Urlacher is one of six first-year eligible candidates, joining cornerback Ronde Barber, guard Steve Hutchinson, middle linebacker Ray Lewis, receiver Randy Moss and defensive lineman Richard Seymour.
The list of semifinalists was reduced from an initial group of 108 nominees. It will be pared down to 15 finalists in January.
Urlacher played his entire 13-year NFL career with the Bears after being selected with the ninth pick in the 2000 draft out of New Mexico. Fueled by a rare combination of size, speed and toughness, he was voted to eight Pro Bowls, was named NFL Rookie of the Year in 2000 and was selected NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2005.