There never a doubt in my mind that Brian Urlacher would be a first ballot inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He’s one of the greatest and most versatile defensive players in the history of the league. He thrived as a middle linebacker in two very different schemes, and he likely could have thrived in other roles as well. Pound for pound, he was one of the best athletes to ever stop on to a football field.
He played the game the right way and he did so for thirteen years. His numbers speak for themselves, but what he brought to his defenses went beyond stats.