Chicago Legend Brian Urlacher Disapproves of Bears’ Potential Move to Indiana

Former Bears LB Brian Urlacher urges the Bears to stay in Chicago instead of moving to Indiana.

Chicago Legend Brian Urlacher Disapproves of Bears’ Potential Move to Indiana

Brian Urlacher (Image via FOX Sports)

Soldier Field is part of the Chicago Bears’ history, heritage, and culture. Brian Urlacher, who spent his entire career with the Bears, advises the Bears’ front office to remain in Chicago rather than relocate to Indiana.

Speaking with Kevin Clark on This Is Football, Urlacher called Soldier Field the ideal place to play football for the Bears.

I do not like the Bears playing anywhere but Soldier Field. Even if they went to Arlington Heights, which is in Illinois, they’re going to be in a dome, and if they go to Indiana, they’ll be in a dome. I don’t like the idea of them playing in a dome anywhere.

Urlacher said via NBC Sports

Although the Bears haven’t seen much success recently, Soldier Field is a fortress where away teams always find it hard to win, especially in winter when the turf and bleachers are covered in snow. Urlacher believes moving to Indiana will take away the home-field advantage that comes from being in the Chicago area.

I understand financially it makes a ton of sense for them to go to Indiana. They don’t own Soldier Field, so Sundays are not very profitable for them.

Urlacher said
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Why are the Bears moving out of Chicago?

Soldier Field first opened in 1924. The Bears moved in 1971 and have played their home games there. Seven years later, in 1978, the stadium underwent major renovations that included installing new lights and locker rooms and replacing the bench-style seating with individual seats with backs and armrests.

In 2003, the stadium underwent a 20-month renovation to modernize the facilities and its surrounding area. Most of the premises were demolished, except for the exterior, according to the Illinois Sports Facilities Authority. A new video board was installed.

Soldier Field completed 100 years in 2024. Despite its place in the history of Illinois, the stadium is the smallest in the NFL (61,500 seats). To catch up to the rest of the league, they decided to build a new state-of-the-art dome stadium in the suburbs of Chicago.

However, taxes and getting permission from the city council became a headache. Moreover, the Illinois lawmakers failed to pass the “megaprojects” bills, which would have helped them ease up on the total cost of building the stadium. That’s when authorities from Indiana stepped in and proposed to build a structure in Hammond. For a long time, Hammond has been viewed as a successful city of opportunity and possibility.

Adam Schefter of ESPN recently announced that the Bears are slowly getting closer to obtaining approval for moving to Indiana.

I was like, ‘Is this real? Are they moving to Indiana?’ and he said: ‘Yeah, it is. It’s not a bluff. There is more work to do, but barring anything strange, it’s a done deal.

Schefter said

Reporters recently asked Bears quarterback Caleb Williams’ reaction to possibly calling Indiana home.

I’m going to play wherever there’s 120 by 53 and a third, and it’s marked up with white lines and two end zones. I’m okay with whatever. Whatever decision they make is whatever decision they make. I just want some green with my teammates and coaches and another team out there, and fans.

Williams said

Who is Brian Urlacher?

Urlacher hails from Washington but went to school in New Mexico. After graduation, he attended New Mexico University. In 2000, the Bears drafted Urlacher 9th overall.

Chicago Legend Brian Urlacher Disapproves of Bears' Potential Move to Indiana
Brian Urlacher (Image via FOX Sports)

Urlacher played 182 games in thirteen seasons with the Bears. He registered 1361 combined tackles (franchise record), 41.5 sacks, 22 interceptions, 90 passes defended, and 15 fumble returns. Urlacher still holds the Bears single season franchise record for tackles, 153 in 2002.

Urlacher is a four-time All-Pro and an eight-time Pro Bowler. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017.

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