The last great era of Chicago Bears football came when Brian Urlacher prowled the field on defense. During that time, he had the dubious task of tangling with both of Green Bay’s future Hall of Fame quarterbacks. It started with Brett Favre from 2000 through 2007 before shifting to Aaron Rodgers from 2008 onwards. Each player was a huge challenge for different reasons. However, from listening to how he speaks, it’s evident Urlacher had a greater respect for Rodgers as a quarterback.
What separated the two? From the Hall of Fame linebacker’s perspective, it was all about the pre-snap stuff. It didn’t take long to realize Rodgers was highly intelligent. He had an uncanny ability to dissect what the Bears’ defense was doing before every snap. That meant Urlacher and his teammates had to get crafty with how they disguised their coverages and checks. The linebacker appeared on the Glory Daze Podcast, sharing a story about one method they used to counter Rodgers.
It is predictably hilarious and a little unhinged.
Brian Urlacher never proved his greatness more than in his battles with Rodgers.
On more than one occasion, the former Packers quarterback has stated that he never had more fun playing football than going against the Bears icon. Their battle of wits at the line of scrimmage was legendary. Rodgers would make a check. Brian Urlacher would counter with one of his own. It feels so unfortunate they only got to play each other for five seasons. That would’ve been must-see TV for a decade if they’d come out of college at the same time. Chicago badly missed Urlacher’s presence after he retired. Rodgers lost two games to the Bears from 2008 to 2012 when the linebacker played. He lost three games from 2013 until he left Green Bay in 2023. The Bears never replaced what Urlacher brought.
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In truth, they still haven’t.
