Chicago Bears Release Brian Urlacher to Dismay of Many Fans

In a move that came as a shock to Chicago Bears fans, as well as fans of the NFL in general, the Chicago Bears released their star linebacker Brian Urlacher from the team. In a dispute that reportedly came down to money, the team lost what many feel is an iconic player in his position.

Media reports indicate that the Chicago Bears were offering Brian Urlacher a $2 million salary for the upcoming season, and when Urlacher countered with $3.5 million the team released him from the roster without a counter offer.

The 34 year-old Urlacher told reporters after the fact that he felt that the Bears management was never actually that serious about keeping him. Unfortunately for Bears fans, Urlacher will have to take his credentials of a 5 time Pro Bowl player, and Defensive Player of the Year, with him to another lucky team.

This behavior of releasing franchise players, once management feels they have passed their prime, seems to be a growing trend in the league. Just as Peyton Manning silenced a lot of his critics making a play-off run with the Broncos last year, it is very likely that Brian Urlacher, and his hard-hitting play, will literally make a big impact on the defense for another team in the NFL.