Chicago Bears nation rejoiced when the Brian Urlacher Hall of Fame news came down. The eight-time Pro Bowl middle linebacker became the 28th member of the franchise enshrined in Canton. He’s also the eighth player in team history to get in on the first ballot. To most there was never a doubt this would happen. Sure there were lingering fears he might not share the spotlight with fellow linebacker Ray Lewis, but if the voters stuck to common sense then it would happen.
So it did. However, it almost passed him by. At least for a brief instant. Once the voting process is complete, it’s the honor of Hall of Fame president David Baker to go to each hotel room of the candidates who were elected to give them the good news. It’s a wonderful tradition. Cameras caught him making the rounds. There was jubilation such as Packers guard Jerry Kramer, a longtime also-ran in the process, finally getting in. There were tears as with the always passionate Lewis.
With Urlacher? There was almost nothing at all due to his own hilarious oversight.
Hall of Fame president David Baker said Brian Urlacher had the do not disturb sign on his hotel door. Urlacher said he forgot it was left on the door. Baker joked he almost bypassed knocking on the door to inform Brian.
— Brad Biggs (@BradBiggs) February 4, 2018
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In truth the Brian Urlacher announcement was perfect
Urlacher himself said that the Hall of Fame would be nice, but it wouldn’t change his feelings about his career. How he looked in the eyes of his teammates, coaches and fans were what mattered more. While others might lose sleep over their chances, Urlacher was so laid back he forgot to make his room available for entry.
No doubt his was the best moment of the announcements, if for no other reason than it will be hard to forget. With his enshrinement, the focus will now shift to whether the Bears are chosen as participants for the annual Hall of Fame game in Canton, Ohio. A game they haven’t participated in since 2005.
