Urlacher’s agent originally approached the Bears seeking a two-year deal worth $11.5 million. The thought was to aim high initially and reach a middle ground through negotiations.
The Bears apparently wouldn’t budge on their offer of a one-year contract worth a maximum value of $2 million.
“It wasn’t even an offer, it was an ultimatum,” Urlacher told the Tribune. “I feel like I’m a decent football player still. It was insulting, somewhat of a slap in the face.
“They came back with the offer and said, ‘This is what it is, take it or leave it. It was, ‘If you want to play for the Bears, you’ll play for this. If not, then you’re not playing for the Bears.’ “
Urlacher said he was willing to play for $3.5 million or even $3 million had the Bears been willing to keep negotiations ongoing.
“I want to be here,” Urlacher said. “I wanted to be in Chicago. I wanted to finish here. Now that’s not possible.
“This whole offseason, I had a bad feeling about this situation anyway. I just wish they would have said, `We don’t want you back.’ I think this whole thing is just about them saving face and trying to say that they made a run at me. That’s what I think it is.”
Urlacher has no plans to retire and continues to explore his options. He has been in contact with numerous teams.
Despite the low offer and the team’s decision to move in another direction, Urlacher vowed not to be bitter over the situation.
“There are no hard feelings between me and the Bears organization,” Urlacher said. “I had a great run here. I’m going to miss the (heck) out of my teammates.”
Urlacher’s legend was born Sept. 17, 2000, when he recorded 13 tackles and a sack in his first NFL start. Thirteen seasons and more than 1,700 tackles later, the 34-year-old longtime face of the Bears must now start a new chapter.
“We were unable to reach an agreement with Brian and both sides have decided to move forward,” general manager Phil Emery said in a statement. “Brian has been an elite player in our league for over a decade. He showed great leadership and helped develop a winning culture over his time with the Bears. We appreciate all he has given our team, on and off the field. Brian will always be welcome as a member of the Bears.”
Owner George McCaskey said earlier in the week he hoped Urlacher would return but made it clear he steered wide of personnel decisions.
“Over the last 13 years Brian Urlacher has been an outstanding player, teammate, leader and face of our franchise,” McCaskey said in the statement. “As Bears fans, we have been lucky to have such a humble superstar represent our city. He embodies the same characteristics displayed by the Bears all-time greats who played before him and he will eventually join many of them in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. We thank Brian for all he has given our team and our city. He will always be a part of the Bears family. We wish him the very best.”
Now the eight-time Pro Bowl selection is left to ponder whether to continue his illustrious career elsewhere or walk away from the game with a bitter taste in his mouth. Urlacher missed the final four games of 2012 with a hamstring injury, watched his team miss the playoffs and saw coach Lovie Smith, whom he respected greatly, get fired after a 10-6 season.
The news of Urlacher’s departure stunned Bears players.
“He was the unquestioned leader of the defense, the team,” said center Roberto Garza, a team captain like Urlacher. “You couldn’t meet a greater person or player. Great locker room guy. He meant so much to this team, this city.
“Coach Lovie used to say he would be the greatest superstar you will ever meet because Brian doesn’t act that way and he doesn’t want to be treated that way. He was just another guy in the locker room. Obviously, he was Brian Urlacher. He’s one of the best middle linebackers to play the game but he didn’t act that way. And he was just another guy. If you needed some help, he was there for you. He was a big part of the reason that defense has been the defense it’s been for so many, many years.”
Chicago Tribune reporting
14 Comments to “Urlacher tells Tribune Bears offer “Somewhat of a slap in the face””
March 20, 2013 at 7:44 PM
He's a cry baby and not even worth the two million the Bears would give him. Adios Amigo!
March 20, 2013 at 7:54 PM
I HAVE BOUGHT MY LAST TICKET.I LOVE THE BEARS AND HAVE BEEN A LIFELONG FAN BUT I REFUSE TO LINE THE POCKETS OF A FAMILY OF OWNERS WHO WOULD NOT STEP IN TO SAVE THE PLAYER WHOM HAS BEEN THE FACE OF THIER TEAM AND A MAN AND ROLEMODEL THAT HAS MADE US PROUD TO BE FANS
March 21, 2013 at 6:41 AM
All caps: feel the fury
March 21, 2013 at 7:43 AM
The is a caps lock button for that
March 21, 2013 at 9:14 AM
He never made me proud to be a fan, but the uniform he wore did
March 20, 2013 at 8:12 PM
Urlacher WAS the Bears! WTF??? I'm stunned they let this outstanding player go. Shame on them!
March 21, 2013 at 9:10 AM
"Role model"???? Tell that to all the other single moms without a REAL father!! Typical spoiled jock who was coddled is whole adult life. If my salary was $300,000.00 for ten years and I was about to retire with the pension these guys get, you can bet your butt I' d take a "measly" $75.00.00 for one year and go out a hero and not a whiner. Oh that's right, I'm just a fan, I'm stupid and he doesn't care about me. He's not now nor ever was a Bear, he's Brian Urlacher. Pride sucks most times…
March 21, 2013 at 9:12 AM
Oh and as far as role models go…… Give me Mr. Charles Tillman ANYDAY
March 21, 2013 at 9:46 AM
doesn't he have like 5 illegitimate kids……what kind of role model is that…………as for his pension, he'll never, ever have a pain free day for the remainder of his shortened life…..not nearly enough
March 21, 2013 at 10:36 AM
I don't care what Urlacher does in his personal life – nor should anyone else. The Chicago Bears are CHEAP. Briggs and Tillman should leave as well before everything they have is sucked out of them physically and emotionally by this franchise. I suppose this franchise still thinks paying Cutler his exorbitant salary is worth it??? I think not! I've been a Bears fan for 20+ years, and this blatant, disrespectful move by the Bears franchise makes me physically ill. They are just using all these guys physically with their bottom line in mind – they could care less about playing with emotion and heart. Anyone who has played on a TEAM knows that without cohesion and chemistry and heart, you won't win. Here's to another losing season in 2013 – I think I'll skip watching the Bears for the first time this year and instead concentrate on having a football team return here to LA.
March 21, 2013 at 11:59 AM
da bears have always treated their player with respect until the end of their careers like great 51 mid linebacker!!
March 21, 2013 at 12:09 PM
Your an idiot it's a business and thats it he's washed up now we can use the money to get some offensive lineman.
March 21, 2013 at 2:21 PM
He spoke in plain English. He thinks his body is worth more than 2 mil a year. It's business. Now all bear fans can run out and buy a new jersy.
March 21, 2013 at 2:42 PM
This is and ALWAYS will be a BUSINESS…..There is no such thing as "loyalty" on the owner's or the player's part. Both receive enormous amounts of $$$$$…..If you don't like it find a regular job.