation from Fox Sports 1

On September 16, 2014, Brian Urlacher resigned from his role as an analyst for Fox Sports 1 to spend more time with his family.

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December 2014: Participates in USO Chairman's Holiday Tour

In December 2014, Brian Urlacher participated in the USO Chairman's Holiday tour, providing entertainment to US troops in five countries.

2014: Hair Transplant and Spokesman Role

In 2014, Brian Urlacher underwent a hair transplant surgery performed by RESTORE Hair and became a spokesman for the clinic. He also later sued a Florida-based hair transplant clinic for using his image without consent.

2014: Phil Emery Fired

In 2014, Phil Emery, who was the subject of some negative comments made by Brian Urlacher, was fired from his position with the Chicago Bears.

2015: Comments on Bears Organization

In 2015, Brian Urlacher told ESPN that he still respected the Bears organization and front office, but has yet to speak to Phil Emery.

March 13, 2016: Marriage to Jennipher Frost

On March 13, 2016, Brian Urlacher married Jennipher Frost, a former contestant on America's Next Top Model.

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November 21, 2017: Hall of Fame Nomination

On November 21, 2017, Brian Urlacher was announced as one of 27 semi-finalists for the 2018 Pro Football Hall of Fame class, his first year of eligibility.

December 5, 2017: Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame

On December 5, 2017, Brian Urlacher was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

2017: Custody Appeal

In 2017, Brian Urlacher appealed to a Cook County court to remove Kennedy from Tyna Robertson's custody after her husband was shot and killed in their residence.

2017: Inducted into College Football Hall of Fame

In 2017, Brian Urlacher was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

February 3, 2018: Induction into Pro Football Hall of Fame

On February 3, 2018, Brian Urlacher was voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

2018: Inducted into Pro Football Hall of Fame

In 2018, Brian Urlacher was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

August 27, 2020: Social Media Controversy

On August 27, 2020, Brian Urlacher criticized NBA players for boycotting playoff games and "liked" a post supporting Kyle Rittenhouse. The Bears responded that the posts did not reflect the organization's values.