Brian Urlacher battles tears, calls Chicago Bears fans 'best fans in the world' in Hall of Fame induction speech
After 12 years as the Chicago Bears’ middle linebacker, Brian Urlacher announced his retirement from the National Football League back in 2012 via his Twitter account. Urlacher hung it up without a nod to the fans that loved him dearly.
But on Saturday, during his induction speech into the National Football League, Urlacher made a point to mention them.
“Best fans in the world,” he said. “Even when we stunk, they’d sit in their seats at Soldier Field, freezing their butts off.”
Brian Urlacher on #Bears fans: "Even when we stunk, they’d sit in their seats at Soldier Field, freezing their butts off."
— Patrick Finley (@patrickfinley) August 5, 2018
The 6-foot-4, 258 pounder battled tears from the moment he stepped up to the podium. Urlacher began with his family, speaking about his late mom, Lavoyda, and how much she meant to him. Then, the Bears eight-time Pro Bowler transitioned to his stepfather, who was sitting in the crowd.
Urlacher spoke about his stepfather’s standing as a role model. At that moment, he nearly broke down.
Throughout his speech, Urlacher made it a point to speak about others. He referenced former teammates Lance Briggs and Olin Kreutz. He referenced the Chicago Bears middle linebackers that came before him.
But then, after mentioning the aforementioned fans, he brought it back to family.
And as he spoke about his wife, Jennipher, and children, Riley, Pamela and Kennedy, the tears filled his eyes — happy tears.
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