Skip to main content
Advertising

Bears LB Urlacher says knee should be fine for minicamp

Brian Urlacher intends to retire as a Chicago Bear, and he isn't giving much credence to the notion that he'd end his career anywhere else.

"There's no doubt in my mind I'll finish my career with the Bears," Urlacher told the Chicago Sun-Times on Tuesday. "However that works out, it works out. I can't imagine playing anywhere else."

Debate: The worst NFL uniform is ...

The NFL is abuzz about the new Nike uniforms, though there weren't many big changes. Which team needs a makeover? **More ...**

Urlacher is entering the final year of the five-year, $40.6 million contract he signed before the 2008 season. The 33-year-old linebacker stands to make $7.5 million next season, and he told the Sun-Times that he's not eyeing retirement anytime soon.

"The No. 1 thing is, I've got to keep playing well," Urlacher said. "We'll see what happens. I don't want to go anywhere else."

Urlacher declined to tell the newspaper if he is seeking a market-level deal, though he said the Bears have accommodated him in past negotiations. Bears coach Lovie Smith seems to agree that Urlacher has a few more seasons left in the tank.

"Brian is a special athlete, and he'll be in great shape," Smith said. "He's going to play a lot more years for us. Really had a good year last year, and I'm looking forward to an even better year with him."

Urlacher had 102 tackles last season with three interceptions, though he sprained the medial collateral ligament in his left knee during the final game of the season. Urlacher's knee has yet to return to 100 percent, according to the Sun-Times, but Urlacher said he should be fine when minicamps begin later this month.

"(My knee is) doing really good," Urlacher said. "I'm just doing what I'm told. When it's time to go, I'll be ready to go. There's no reason to rush it."

This article has been reproduced in a new format and may be missing content or contain faulty links. Please use the Contact Us link in our site footer to report an issue.