Brian Urlacher announces retirement

Brian Urlacher may have become frustrated with the Chicago Bears over his contract situation towards the end of his career, but the eight-time Pro Bowler has decided he does not want to play for any other NFL team. On Wednesday morning, Urlacher announced his retirement with a message on Twitter.

“It was an honor to play my entire career with the Chicago Bears,” he wrote. “After spending a lot of time this spring thinking about my NFL future, I have made a decision to retire. Although I could continue playing, I’m not sure I would bring a level of performance or passion that’s up to my standards. When considering this, along with the fact that I could retire after a 13-year career wearing only one jersey for such a storied franchise, my decision became pretty clear.

“I want to thank all of the people in my life who have helped me along the way. I will miss my teammates, my coaches, and the great Bears fans. I’m proud to say that I gave all of you everything I had every time I took the field. I will miss this great game, but I leave it with no regrets.”

Urlacher will turn 35 later this week, so he is hardly a young man by NFL standards. That being said, he seems like a perfect candidate to pull a Brett Favre at some point during the offseason. He obviously feels that he could continue playing, as evidenced by how insulted he was at the Bears’ offer earlier this offseason.

Back in March, Urlacher said the Bears had made it “not possible” for him to finish his career in Chicago by giving him a “take it or leave it” contract offer. He has obviously had a change of heart, but don’t be surprised if the football itch returns before the 2013 season begins. There will certainly be no shortage of teams vying for the veteran’s services.