Urlacher explains beef with Bears ex-GM
Brees tries to persuade Broncos’ Manning to return for 18th season
Brian Urlacher’s dislike of Phil Emery is no secret. The former Bears star and UNM alum didn’t appreciate how the former general manager handled his failed contract negotiation after the 2012 season.
Urlacher has dropped hints of varying strength and impact since he retired. But Friday, 32 days after Emery was fired, Urlacher explained his gripe in detail during a radio interview on WSCR-AM.
“I just didn’t get along — I didn’t like the way he handled my situation or other situations around there with players,” Urlacher said. “I didn’t like the way he acted sometimes. I just didn’t feel comfortable being in the building when he was around.
“I’m a huge fan of the McCaskeys (ownership). I’ve always said that, never quit saying that. I’m going to keep saying it. But there was one guy I had a problem with, and he happened to be the guy who was everyone’s boss.”
New coach John Fox said at his introductory news conference Jan. 19 he plans to make sure Urlacher feels welcome at Halas Hall. And Chairman George McCaskey later indicated how pleased he is that the relationship between the organization and one of its brightest stars is healing.
Said Urlacher: “If he (Emery) came to me and said, ‘Hey man, look, we don’t think you’re the same.’ Which, I wasn’t the same player. After my knee got hurt, I was a little bit slower and older. I agree. But I still wanted to play. I feel like I could have still played. With another year of rehab on my knee, I probably could have played one or two more years.”
PEYTON: Drew Brees serenaded Peyton Manning, hoping to persuade the seven-time All-Pro to keep playing.
“Peyton, please come back and play,” Brees sang to the tune of Manning’s insurance commercial.
The scene occurred on stage before Manning accepted the Bart Starr Award.
Manning said afterward that he hasn’t made a decision on returning to the Broncos for his 18th NFL season.
“I’m still taking time to evaluate some things. I’m not interested in making this a lingering thing,” he said. “I’d like to make a decision soon.”
HONORARY CAPTAIN: Former NFL Defensive Player of the Year Kenny Easley will serve as the Seattle Seahawks honorary captain for the coin toss of Sunday’s Super Bowl.