In 2000, the NFL fanatics across the world witnessed a new rookie linebacker who claimed the Defensive Rookie of the Year and took over the league for several more years.
Brian Urlacher, a Pasco, Washington native, has been one of the most highly touted linebackers ever.
Known for his unmatched combination of speed, agility, size and strength, the 2005 NFL Defensive Player of the Year has become one of the most feared individuals to opposing offenses.
The career Bear is one of the most popular players this past decade.
Nationally, Urlacher’s jersey sales are on a higher level than Michael Vick or Brett Favre. Chicago’s head coach Lovie Smith repeatedly regards Brian as the “quarterback of the defense.”
Even with the aforementioned achievements, fans still oppose the idea of Urlacher being voted into the Hall of Fame.
Despite a wrist injury that seems to indicate the slope in his career, has Urlacher done enough to earn a spot in football’s hall, or will this year be his season to shine?
Here are some of his key career stats:
-In seasons where Brian Urlacher plays year round, he averages 123 tackles per season.
-Despite two years of playing less than 10 games, Urlacher has one more tackle than Keith Bulluck who has played more games than Urlacher.
-Brian is only the fifth player in NFL history to earn the Defensive Rookie of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year awards
In addition, Urlacher has collected 1,058 tackles, 804 of which were solo, and 17 interceptions in his 10 year career
In 2010, Urlacher has some new assets on his defense to possibly steer his production back in the right direction.
Julius Peppers will certainly assist the pass rush, with the young Mark Anderson lining up opposite to the Pro Bowler.
Tommie Harris is supposedly separating from his injury prone ways, and Lance Briggs should continue his routine All-Pro style.
Chris Harris has returned to the Chicago Bears, a teammate well-liked by Urlacher and a big hitter similar to himself.
Major Wright is another rookie that may earn a starting spot at free safety, a Florida collegiate star who is said to play like Mike Brown, another teammate who earned the respect of Brian Urlacher.
My question to every fan out there: Will 2010 be the year Brian Urlacher earns his spot in the Hall of Fame?