Getty ImagesFrom the moment the Cowboys opted to install a 4-3, Cover 2-style defense, we began beating the drum (or, as the case may be, the dead horse) for the team to sign middle linebacker Brian Urlacher. Apart from his lingering physical skills, his leadership and knowledge of the system would have dramatically assisted with the transition.
But just like 2009, when the Cowboys perplexingly passed on adding Ray Lewis, they never batted an eyelash at Urlacher. And he recently has said that he wishes they had.
“If I could have picked a spot, it would have been Dallas,“ Urlacher said, via the Dallas Morning News. “[The Cowboys] run our defense. They took our [defensive] coordinator. That would have been ideal. But they have two really good young linebackers.”
Still, their young linebackers have no NFL experience in the 4-3 system. Urlacher does, and he would have been a perfect option as the Cowboys make the change.
Ah, well.
Now you’ll have to console yourself with living a life of luxury until you die.
Tough break.
Here come the “Urlacher out of retirement to join Cowboys” and subsequent “Urlacher’s gonna lead the Cowboys to the SuperBowl” commentors…
Sounds to me like he really doesn’t want to be done
You can’t lead from the sidelines. The Cowboys already have coaches – what is Urlacher supposed to provide?
perfect option? guy can’t run anymore. accept it.
It would’ve been a perfect way to end a Superbowlless career.
…. Why Dallas?
Still could.
A once great player trying to use the last piece of leverage he thinks he has, retirement.
Its sad jerry. Its a sad state of affairs.
RAVENS
WORLD
CHAMPS
It would have been nice. He could have punched out Romo after his next 2 INT, 3 fumble game.
For advice on how to handle retirement with class, Brian needs to look no further than his old nemesis, Brett Favre.
no need to add a “HAS BEEN” to our great defense.
#ONTHEROADTOSUPERBOWLSIX!!
#ROMOWILLBEMVP
#DOMINATENFCEAST!!
13-3 SUPERBOWL WINNERS.
#AMERICASTEAM
I’ve come across a couple of accounts in the past that identify Urlacher as one of the most generous players in the NFL in terms of charitable causes. The reports went on to mention that Urlacher would have no involvement in the reports because the attention was undesirable to him.
That is an awesome show of selflessness, from someone who could have just as easily directed the spotlight onto himself for his charitable generosity.
I’m talking to you, Mr. Tebow … who appeared on a Donald Trump show with a “show check,” as just another way to self-promote yourself.
he doesn’t want to retire and he could easily have a job, he just thinks he should be paid like its still 2005
Wait, what? How is it ideal? We likely will have one of the better tandems in the NFL with Lee and Carter.
If Urlacher wanted to back up Lee…sure. Even then that player likely has to play some special teams in which case…that ain’t happening and neither is taking Lee off the field so a 30+ aging linebacker can get on the field.
Urlacher would be a fine coach on the Cowboys. As a backup LB with 0 special teams assignments he doesn’t have much value to America’s Team.
Good decision by Dallas.
I would have like to see him with the Chargers. It would be interesting to see him on the same team with Freeney. That is, assuming they both could stay healthy.
My old man always used to say “You can crap in one hand and wish in another and see which one fills first”.
Cowboys are stupid
Brian, here is your explanation, in words that strike terror in every Cowboys fan:
General Manager Jerrah Jones
Maybe Ulacher can help Tony Romo with the play calling and Jerry will get his moneys worth
If you really thought that Ray Lewis was going to Dallas, then you’re dumber than Jerry. He was never leaving Baltimore. And as for Urlacher, he’s an injury waiting to happen at this point. He would bring nothing to Boys. I think they’re good with Lee in the middle.
Urlacher’s ideal choice would be to continue not winning?
Huh, don’t see too many players saying that.
Well if lee or carter get hurt again they better get this guy out of retirement
Dallas might have been a good fit for him, but he wouldn’t have been a good fit for Dallas. Players at some positions can sneak an extra few years out of a broken down body. But middle linebacker really isn’t one of those positions. He had a good career but in reality he hasn’t been a factor for a couple of years and wouldn’t have helped Dallas much at all.
Was scared away by the thought of having to chase down RG3 twice a year.
Why fret about defense? Everyone knows Romo is the sole reason the Cowboys are average… I mean, that’s what I’ve been reading.
I do think Urlacher would be a great fit in that new 4-3 defense. However I wouldn’t start him at MLB over Lee, but if Lee gets injured (and he often does) Urlacher would be ideal actually.
Don’t worry Brian.. U did the right thing retiring with your faculties in tact and enough money to feed 10,000 families. Ideal is so subjective.
He also says he’s happy to have played his entire career with the Bears and didn’t want to finish in another team’s jersey…Can we let that poor horse RIP now?
Urlacher in his prime would stuff RGIII like a Thanksgiving turkey.
“I’ve come across a couple of accounts in the past that identify Urlacher as one of the most generous players in the NFL in terms of charitable causes. The reports went on to mention that Urlacher would have no involvement in the reports because the attention was undesirable to him.”
That’s actually something that is said about Jay Cutler too. He’s outstanding for his community in Chicago and doesn’t ever draw attention to himself. That doesn’t fit the narrative though, which is a shame, because Cutler does more to help people out than most of the anonymous internet commenter’s that are convinced they know him personally and he’s a jerk. Cutler however is a grown man that couldn’t care less what people say about him, he does good things because that’s what a man does.
Why would they sign an old LB with diminishing skill as a backup to what most personnel men call a future all pro LB that’s already on the roster? This isn’t fantasy football or Madden Franchise mode. Signing old veterans hinders development of what you already have. That’s why the elder statesmen generally get picked up around training camp when teams get desperate from injuries.
He wants 100 mil from Jerry too!
Looks like he really didn’t want a ring then
Maybe Brent Favre gave him that advice you know Like beat the Packers in the NFC Championship game
Jerrah is thinking about paying it to him too!
Always thought he was highly overrated kind of got a lot of mileage out of the Buckus Bear history of linebackers number in the 50′s thing , could call defensive signals though !
Urlacher has been voted by fellow players as the most overrated player in the game for several years now. It makes sense that no teams made an offer for his services.
Yes, as a Skins fan, I too agree that this would have been ideal.