Brian Urlacher (; born May 25, 1978) is an American former professional football player who was a linebacker for 13 seasons in the National Football League (NFL), spending his entire career with the Chicago Bears. He played college football for the New Mexico Lobos, where he became one of the school's most decorated athletes and was recognized as a consensus All-American in 1999. Following his collegiate success, he was selected ninth overall by the Bears in the 2000 NFL Draft. Urlacher quickly established himself as one of the NFL's most productive defensive players, winning the NFL Rookie of the Year Award in 2000. During his career, he was selected to eight Pro Bowls, recognized as a first-team All-Pro four times, and won the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award in 2005. His playing style, accomplishments, and reputation made him one of the team's most popular players. After retiring, Urlacher served as an analyst for Fox Sports 1. He was inducted to the College Football Hall of Fame in 2017 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018. Early life Urlacher was born to Bradley and Lavoyda Urlacher in Pasco, Washington, and his parents raised him with his younger brother Casey Urlacher. After his parents separated, Lavoyda raised Urlacher and his siblings in Lovington, New Mexico. He spent his youth immersed in sports, and developed an interest in football, basketball, track and later table tennis; he graduated from Lovington High School in 1996. While his mother worked several jobs to keep her family afloat, Urlacher spent his teenage years playing sports for Lovington High School and training in weight rooms. As he progressed through high school, Urlacher gained experience in all three phases of football. He saw playing time as a running back, wide receiver, return specialist, and defensive back. Urlacher led the Lovington High School Wildcats to an undefeated 14–0 season, and a division 3-A state championship. He finished the season with twelve touchdown receptions, six touchdown returns, and two rushing touchdowns. He additionally received state-recognized honors in football, as well as basketball. Lovington has since recognized Urlacher's accomplishments by retiring his high-school jersey number, and naming a holiday after him. Urlacher wanted to attend Texas Tech University, but the school did not offer him an athletic scholarship. College career Urlacher enrolled at the University of New Mexico, majored in criminology, and played for the Lobos. Their head