When the season kicks off in 2013, for the first time in more than a decade Brian Urlacher won't be on the field.
Some Bears fans say Urlacher isn't just a great football player, he's the face of the team and the city of Chicago. Others say, they hate to see him go, but it's time to rebuild the team.
"Tough. Heart and soul of the team. Bleeds navy blue and orange," one fan said, describing number 54.
Bears fan Tyler McConnico thinks the Bears should have done more to keep Urlacher.
"You know, if it's about loyalty to your players, you know it's going to be different," McConnico says.
Brian Urlacher says he wanted to finish his career where it began. The boy from New Mexico was selected by the Bears in the ninth pick in 2000. Now, more than 1,700 tackles later, Urlacher says it's time to move on.
Some fans say, at 34, Urlacher is middle-aged and he doesn't have the moves he used to on the field.
"34 is old," says Imelda March. "There's so much young talent out there on the college level that he's old, unfortunately. He's great and hopefully he'll get another opportunity, if he doesn't, he needs to consider retiring with grace."
"He's been a leader. He's been a mentor and he's been the face of the franchise over the last decade," says fan Jim Jakala. "He will be missed and I can't wait till he represents the Bears in the Hall of Fame someday.
Brian Urlacher was called a class act both on and off the field.
Thursday, May 16 2013 9:49 PM EDT2013-05-17 01:49:53 GMT
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Mayor Emanuel will celebrate two years in office by unveiling "Elevate Chicago" on Thursday, a series of construction projects to improve Navy Pier and McCormick Place.
Monday, February 25 2013 1:41 PM EST2013-02-25 18:41:37 GMT
Just as Oscar host Seth MacFarlane set his sights on a variety of targets with a mixture of hits and misses, the motion picture academy spread the gold around to a varied slate of films.
Just as Oscar host Seth MacFarlane set his sights on a variety of targets with a mixture of hits and misses, the motion picture academy spread the gold around to a varied slate of films.
Monday, May 20 2013 3:05 PM EDT2013-05-20 19:05:27 GMT
Former White House social secretary Desiree Rogers has been appointed to head the board of a government-supported nonprofit that promotes Chicago as a tourism and convention destination.
Former White House social secretary Desiree Rogers has been appointed to head the board of a government-supported nonprofit that promotes Chicago as a tourism and convention destination.
Monday, May 20 2013 2:53 PM EDT2013-05-20 18:53:52 GMT
An 87-year-old who alleges Donald Trump cheated her in a bait-and-switch has told jurors she had qualms about suing the developer-turned-TV star given his power and influence.
An 87-year-old woman who alleges Donald Trump cheated her in a bait-and-switch scheme has told jurors she had qualms about suing the developer-turned-TV star given his power and influence.
Monday, May 20 2013 2:53 PM EDT2013-05-20 18:53:43 GMT
Five people died and six others were taken to hospitals Monday after the van they were riding in left a southern Illinois freeway and overturned several times, Illinois State Police said.
Five people died and six others were taken to hospitals Monday after the van they were riding in left a southern Illinois freeway and overturned several times, Illinois State Police said.
Monday, May 20 2013 2:45 PM EDT2013-05-20 18:45:14 GMT
When Lindsay Carter heard on the radio that a violent storm was approaching her rural Oklahoma neighborhood, she gathered her belongings and fled. When she returned, there was little left.
When Lindsay Carter heard on the radio that a violent storm was approaching her rural Oklahoma neighborhood, she gathered her belongings and fled. When she returned, there was little left.
Monday, May 20 2013 1:39 PM EDT2013-05-20 17:39:06 GMT
Chicago teachers, parents and students are hitting the streets for a third and final day of citywide marches in protest of Mayor Rahm Emanuel's proposal to close dozens of schools.
Chicago teachers, parents and students are hitting the streets for a third and final day of citywide marches in protest of Mayor Rahm Emanuel's proposal to close dozens of schools.
Monday, May 20 2013 1:35 PM EDT2013-05-20 17:35:53 GMT
Transit officials said the first rush hour of CTA's five-month Red Line construction project went smoothly Friday morning. Mayor Emanuel also stopped by to thank commuters for taking the project in stride.
Transit officials said the first rush hour of CTA's five-month Red Line construction project went smoothly Friday morning. Mayor Emanuel also stopped by to thank commuters for taking the project in stride.
Monday, May 20 2013 9:42 AM EDT2013-05-20 13:42:49 GMT
Twelve people have been charged with misdemeanor offenses after police responded to groups of teens running through traffic on North Michigan Avenue and elsewhere on the Gold Coast.
Twelve people have been charged with misdemeanor offenses after police responded to groups of teens running through traffic on North Michigan Avenue and elsewhere on the Gold Coast.
Monday, May 20 2013 9:40 AM EDT2013-05-20 13:40:07 GMT
The derailment of an Amtrak City of New Orleans train on the Near South Side Sunday morning led to delays and a couple cancellations for trains on Metra's Rock Island District line.
The derailment of an Amtrak City of New Orleans train on the Near South Side Sunday morning led to delays and a couple cancellations for trains on Metra's Rock Island District line.
Heading into his third season, Chicago Bears nose tackle Stephen Paea is ready to compete for the starting spot. But handling his family's off-season acquisition – triplets! – may be a bigger challenge.
Heading into his third season, Chicago Bears nose tackle Stephen Paea is ready to compete for the starting spot. But handling his family's off-season acquisition – triplets! – may be a bigger challenge.
Monday, May 13 2013 12:14 AM EDT2013-05-13 04:14:12 GMT
Chicago Bears quarterback Matt Blanchard had little chance to impress coaches last season or during an April minicamp, so he did what he could to make the most of his chance to throw at the team's rookie camp...
Chicago Bears quarterback Matt Blanchard had little chance to impress coaches last season or during an April minicamp, so he did what he could to make the most of his chance to throw at the team's rookie camp that ended...
Saturday, May 11 2013 11:39 PM EDT2013-05-12 03:39:02 GMT
Chicago Bears first round draft pick Kyle Long expects he'll be able to overcome the lack of offseason practice time that will result from missing all of organized team activities and minicamp with his new team.
Chicago Bears first round draft pick Kyle Long expects he'll be able to overcome the lack of offseason practice time that will result from missing all of organized team activities and minicamp with his new team.
