This is the first installment of a new exclusive Q&A that Bears All-Pro linebacker Brian Urlacher will do each week with FOXSports.com and FOX NFL Sunday NFL Insider Jay Glazer.
What is going on with this team? You go from the Super Bowl one year and you are All-World to a team and player now searching for answers. What’s the answer?
I think the biggest problem, the biggest difference from this year to last year, is we’re not getting turnovers. Last year we led the league and for whatever reason this year we’re just not getting it done. I know we’re a better team. I know I am better than what I’m showing.
Personally, I need to make more big plays. I need to be around the ball more. I haven’t been around the ball very much this year and I won’t say that’s because of my back. I just haven’t played very well. I need to make impact plays, the type of plays that I’m used to and the fans are used to.
You’re at home against a terrible road team and you didn’t just lose, they walked through your defense. Is this as low as it gets for you?
This has been one of the most frustrating times of my career. The feeling after a loss like yesterday is terrible. It’s an awful feeling. You know going in that you have a great game plan but we don’t execute it. The coaches had a great plan for us, we just messed it up. We’re so inconsistent on both sides of the ball. Defensively? One day we stop the run, the next game we don’t but we do stop the pass. The next time out we’ll stop the run again but we can’t stop the pass.
Obviously much has been made of the news I revealed about your back yesterday. You’ve already told me they’d have to pretty much shoot you and handcuff you to sit you down. Was it better or worse yesterday?
As for my back, it actually felt pretty good yesterday. It loosened up as the game went on and I felt great. My performance was not because of my back. I didn’t play like I wanted to. We had a great game plan going in but we as players didn’t execute.
What are you going to look at in the bye week?
This bye couldn’t have come at a better time. I’ll rest up and a few guys we have who are hurting and could really use it too. Plus, we’ll be able to step back and look at what the problems are. If I knew the answer it would already be fixed. We’ll look for the answer during the bye.
We haven’t been playing well but we’re not out of the playoff race or anything. There’s time to fix this and hopefully we’ll figure it out with the time off. We’ll figure out why we aren’t consistent and find a way to fix it.
What happened that you decided to do a weekly Q&A with me rather than the local media?
I decided I wanted to go this route to keep the fans informed of what’s going on with me, my back, my team and areas of my life. I’m sure you’ve read how I’ve been with the media recently and they’ve said I’m doing a disservice to the fans by not answering questions. So here I am giving it a shot. I wish I could start on a better tone.
How long will you continue to do something here with me as opposed to doing something locally?
I am obviously not a personal friend of Brian Urlacher's, but I am a lifelong Bear fan (for what that is worth). Brian has never been the type to make excuses. I know he is as devoted to winning as anyone in the NFL. In a game that has some of the largest, strongest, most atheltic men in society slamming into each other full speed, injuries ARE going to happen. Hope you feel better soon Brian. Go Bears.
i am a longtime bears fan.......the way this team is playing this year can be summed up as: AWEFUL...it seems like brian is acting like a BIG BABY the way he is handling the press in CHICAGO...be a man and suck it up, you look like a jerk the way things are being handled right now, if you are going to keep acting like that then don't talk to the media, LANCE BRIGGS did that for 7 weeks before the NFL stepped in...
Brian, as a life-long Bears fan I have seen the ups and downs for the Chicago Bears for years. However, you, in no way, need to apologize to the fans for anything. We know that you give it your best every time you suit up and as fans that is all we can ask for. I respect the way you handle the media, your team and teammates and this season is just another testament to your career as a leader of a team through both the good and the bad. Good Luck for the rest of the season and keep sticking it to both opponents and this joke of a media we currently have in this country.
as a fan of Urlacher and the bears I can only hope to see Urlacher at full speed, he is the heart of are team and can never be replaced I just want to see that big kid back on the field joking around and having fun we miss it brian also you and tommie harris should start your own media show, think about it you could be like ed and just tell tommie "that is correct sir" as he makes all his promises for the week don't worry tommie I believe.
When I think Urlacher, two words come to mind....Class Act.
The guy goes out and does is job every week, no matter how painful it is, never looking looking for a 'pitty party'. I've had the oppertunity to meet Urlacher out and about a few times and he is nothing but nice.
hey Urlacher... Tell the offensive coordinater if the offense needs some explosiveness like last year they need to get the ball to hester and moose alot more then 2 times a freakin game!!!. you cannot win ball games by just running the ball u need BIG PLAYS from big time players. as for the D u guys just have to step it up like u did last year. and when the offense gets the ball they need to score thats the bottom line.
