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This just came out from NFL News. Shocking but true.
Bears stalwart middle linebacker Brian Urlacher, who has frustrated Packers fans for over ten years, will be leaving the Bears and he will not play for Chicago in 2013. At present it is uncertain what will happen to Urlacher, who is the Bears' all-time leading tackler. The Bears and Urlacher were unable to negotiate a new contract for the linebacker, and the team has announced that both sides have agreed to part ways. In a statement, GM Phil Emery said this:
Brian has been an elite player in our league for over a decade. He showed great leadership and helped develop a winning culture over his time with the Bears. We appreciate all he has given our team, on and off the field. Brian will always be welcome as a member of the Bears.
Yes, always welcome...but not at the price he apparently wanted. It will be a strange sight to see two veteran NFC North players wearing different colors this season with Greg Jennings' departure from Green Bay.