Brian Urlacher Reveals Former Bears Teammates He Believes Deserve Pro Football Hall of Fame, Sparking Major Buzz Across NFL Circles

NFL Hall of Famer Brian Urlacher was the face of the Chicago Bears for more than a decade, a legendary linebacker whose grit, speed, and leadership defined an era of Bears football. But even as Urlacher sits comfortably in Canton with a bronze bust of his own, he hasn’t forgotten about the teammates who helped him get there.

In a recent appearance on The Rich Eisen Show, Urlacher passionately advocated for several former Chicago Bears teammates he believes are being unfairly overlooked by Hall of Fame voters. His comments have reignited debate among fans and media alike about the Hall’s selection process and who truly belongs in pro football’s most exclusive fraternity.

The Hall of Fame Isn’t a Solo Journey

“Look, I didn’t do it alone,” Urlacher said during the interview. “I was surrounded by guys who made me better every day—some of the best to ever do it. I think it’s time they get their due.”

Urlacher, an eight-time Pro Bowler and the 2005 NFL Defensive Player of the Year, went on to name several teammates who he believes have legitimate Hall of Fame cases. Among the most prominent: Lance Briggs, Charles Tillman, Olin Kreutz, and Devin Hester.

1. Lance Briggs: The Underrated Enforcer

Urlacher began his list with a familiar name—fellow linebacker and long-time partner in the heart of the Bears defense, Lance Briggs.

“I wouldn’t be in the Hall without Lance,” Urlacher said bluntly. “People forget how dominant he was. His instincts, his tackling, his ability in coverage—it was elite.”

Briggs, a seven-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro, was a cornerstone of Chicago’s vaunted defense from 2003 to 2014. He recorded over 1,100 tackles, 15 interceptions, and 16 forced fumbles during his career. Despite the impressive résumé, Briggs has yet to be named a Hall of Fame finalist.

“He was the perfect weak-side backer in our system,” Urlacher added. “He should be in.”

2. Charles “Peanut” Tillman: Creator of the ‘Peanut Punch’

Next on Urlacher’s list was Charles Tillman, one of the most innovative defensive backs in NFL history. Known for his trademark “Peanut Punch”—a technique of punching the football out of a ball carrier’s hands—Tillman was a two-time Pro Bowler with 38 career forced fumbles, the most by a defensive back in NFL history.

“Peanut changed the game,” Urlacher said. “He invented a move that guys still use today. How is that not Hall-worthy?”

Tillman also added 38 career interceptions, eight defensive touchdowns, and was widely respected as a leader on and off the field. Urlacher believes his impact goes beyond the stat sheet.

“He didn’t just get turnovers—he created fear,” Urlacher said. “Receivers would catch the ball and immediately brace for the punch. That’s a legacy.”

3. Olin Kreutz: The Anchor of the Offensive Line

While Urlacher made his living on defense, he made sure to show love to the guys who battled in the trenches. Chief among them: center Olin Kreutz.

“Every day in practice, I went against Olin,” Urlacher said. “He made me better, and he was a beast on Sundays.”

Kreutz was a six-time Pro Bowler and a 2000s All-Decade Team selection. As the anchor of the Bears’ offensive line for over a decade, he brought intelligence, toughness, and leadership to the huddle.

“There aren’t many centers who did it better for as long as he did,” Urlacher added. “He should at least be a finalist.”

4. Devin Hester: The Hall of Fame Snub that Hurts Most

Of all the teammates Urlacher campaigned for, none received a stronger endorsement than return specialist Devin Hester.

“He’s the best to ever do it,” Urlacher said emphatically. “How is he not in the Hall yet?”

Hester, a three-time All-Pro and the NFL’s all-time leader in combined return touchdowns (20), has been a finalist in recent years but has yet to be inducted. His iconic opening-kickoff touchdown in Super Bowl XLI remains one of the most electrifying moments in NFL history.

“He changed the game the minute he stepped on the field,” Urlacher said. “Every time he touched the ball, you held your breath. You can’t tell the story of the NFL without Devin Hester.”

Urlacher’s impassioned plea on behalf of Hester echoed the frustration of Bears fans, many of whom expected Hester to be a first-ballot selection.

Beyond the Stats: The Culture and Brotherhood

Urlacher emphasized that the Hall of Fame should consider more than just stats and accolades. For him, it’s about legacy, impact, and how a player influenced the game.

“Some of these guys changed how teams game-planned. That should matter,” he said. “And honestly, it was a brotherhood. We went to war together. To me, seeing those guys in Canton would mean everything.”

He added that while he’s proud of his individual accomplishments, football is the ultimate team sport. “You don’t make it to the Hall on your own. You get there because of the guys around you. And I had some of the best.”

Reactions Across the League

Urlacher’s comments have ignited debate among fans and analysts alike. On social media, former Bears players and NFL insiders voiced support for his stance.

Former coach Lovie Smith tweeted, “Proud to have coached all those guys. They deserve serious Hall of Fame consideration.”

NFL Network’s Kyle Brandt said, “Urlacher’s right—Peanut and Hester especially need to be in. Those guys were game-changers.”

Chicago sports radio lit up with calls from fans echoing Urlacher’s sentiments and demanding more respect for that dominant 2000s Bears defense.

What’s Next for These Bears Legends?

Devin Hester remains the most likely of the group to receive a gold jacket in the near future, possibly as soon as the next voting cycle. Tillman and Kreutz have not yet been named finalists, but Urlacher’s high-profile endorsement could help build momentum.

Briggs faces stiff competition in a crowded linebacker category, but as more voters consider the team-based nature of defense, his case could strengthen over time.

The Hall of Fame Debate: A Deeper Conversation

Urlacher’s comments also reignited a larger conversation about how Hall of Fame candidates are evaluated. Should innovation—like Tillman’s “Peanut Punch”—carry as much weight as traditional stats? Should the impact on team success and legacy be factored in more heavily?

Some believe that return specialists like Hester are unfairly penalized due to the niche nature of their role, while others argue the Hall has become too exclusive for players who didn’t dominate headline positions like quarterback or wide receiver.

Regardless, Urlacher has added his powerful voice to the conversation—and people are listening.

Brian Urlacher’s legacy in Chicago is secure, but his advocacy for his former teammates shows that he hasn’t forgotten who helped him get there. As the Hall of Fame selection committee prepares for its next round of voting, Urlacher’s words may carry significant weight.

“These guys gave everything to the game,” Urlacher said. “They deserve their moment in Canton. I’ll keep saying it until they get in.”

Whether it happens next year or five years from now, one thing is certain: Urlacher won’t rest until the Bears’ brotherhood is fully recognized in the Hall of Fame.