Urlacher, you are one of the biggest influences in my life today. You are an all around good guy who makes no excuses as to why something happened or how it happened. The fact you didnt want to tell anyone about your injury because it was an excuse still gets me, but I understand also as an athlete. As for the game I think us fans just need to see intensity like past seasons. We want to see you guys going hard every play. I know its in you guys Ive seen it many times and I couldnt agree with you more about this by coming at a good time. Lets you rethink what you need to do and how things should be executed. I have complete faith in my Chi town Bears and know you will find the answer. Im a long time supporter and always will be. GO BEARS!!!!
I am a big Urlacher fan and I understand where you are coming from with your back. I have the same problem as you. Some days are good and some are bad and I can't imagine with you playing football how bad it can hurt. I don't blame you for not talking to the media. They can be harsh at times.
Do you think the defense can turn it around? I sure hope so.
Man, Brian you're definitely my favorite player in the NFL that's not on the Titans (I'm from Tennessee) and my favorite defensive player period. I'm not going to go give you advice because I've never played in the NFL and I can only imagine. But don't lose hope, I was rooting for the bears last year in the superbowl (my whole family was rooting for the Colts) and I have faith that you guys can turn this around. Go Bears!!
Get well soon! I know that you only give %110 percent. Just know that the real fans wish you the best and hope to see you play your entire career for the city of Chicago. This season may not be what we were hoping for, but I know that you guys are giving your all. Good luck and thanks! Bear down!
Brian,
I have a boss who has had 2 back surgeries and can hardly move around and he is only 50. Don't sacrafice your health for the rest of your life. As a Bear's fan, I greatly appreciate and respect your career, but I want to see you healthy after football.
hey Crian Talentlacher... last year your back wasnt a problem when you guys were what 13-3 and you had no problem talking to the media then.. now dat you get SWEPT by the lions all of a sudden your back starts to hurt? and you dont like the media anymore? hey loser that sounds like EXCUSES to me. o but wait you didnt want to make excuses but you go ahead and tell a reporter after a big loss dat you had problems with your back since training camp. BULL-S-H-I-T! you classless piece of shlt why did you even make comments on other LB before games where you got EMBARRASSED. o what you dont remember? did you forget about merriman and his "stupid" lights out dance? yea i can name more dumb*ss comments you made throughout your career unfortunately its not worth the time. you are overrated and you deserve every bit of pain and injury that steps in your path. RETIRE bltch! haha look at all these pathetic bears fans on here telling you that its ok to lose and calling you a class act. typical chicago LOSERS! dats rite FUKC YOU and CHICAGO urlslacker.
This is bull why is everything so scrutinized that Brian Urlacher has to make a blog and apologize? For the last 7 years Urlacher has busted his #### and gave everything to the Bears and hes disgustingly underpaid compared to other players in the league. Look at the Bears record without Urlacher. Brian you dont have to apologize for ####
I don't understand how a few of you out there can call Urlacher a looser. Since he came into the league he has always been a dominate force, one of the best, if not the best linebacker in the league. I have no doubt the Bears will pull it together after the bye. If not, I hope they kick the tar out of Grren Bay.
MobStar youre a real piece of #### His back has been a problem for a while he has sat out every Friday practice of the season because of his back you dickface. Hes been playing through the pain something youre ######## couldnt do or probably even your favorite player like that ######## steroid poppin Merriman. get your facts straight before you speak ####
Last edited by 23_Hester on October 29th at 3:25 PM.
There's nothing worse than losing to chumps like detroit. The city where the fans wear shopping bags on there heads cause there team was and still is garbage!!! urlacher it's all good brother we will come back from the bye week and a whole new team.we will make the playoffs 4 sure.one more thing I cant believe we gave up chris harris and got archuletta.Does anyone else see how soft he is he should be on the viqueens.He is a huge part of the problem if mike brown was back there it would change things big time.p.s hey archuletta man up and hit someone your a bear now u do know what that means??? we dont need a soft safety learn during the bye week how to hit call mike brown.Go bears!!!From Chi-town ballerz
I can only imagine the pain of being a football player. Every Monday must be hell. I hope the buy week gives you some relief man. Were not out of this thing yet.
I think there is something psychological that happens to a team after they lose the Super Bowl. Look at the history of teams having mediocre years following a Super Bowl loss. There is simply no time to explain or break down why a man's psychi changes after such a loss, or why a teams chemistry goes south. It is what it is. Continue to work at it Brian, and realize there is going to be an adjustment period with a new light at the end. I believe the team will end strong this year. Smile. Your in the NFL!
