Despite the sudden death of his mother, Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher is expected to play this week when the Bears travel to New Orleans to face the 1-0 Saints.
On his blog Shutdown Corner, Doug Farrar reports that Urlacher returned to practice Thursday. Urlacher’s apparent availability for Sunday surely pleases Bears officials, their willingness to excuse his absence notwithstanding.
Most fans are likely relieved, too. After all, Urlacher is the “franchise player,” as Bears head coach Lovie Smith said in his post-game comments after the Bears’ 30-12 victory over the visiting Atlanta Falcons.
But should Bears fans be happy that the team now expects Urlacher to play on Sunday?
The Bears have a better chance against the Saints with Urlacher than without. But here are three reasons that I hope Urlacher decides not to play week two.
1. The NFL Already Has Plenty of Tough Guys
The league’s through-the-roof week one ratings evidence pro football’s role as our national pastime. However, league officials and players continue to have a problem “getting it” about major issues.
For instance, the league’s tough-guy culture led to delays in confronting the dangers of player head injuries. Now, the league faces a lawsuit over the issue by former players. Still, some players voice complaints over new safety rules and the resulting changes to game play.
What does this have to do with Urlacher?
I’m confident that, privately, Bears team officials and Urlacher’s teammates never doubted his emotional toughness or desire to play. Players who play through the grief and adversity of family death earn a special legendary status, a fact best illustrated by fan response to Brett Farve’s brilliant Monday Night Football performance following the death of his father. If Urlacher can muster a repeat of his week one domination, fans will never forget his dedication. But I’m not convinced that’s a good thing.
To be sure, not everyone processes grief the same way. I recognize that a professional athlete is as likely to process grief effectively by playing his sports as by surrounding himself with the comfort of family and friends. So let me be clear: Brian Urlacher should grieve for his mother however he sees fit. But I also hope that Urlacher demonstrates the same dedication to his family as he does to his football team.
The NFL is full of physically tough, mentally strong men. Perhaps I’m the only fan who also wants sports figures to model family-first thinking and sacrifice. I personally would think more of Urlacher for demonstrating dedication to family over dedication to work or team. When I think of former NFL linebacker Chris Spielman’s response to his wife’s cancer diagnosis, prolonged illness, and eventual death, I think of class and dignity. I’d like to think the same of Urlacher.
Of course, only Brian Urlacher knows how best to honor his mother’s memory-by playing or not. But I know plenty of young men who would benefit from more family-first male role models. I hope Urlacher manages to be the role model I want and the loyal teammate that the Bears know him to be.
2. Allow the team to face early adversity.
The Bears might benefit long-term if Urlacher is unavailable against the Saints. The Bears’ week one victory over the Falcons impressed fans and pundits, and a road win against the Saints would position the Bears as a team to beat. But I would trade wins in December for wins in September.
I won’t mind if the Bears have to use week two to figure out how to handle themselves without their defensive leader. The Bears thrive on team defense, and an Urlacher absence could emphasize teamwork’s ability to overcome adversity. The more each defensive player feels confidence in his play and his strategic role, the better the team will play, with Urlacher or not.
Moreover, responding to the adversity of an Urlacher absence may force problems out from the locker room’s dark corners. I’m not aware of particular conflicts among Bears players, but I’ve never heard of a locker room without problems either. Better to address those issues early when they can be managed than when the season is on the line.
3. A Rested Urlacher is a Brutal Urlacher
Urlacher’s week one performance was energetic if not downright frenetic. But let’s not pretend that Urlacher has found the fountain of youth. Can Urlacher’s body withstand a full season of abuse without suffering diminished performance? I’d rather have a week of rest and emotional recovery for Urlacher than a better chance – but just a chance – of a tough road victory against the Saints.
Even if Urlacher can conjure another monster performance this week, I’m concerned that a month or two down the road the extra burden will catch up with him (and the team). Let’s hope that Urlacher really is as super-human as he sometimes seem.
Alexander Cooke has been a Bears fan since the third grade, when Payton, Perry, Singletary, and the others shuffled