Brian Urlacher announced his retirement Wednesday at the age of 34, ending a 13-year NFL career. Urlacher was drafted by the Chicago Bears in the first round of the 2000 draft and never played for a different team. He was selected to eight Pro Bowls, appeared in one Super Bowl and was the NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2005.
Urlacher's former teammates (and some players he competed against) sounded off on the news via Twitter. Here are some of our favorite tweets:
I like it Brain! 13 & done!!
— Warren Sapp (@WarrenSapp) May 22, 2013
Congrats to the great @BUrlacher54 on an outstanding career. Always enjoyed watching u play. Class act & great player. #Respect #HOF bound
— Jason Taylor (@JasonTaylor) May 22, 2013
You were who we thought you were. Congrats. RT @BUrlacher54: It was an honor to play my entire career for the @ChicagoBears.
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) May 22, 2013
Congrats @BUrlacher54 on a tremendous career. You are a Hall of Fame player and a true gentleman
— Jay Feely (@jayfeely) May 22, 2013
Sad to see one of the best teammates and mentors ive had retire today.. @BUrlacher54 Was an honor to go to war with!!! Hall of Famer!!!
— Jason McKie (@Jmack37) May 22, 2013
Said it before & I'll keep saying it! "Brian Urlacher greatest LB'er in #Bears history." I say it w/ no disrespect to Butkus or Singletary.
— James miller (@JimMiller_NFL) May 22, 2013
Salute to Brian Urlacher. Helluva career. One of the best ever at the LB position in my opinion.
— Duane Brown (@DuaneBrown76) May 22, 2013
Congrats on 13 years of greatness Big Guy! Thank you for everything.
— J.T. Thomas (@TheRealJT3) May 22, 2013
It was an honor to play with @BUrlacher54. A great team leader and a great person. I wish you the best in your life after football.
— Kahlil Bell (@KahlilBell32) May 22, 2013