Quote:
In response to a report of rumors that Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher has either requested a trade or threatened to take a medical retirement (or both), Urlacher says that the reports are wrong.
“I never said that I was going to quit,” Urlacher told the Chicago Tribune. “That’s just a gossip column. Reports like that is why I choose not to speak to the media.”
If taking a medical retirement was ever an option, it isn’t now, given Urlacher’s comments regarding his health: “[M]y neck is rehabbed and back to normal,” Urlacher said. “My back is better now than it was at any point last season.”
As to a trade, Urlacher said he’s happy where he is. “Everybody knows I want to be in Chicago,” he said. “I’ve said that from Day 1. I can’t imagine playing anywhere else. I want to be with my teammates.
“Could I see a scenario where I wouldn’t be here? It would be if they traded me. But we all know that’s not going to happen.”
As to his contract status, Urlacher provided the Tribune with a brief update. “They’ve offered me a one-year extension,” Urlacher said. “My agents are doing a great job for me. I try to stay out of it as much as I can.”
It remains to be seen whether the Chicago Sun-Times responds to Urlacher’s attempt to refute its report.
FTR, if I had the opportunity to trade Chad for Urlacher, I'd do it so fast it'd make your head spin. But I highly doubt we'll ever see something like that happen.