Urlacher is one of 108 modern-era players and coaches to be selected as a nominee. The list will be reduced to 25 semifinalists in November and 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.
