Chicago Bears

RICK MORRISSEY: It could have ended better. Of course it could have. Brian Urlacher could have retired after the last game of last season and received the sendoff he deserved. But this will do. He announced his retirement Wednesday morning. A free agent after he and the Bears couldn’t agree on a contract, he was a man without a team, but that was just a technicality. You knew it, I knew it and I believe he knew it down to his bone marrow. He’s a Bear.

Chicago Bears chairman George McCaskey on Brian Urlacher: "How lucky we were that Brian Urlacher was a Chicago Bear."Brian announced his retirement in the same, understated way in which he carried himself at Halas Hall the last 13 years - he simply wanted to be one of the guys and play the game he loves. But his rare ability, work ethic and passion for football put him among the greats to ever play the game. Besides superlative play on the field, he was also the unquestioned leader in the locker room, as well as the sometimes reluctant face of the franchise. Brian is a special person who represented our team and our city with skill and humility while never seeking acclaim or recognition."In the pantheon of Bears, Brian has earned his place alongside Halas, Grange, Nagurski, Ditka, Payton - and yes, Bill George, Butkus and Singletary.We congratulate Brian on a brilliant career and he will continue to be a welcomed member of the Bears Family in retirement." (h/t to CBS Chicago for transcribing)

Chicago Bears Chairman George McCaskey issued this statement Wednesday on Brian Urlacher's retirement:

If you click on ESPN's NFL page today, you see this graphic: Ok.

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Photos of the 13 Bears who have had their numbers retired. Will Brian Urlacher's No. 54 be next?

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Notable moments in Brian Urlacher's football career.

Brian Urlacher may have eventually found somewhere to play in 2013, but he decided the allure of retiring after wearing nothing but the iconic "C" of the Chicago Bears on his helmet was too important to pass up. MORE: Brian Urlacher officially announces retirement from the NFL Since Urlacher took to Twitter to make his announcement, we thought we'd take to Twitter to see what was being said about the legendary Chicago linebacker. From the Arizona Cardinals, the opponent that faced the wrath of his best game. You were who we thought you were.Congrats.RT @burlacher54: It was an honor to play my entire career for the @chicagobears.— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) May 22, 2013 From the Bears #1 Draft pick, Kyle Long. Loved the way Urlacher played. Wish I could have spent some time on the same team with him. Heck of a career— Kyle Long (@Ky1eLong) May 22, 2013 From actor and comedian Denis Leary. Brian Urlacher was so tough his middle name should have been Ditka.— Denis Leary (@denisleary) May 22, 2013 From former Bear Matt Toeaina. @burlacher54 was 1st player to introduce himself to me when I arrived to the locker room in '07. The ultimate teammate. HOF— Matt Toeaina (@JimmyFlySnuka75) May 22, 2013 From current Bears linebacker J.T. Thomas. Congrats on 13 years of greatness Big Guy! Thank you for everything.— J.T.3. (@TheRealJT3) May 22, 2013 From current Bears wide out Earl Bennett. Great player... Great teammate... Awesome person!!!!— earl bennett (@Agent_Orange80) May 22, 2013 From Sports Illustrated's Peter King. Brian Urlacher picked the Brian Urlacher way to retire: understated, not looking for spotlight. A winner. Gave it all he had.— Peter King (@SI_PeterKing) May 22, 2013 From former Bear Hunter Hillenmeyer. @burlacher54 was the most coachable superstar, best locker room leader I ever played with. Proud to call him a teammate for 8 seasons— Hunter Hillenmeyer (@hthill) May 22, 2013 From Jay Glazer of FOX Sports. Just spoke w Urlacher. Honestly seems happy with his decision and insisted he only wanted to play with one team— Jay Glazer (@JayGlazer) May 22, 2013 From the Seattle Seahawks. Congrats to Pasco, WA native @burlacher54 on an amazing career with the @chicagobears shwks.com/mj5c — Seattle Seahawks (@Seahawks) May 22, 2013

Brian Urlacher announced his retirement Wednesday. We want to get your reaction to the news and your favorite Urlacher memories.