[vincesanity82]

One of the few bright spots of the Bear season was the play of Brian Urlacher over the season's final month. After struggling with numerous aches and pains, Urlacher was playing near his old level in the last few games and wreaking havoc on opposing offenses. That made the prospect of losing Lance Briggs to free agency easier to bear and erased any whispers that the middle linebacker might have reached the downside of his career.

That effort took something out of Urlacher, however. During his postseason physical, doctors discovered a problem with his lower neck and, yesterday, they performed surgery to try and correct it. Everyone's optimistic about his recovery and his readiness for training camp but its neck surgery.

Urlacher struggled with an arthritic back last year. He's 30, has always played like a heat-seeking missile and, rosy projections or not, you'd have to be the most confident man in the world not to worry about the fitness of his spine. Rick Morrissey of the Chicago Tribune wonders if this isn't just a case of the tight-lipped Bears keeping info close to their vest.

Is that what we're seeing now? The deterioration of a great player whose neck might have been jarred one too many times? Or is it just what the ever-secretive Bears likely will say it is-routine? A simple mop-up operation?

Will this alter their approach to Briggs negotiations?

Brian Urlacher Has Neck Surgery; Bears Cross Their Fingers - FanHouse - AOL Sports Blog

[bears9]

This the first I've heard of this, my fingers are crossed.

[Lefty Noob]

Wow, this definitely gives Briggs more leverage in the negotiations. You'd like to think that Urlacher will make a full recovery, but... he IS 30.

[bears9]

Originally Posted by Lefty Noob

Wow, this definitely gives Briggs more leverage in the negotiations. You'd like to think that Urlacher will make a full recovery, but... he IS 30.

Full I don't know, good enough to play probably. As far as Briggs I think he is gone no matter what goes down with Brian

[Bette]

It would be hard to imagine the Bears without Brian Urlacher. For so long, he was the only bright spot on the team. But because of his aggressive hard hitting play, it could very well be that we are seeing him at the end of his career.

[azrael492]

I hope he makes a recovery. He id one of the players that I made sure I watched every time he was on TV. You could count on seeing a great play when he was on the field.

[Gotham Dark Knight]

He should hang it up...walk away from the game...take his money and enjoy life...on a good day, he will still be hurting from the pounding he already has taken.

[bears9]

Originally Posted by Gotham Dark Knight

He should hang it up...walk away from the game...take his money and enjoy life...on a good day, he will still be hurting from the pounding he already has taken.

It's not happening Goth, it would take something much more serious than this to make him walk away.

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Originally Posted by bears9

It's not happening Goth, it would take something much more serious than this to make him walk away.

Well then, outside the football field, no one ever said he was the smartest cookie in the jar...I like him...but its time...you don't mess with the neck area...and he already has a back that will be killing him long after the glory on the field.

[ninerfan1indahouse]

Originally Posted by bears9

It's not happening Goth, it would take something much more serious than this to make him walk away.

i agree with u bears 9 it will take alot more to get him off that field,and when it does it will be a shame because he's a great player and a great person the only time u see him in the media it's a highlight.very humble person,a true team player.

[Seahawker 562]

I hope he makes a full recovery. Hes a real intelligent lineback, and i like seeing him play

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Originally Posted by Seahawker 562

I hope he makes a full recovery. Hes a real intelligent lineback, and i like seeing him play

Remember Bosworth? He was a promisng player but chronic injuries put an end to his career...Butkus was the same, the knees could not take it...its a top position to stay health at sometimes.

[Seahawker 562]

Originally Posted by Gotham Dark Knight

Remember Bosworth? He was a promisng player but chronic injuries put an end to his career...Butkus was the same, the knees could not take it...its a top position to stay health at sometimes.

Yeah definitly. Bosworth was pretty good for the 2 years he was with the hawks, i remember him better from playin on the sooners.

[housepitbull]

Originally Posted by Gotham Dark Knight

Remember Bosworth? He was a promisng player but chronic injuries put an end to his career...Butkus was the same, the knees could not take it...its a top position to stay health at sometimes.

Hey goth don't worry about Urlacher he is going to be fine and im sure he is no Bosworth cause last time I checked i dont think he is into acting and would u happen to be in the division

[Gotham Dark Knight]

Originally Posted by housepitbull

Hey goth don't worry about Urlacher he is going to be fine and im sure he is no Bosworth cause last time I checked i dont think he is into acting and would u happen to be in the division

Look, I am a Urlacher fan since he was in college...all I am saying is, he should watch out for Urlacher...he has had a great career...and his body is trying to mend...hang it up.