Brian Urlacher Takes Indefinite Leave From Chicago Bears After Family Tragedy

The Chicago Bears may be without star linebacker Brian Urlacher for an unknown amount of time after he received sad news this week that his mom, Lavoyda Lenard, passed away at the young age of 51.

Urlacher was very close to his mom and in a 2002 interview with ESPN he called her “my heart.”

In s statement released by the Bears organization Urlacher sayd:

“My mother, Lavoyda, unexpectedly passed away Monday at her home in Texas,” while adding, “My first priority right now is to be with my family as we mourn her loss and make the arrangements to lay her to rest,” while he added, “This is a very difficult and emotional time for us and I sincerely ask that you respect our privacy. Thank you.”

The Bears understand that Urlacher may not be ready to play on Sunday and acknowledged that he’ll be sorely missed if he’s not in attendance to take on the New Orleans Saints. Bears receiver Roy Williams told ESPN Chicago:

“That’s going to be tough for our football team (if Urlacher doesn’t play Sunday),” while adding, “Whoever takes his spot (if necessary) will play well. My thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family. He is the emotional leader of the football team, so we have his back.”

Bears quarterback Jay Cutler said of Urlacher’s presence on the team:

“You can’t replace a guy like him,” adding, “He’s the heart and soul of this team.”

Under the leadership of Brian Urlacher the Chicago Bears have a winning record of 21-13 and a losing record of 7-8 in games he’s missed since 2008.

As a huge Bears fan I want to offer my own condolences to Urlacher and his family.