Urlacher leaves Bears: Fans say goodbye to legendary LB - Chicago News and Weather | FOX 32 News

When the season kicks off in 2013, for the first time in more than a decade Brian Urlacher won't be on the field.

Some Bears fans say Urlacher isn't just a great football player, he's the face of the team and the city of Chicago. Others say, they hate to see him go, but it's time to rebuild the team.

"Tough. Heart and soul of the team. Bleeds navy blue and orange," one fan said, describing number 54.

Bears fan Tyler McConnico thinks the Bears should have done more to keep Urlacher.

"You know, if it's about loyalty to your players, you know it's going to be different," McConnico says.

Brian Urlacher says he wanted to finish his career where it began. The boy from New Mexico was selected by the Bears in the ninth pick in 2000. Now, more than 1,700 tackles later, Urlacher says it's time to move on.

Some fans say, at 34, Urlacher is middle-aged and he doesn't have the moves he used to on the field.

"34 is old," says Imelda March. "There's so much young talent out there on the college level that he's old, unfortunately. He's great and hopefully he'll get another opportunity, if he doesn't, he needs to consider retiring with grace."

"He's been a leader. He's been a mentor and he's been the face of the franchise over the last decade," says fan Jim Jakala. "He will be missed and I can't wait till he represents the Bears in the Hall of Fame someday.

Brian Urlacher was called a class act both on and off the field.