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Bears knew Urlacher would be special from Day 1

After 13 illustrious seasons in Chicago, all 17 people who did not endorse the selection of the athletic New Mexico product probably would deny ever casting their vote.

The Bears entered the 2000 draft targeting Urlacher, running back Thomas Jones and receiver Plaxico Burress at No. 9. When Jones was selected by the Cardinals at No. 7 and the Steelers followed by picking Burress at No. 8, the Bears had an easy decision.

"Fate seemed to work in this direction," then-Bears head coach Dick Jauron said at the time. "To have this linebacker come to this franchise in this city, I think it was a great thing for us.