Brian Urlacher is one of the greatest linebackers in NFL history. A first-ballot Hall of Famer who went to eight Pro Bowls, was a Defensive Rookie of the Year, a Defensive Players of the Year, and helped the Chicago Bears reach Super Bowl XLI in 2006. Most remember him for his ridiculous athletic feats from the 25 tackles in one game to snagging interception away from quarterbacks who never saw him coming.
Yet people never gave him enough credit for how intelligent he was. Aaron Rodgers once said he was the smartest defender he ever matched wits against. It was a constant chore trying to find effective play calls because Urlacher was basically a defensive coordinator on the field. He saw everything and was rarely ever caught off guard. Proof again that physical ability is only half the answer to success in sports.
That brain has been put to good use since retirement. Urlacher does good work as an analyst. Yet the best example may have come on a recent episode of Family Feud. The linebacker appeared as part of a five-man team represented the NFL Players Association. They were in a battle to win $25,000 for the Steve Gleason Foundation charity. During the third and final round, Urlacher was up to win control of the question.
Naturally, he clutched it.
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Brian Urlacher paved the way for an NFLPA victory
That win helped get the NFLPA team to the Fast Money round. At that point, it was up to Urlacher’s teammates. Following his lead, they delivered an outstanding one-two punch that was so effective they didn’t even need the final answer to cross the 200-point barrier for victory.
Bears fans certainly won’t be surprised by this. Urlacher being the best at things is kind of the norm. He probably would’ve dominated a sport that demanded individual performance. His decision to go with a team-focused one like football speaks to his desire to play with fellow athletes. That certainly didn’t stop him from helping to elevate others.
