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-by Shawn Teer
It is officially the end of an era in Chicago Bears football. The dominant middle linebacker Brian Urlacher announced his retirement after negotiations between his agent and the Bears organization broke down and he was left without a team to play for. Urlacher has had a pretty great career, as far as the Bears go it is legendary, and will be inducted into the ring of honor at some point. There is only one question now that remains. Is Brian Urlacher worthy of being inducted into the hall of fame?
To answer this question you have to look at stats. According to ESPN.com, in 13 years, he managed 41.5 sacks which is the same number that Ray Lewis, who played or 16 seasons has, and also just recently retired. Urlacher has 22 INT’s to Lewis’ 31. It could be argued that these numbers are not fair to compare, but these two were the faces of their respective teams. I think to make a case you could also look at other accomplishments outside of career.
Let’s look at pro bowl selections. According to bleacherreport.com, Urlacher has eight, which by the way is good for third most all time among Bears, as compared to the 11 time selection and most of any middle linebacker in Ray Lewis. What about championships? Lewis has two as Urlacher has none. I think the numbers speak for themselves.
It would be fair to say that Brian Urlacher has had a pretty great career. From the stats to pro bowl appearances it is safe to say that he is an elite player. I do not think, however that he deserves to be in the company of other hall of famers. It felt like every time that I would watch on football Sunday, one of the biggest stories the channels would air would be how Brian Urlacher was hurt and would miss a couple of games. I know that football is a sport that is among the most violent, but that is also why these guys train and prepare. I don’t feel that he should be in the hall let alone a first ballot hall of famer.