Last edited by Nacho31 on October 29th at 3:36 PM.
just rest up. Ill be there at the raiders game so i want to see you get the d going. hold the raiders under 21 and you should get the W. You r still the best mlb in the nfl. have a good.
sobstar your truley a peter puffer u can talk #### on a computer but im sure ur a chump who got beat up all your life come to chi-town and run your mouth like that.you'll be 6 ft deep and thats real talk!!! Also learn how to spell ####et
Brain, I can't believe you reach out to us as fans and people #### on you. YOu are awesome, I love every aspect of football and yes a girl who watches every game and knows what I am talking about-
BTW I meet you at Ace Hardware and was speechelss for my first time- if you would reply to me I think I would die! GO BEARS! GO URLACHER!
Brian, thanks for starting a blog here on foxsports and giving the fans some insight into the Chicago Bears. I think it's a great thing for you to do and I know many Bears fans will enjoy reading it. Good luck and I can't wait to read more.
This certainly is a tough season and it's not looking too good. Tommie Harris says, and I'm sure the rest of the team also belives, that the Bears will still be playing in January. Your team will have to go at least 6-2 the rest of the way just to have a chance. It's not going to be easy but you guys have the players and coaches who can do it. Good luck the rest of the way.
Last edited by JCScheffres on October 29th at 3:55 PM.
urlacher-take your time about healing your back,when your 40 and can't do the things you want to do because your body is all broke down you can't go back and change it. besides with out you the frigging bears would be 1-7 and gb would still be undefeated. the packer fans who know football (yes we're not all a-holes) respect and admire you. we would really like you if you went to another team though :)
Last edited by happycapmer on October 29th at 3:55 PM.
MOBstar you are a real loser I don't even like the Bears like some of these fans,I like the Chargers. However demoralizing a player who has played through hardships and built a honest reputation is nothing to be proud of, seriously he was honest not only critiquing himself but his whole team. That takes serious guts especially since the MEDIA looks for whatever content they can to aggravate certain situations. Honestly, don't demoralize a man for using his talent the best way he can. Brian Urlacher keep fighting
Brian, the Fox TV announcers seemed to think that the D-line was overzealous in trying to get to Kitna, at the expense of trying to stop the run... especially in obvious run situations. Was this a factor?
You've got nothing to apologize for! Even hindered by back pain you're still hands down one of the premier defenders in the NFL. Your tenacity and intensity inspires your team-mates and fans alike. I know how hard it is to separate yourself from the game but it might do you some good in the long run to take a week off and heal up. Either way you're still my favorite player and I do my best to emulate your play style on the field.
hey to all the urlacher haters you all need to shut up about how he needs to stand up and talk to the media he doest not need to do that at all. all media wants to do is talk #### so they can make the money. so ifyou sit there and say that hhe should act up or take it like a man he obvioulsy sis if he is playing with a back pain and still sacking and tackling to #### out of people. He is a great line backer and if you guys didnt notice he is the reason why briggs makes the big tackles cuz the other opponent block urlacher and briggs takes the tackle not to take anything away from briggs cuz he is a great player but its mostly cuz of urlacher. we are happy briggs and urlacher are the lone backers but have you guys noticed that the problem is our ssafeties we need brown back with out brown the safety zone is #### no one can do anything manning and archuletta r always late not on time miss tackles the only one that actually is there as back is till man our line is great so is our line backers we need vasher back and nbrown. and i aslo think no offense to uour defense but they arent as hungry as last year. oour offense is still #### makign a switch from grossman to greases didnt change #### he is still thrown more interceptions then TDs but then again he doesnt get as much protection as he should brady and manning have all day to make a throw thast why they throw touchdowns and see the field cuz they have all day to throw. And one more thing BENSON YOU NEED TO BE BENCHED. YOU TAKE FOREVER TO GET UP AFTER A RUN U NEED LIKE A TANK TO PULL YOU UP DUDE IF U DONT WANNA PLAY SIT DOW
all the #### bags dissing urlacher can go blow themselves. leave him alone. say something nice or don't say anything. we beleive in the Bears team urlacher and i know you guys can turn it around. you have so many devoted fans. they are the best. i am a huge Bears fan. just think of all the people that support you and the team. go out there and play footbal the way we know you can.
brian...I'm a die-hard bears fan and consider you one of the best to ever play for the team. I have nothing but respect for the way you play and the way you handle yourself on & off the field, but i seriously think you should consider retirement. if you contiue to play with a messed up back, you WILL feel the physical repercussions as you grow old. follow Zoom's lead and go into broadcasting. you can definitely make a comfortable living working as an analsyt for a major network.
