Brian Urlacher is a former professional linebacker. He played college football at the University of New Mexico, where he became one of the school's most decorated athletes and was recognized as a consensus All-American in 1999. Following his collegiate success, he was selected ninth overall by the Bears in the 2000 NFL Draft.

Urlacher quickly established himself as one of the NFL's most productive defensive players, winning the NFL Rookie of the Year Award in 2000. During his career, he was selected to eight Pro Bowls and recognized as a first-team All-Pro four times. In 2005, Urlacher won the NFL Defensive Player of the Year after playing for a defensive team that allowed the fewest points per game, and created the most turnovers in the National Football Conference. Urlacher himself recorded at least 10 tackles in six consecutive games, while finishing the season with a team high 121 tackles. His playing style, accomplishments, and reputation made him one of the team's most popular players.

After retiring, Urlacher served as an analyst for Fox Sports 1. In December 2014, Urlacher participated in the USO Chairman's Holiday tour, which provided entertainment to US troops in five countries around the world. He was inducted to the College Football Hall of Fame in 2017 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018.