Brian Urlacher has cemented his legacy as one of the greatest players in Bears' franchise history, and he's still an effective player for Chicago as a middle linebacker. But the 34-year-old can't play forever, and a radio interview with Chicago's ESPN 1000 revealed a little bit of Urlacher's mindset on the twilight years of his career.
"I always say (I want to keep playing) two to three more years. It all depends on how I play on the field, because if I don't play good enough, nobody is going to want me. But if I keep playing well and at a high level, then two to three more years at least, I think."
Urlacher's contract is up at the end of this season, and although the linebacker said he doesn't see himself playing for any team but the Bears, he left his options open. He also said that a left knee injury suffered in last year's season finale is better and that he's ready to participate in the team's training camp, which opens July 26.
Urlacher is entering his 13th year in the NFL, and holds the Bears' franchise record for most tackles. A reminder: That means he's thrown his body into opposing football players with enough force to bring them to the ground more than any player in the history of one of the most storied franchises in the NFL. He can't keep that up forever.
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