Former Chicago Bears middle linebacker Brian Urlacher will face stiff competition to be a first-ballot Hall of Famer in 2018, but Urlacher’s illustrious 13-year career is worthy of enshrinement in Canton.
Aside from Baltimore’s Ray Lewis -- another first-ballot candidate -- Urlacher’s credentials compare favorably to other contenders.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame selection committee can let in a maximum of five modern-day candidates each year. The Hall of Fame requires 80 percent approval for enshrinement.
Along with Urlacher and Lewis, Randy Moss also will be on the ballot next year. And it stands to reason that Terrell Owens eventually will get it.