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Chat Reel: Brian Urlacher

Bears rookie surprised to be win top defensive award

Brian Urlacher, Defensive Rooke of the Year, looks up to Ray Lewis, Defensive Player of the Year. Jonathan Daniel/Allsport

CNNSI Host: Welcome to today's NFL chat with Brian Urlacher. Hello Brian!
Brian Urlacher: Thanks great to be here.

From Marty: Hello Brian, describe what it's like being named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year?
Brian Urlacher: I was surprised to tell you the truth because our team did not have a very good year and I wasn't sure it that would effect the vote. Also Darren Howard and Corey Simon had good years, too.

From chavo: Which linebacker do you look at as the best in the NFL right now?
Brian Urlacher: It is Ray Lewis, because he got Defensive Player of the Year and he is all around a great linebacker.

From Matt Hancur in Jamestown, R.I.: Brian, what is it like to strap on your pads and put on that jersey, knowing the tradition and history of the great players that have played your position as captain of the defense for the Bears?
Brian Urlacher: It is an honor, because of the tradition there, and fans are going to come watch us no matter what.

From Sean Scanlon in Chicago: Brian, how far away do you feel the Bears are from being a contending team? What do you feel are the team's strengths and weaknesses?
Brian Urlacher: We are not far away. I think next year will be better for us. We had a lot of injuries this year, especially at the quarterback position. The defense was very young. Our strength is our defense, for sure. We played well at the end of the year. We played better as the year went on. I believe the offensive line was a strength of the team too.

From sweetness34: Brain, you ever hear from Dick Butkus during this tremendous year you just had? Did he have any encouraging words for you?
Brian Urlacher: I haven't talked to him at all. I'm sure I will meet him in the future.

From Chris: Hey Brian, great year! Your play reminded me a lot of Chris Spielman's. Who were your idols growing up and who did you model your play after?
Brian Urlacher: I really didn't watch any linebackers growing up. I watch mostly the Cowboys growing up -- Darren Woodson was a guy I watched growing up. Other than that I watched offensive guys. I was a receiver in high school.

From What: What are your goals for next season?
Brian Urlacher: As a team to get to the playoffs. I think we have the players to do that. I don't set goals individually. If the team reaches our goals, I'm satisfied with that.

From Marty: Hello Brian, describe what it's like to "sack" the quarterback in the NFL?
Brian Urlacher: It's exciting. Most of my sacks come when I didn't get touched when I blitzed, so I got a good shot on the quarterback.

From Eric Herman in Ann Arbor, Mich.: Hey, Brian. I'm a Bears fan living in Michigan, so you know I really enjoyed how you guys finished the season (by keeping the Lions out of the playoffs). What position in the draft do you think would help the Bears the most next season?
Brian Urlacher: I'm not sure. There are lots ways we could go. I think from what I've heard I think we are going to draft a defensive lineman.

From Geovanni Derice in Brooklyn, N.Y.: Brian, I have seen you play, and you are great. I've seen your tips on playing linebacker, but what can I do to build my speed?
Brian Urlacher: I just lifted, doing power clings and squats and that worked for me. In college I keep lifting and the bigger I got the faster I got. I was adding muscle not fat.

CNNSI Host: That's all the time we have today with Brian Urlacher. Thanks for joining us!
Brian Urlacher: Thanks for having me here. You guys take care.

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