Brian Urlacher stands as the latest member of the Chicago Bears to enter the Pro Football Hall of Fame. A first-ballot entry that was well-deserved in every respect. However, anybody who knows Urlacher the man understands that he was always a team-first guy. He did everything in his power to help teammates excel. It was a big reason why he was so universally beloved and respected in the locker room.
So is it any surprise that he was among the most vocal when the list of 2020 Hall of Fame finalists was introduced? It wasn’t so much that Urlacher had an issue with those who made it. Quite the opposite. It was more about that two of his former teammates didn’t even get serious consideration. This despite clear evidence in his mind that both were among the best of a generation and deserving of their own gold jackets.
Brian Urlacher isn’t wrong to voice his displeasure
Now obviously Urlacher is biased in this instance. Briggs and Kreutz were his two most beloved teammates and formed the core of those great teams of the 2000s including the Super Bowl unit in 2006. However, it’s not like he is totally out of line with this statement. If one were objective, they would still see both players having legitimate cases for Canton.
Kreutz was a six-time Pro Bowler and one of the best centers in the NFL for a decade-long span. Briggs has an even stronger case. He was unquestionably the best 4-3 outside linebacker for a significant period in the mid to late-2000s and early 2010s. The numbers are there with 1,181 tackles, 15 sacks, 16 interceptions, 16 forced fumbles, and six defensive touchdowns. Not to mention seven Pro Bowls.
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He may not have a ring to cement his case like Derrick Brooks did, but he was a great player. Both of them were. Urlacher is right, biased or not.
