Free agent Brian Urlacher announced he will retire from the National Football League Wednesday via Twitter according to the Chicago Tribune.
"After spending a lot of time this spring thinking about my NFL future, I have made a decision to retire."
Urlacher was expected to sign with the Minnesota Vikings or the Denver Broncos. The All-Pro linebacker was the ninth pick of the NFL draft 13 years ago and went on to become one of the best linebackers in the league. His career stats include 182 played games and 1353 combined tackles.
In 2006, Urlacher and the Chicago Bear lost to the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLI. It was the team's first appearance since Super Bowl XX in 1985.
The Bears and Urlacher could not reach an agreement for another season, which ultimately made the veteran a free agent. Though there were rumors of where he might land, nothing was ever confirmed. Phil Emery, the teams General Manager, did not speak ill of Urlacher at the time the decision was finalized.