This is why Urlacher is the consummate professional athlete: he is down but don't you dare count him out! He takes personal responsibility for things that maybe he shouldn't. He is seeing the gaem through a lens that too many people don't even know exist: one of realism. I wish you the best, Brian. Get that back healthy and GO BEARS!
I was wondering how to properly thank you... and tonight on Chicago Tribune Live I learned that you have your own blog.
During the pre-season, you donated a very large block of tickets to kids participating in the Special Olympics. My son, who has an autism variant was one of dozens of kids and families that got to see that game because of your donation.
My son, Nathan, (and his mom and Dad!!!!) got to sit in the first row, right under the goal post. I wasn't sure if Nathan would even watch the game... but he did... and every time you made a play, I said to him... "that is Brian Urlacher. He thought you'd really like this." Each time he replied "And I do!!!."
You had to be there:)
Anyway, for all of those who criticize dah Bears, they need to remember: This is Chicago ... not New York. And win or loose... we love our Bears.
About your back problems... I broke my back in four places and broke all of the ribs on the left side (at age 55). Knowing the mess that surgeons generally make of the back, I opted out of the hospital and treated it myself (which is why I can walk and smoke normally and without pain.)
What holds the back together is muscles. Bulging discs are normal. Don't worry about it. Talk to your doctor and tell him that the reason I don't have any problems is that my wife (a physician) prescribed anabolic steroids. Those little muscles get torn... and the best way to get them to heal up better than new is to use anabolic steroids... in small doses for short periods of time. It is a proper medical indication for anabolics,
I love how some of you call Urlacher a baby, yet your post is the most childish #### I've ever heard.
Brian, no one could ever question your heart. We love you. Take care of your back. I don't care if you sit the rest of the season as long as you come back.
Welcome to the blogs! Looking forward to the Q&A's. Just so you know, there's a lot, a LOT of trash-talkers here, but you have the power of the delete key! Use your power for good, not evil. = )
Hope you find some relief from your back pain. Not sure how you guys heal during the season after getting pounded week after week. I would think most of you guys have constant back pain.
Chin up on the season, it's not that bad. I'm a Mets/Jets fan...take it from me, you have to stay optimistic!
well... I got cut off. If your doc wants to see an amazing case history, that could change how he views back injuries, I'd be happy to share mine(I'm also a doctor and my medical record is amazing).
There is a special place in heaven waiting for you.
Brian,
First of let me say that I am sorry about your back issue's and hope it is feeling better shortly. Now, I have a commit about you avoiding the local media. I think you are a great athlete and have a great personality that shows when you are talking and out on the field. However, as much as I idealize you I feel as though you are ignoring the local media because you don't like the scrutiny they have put the Bears under. I just don't think that by avoiding the local media you are helping the way people are looking at the Bears. I just think you are such a leader and i feel as though it is not a great help to your character by the two word answers. Hey, I love the bears, yes I don't like the way they are playing, however, I have faith that every Sunday the team will come out and give there best.
You did not do a disservice to the fans by your answers to the media. I, personally, thought it was great and you gave them what they deserve. Most of them are ignorant. But you know this.
Real fans love you and the team and support you through thick or thin. GO BEARS!!! Hope you feel better and can get something to help your back!
Nothing better for back pain than a convincing win, and knowing someone you hit is thinking 3 times before heading your way again. Keep at it and good luck.
As a new bear's fan (sorry, Colts are first in my book) but as long as they keep Rex as far away from the playing field as possible, I will cheer the bears.
Just an observation though, every day millions of your biggest fans pick up either the Chicago Trib or the Sun-Times (or both, in my case) and they read your two word replies to valid questions. It paints a BAD pictures of you man.
I love watching you crush the hell out of the opposing team when your on fire, but please give your fans the respect they really do deserve.
You can do this by making peace with the local media. Yeah, they can probably be heavy-handed and they make you want to talk about things that you would really rather not talk about, but man up!
You are one of the lucky few who get paid MILLIONS to play a game. A beautiful, exciting, intense and violently terrific game.
Sometimes you have to play the game (and not just on the field) to get by in life.
So please Brian, talk to the local media. I read the Sports section first on my god-awful commute on the blue line daily, and I would love to hear some insights about the upcoming game.
Good Luck! (as long as it ain't against the Colts)
Brian Urlacher is a six-time Pro Bowl selection who also holds the distinction of being just the fifth player to win both Defensive Rookie of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year honors during his career. The mainstay of the Bears' defense will speak frequently with FOXSports.com senior NFL writer Jay Glazer ... and we'll bring it to you here.
