June 24, 2009
By Richard Stevens — Senior Writer/GoLobos.com
The tall and muscular Chicago Bear glanced down at his name, which stretched for several yards across the Lobos’ Indoor Practice Facility’s turf. The former Lobo probably summed up the history and the significance of the field dedication in four little words.
“I love the Lobos,” said Brian Urlacher Wednesday morning at a dedication ceremony held on the turf that now bears his name.
Yes, love of the Lobos has to be a huge reason that Urlacher reached deep into his pocket to donate $500,000 to the University of New Mexico football program. Urlacher made that donation in January of 2009. UNM named the field in the Indoor Practice Facility in recognition of that gift and also to honor arguably the greatest NFL player to ever emerge from Lobo football.
“We are so proud of Brian, as a university and as a football program,” said Paul Krebs, UNM’s Vice President in charge of athletics. “He represents our state and our university tremendously well.”
Krebs, UNM’s football coach Mike Locksley, and Jamie Koch, a UNM Regent, spoke briefly at the dedication. “You are a true New Mexican. You have put us on the map,” said Koch.
Said Locksley: “This gift speaks volumes for what a student-athlete is all about. The University of New Mexico invested in Brian and now Brian is coming back and investing in UNM and future Lobos. It’s an honor to have someone like Brian represent UNM and our football program.”
Urlacher played at UNM from 1996 to 1999. He led the nation in tackles (178) in his junior season of 1998. He was consensus All-America First Team as a free safety in 1999. He finished his Lobo career third all-time in tackles with 442.
As a senior, he often was used in goal-line situations as a big target for UNM quarterbacks. He caught seven passes that season – six for TDs. He tied for the team scoring honors with 42 points. He also averaged 15.8 yards on ten punt returns.
“This is a huge honor for me to come back and do something like this,” said Urlacher. “New Mexico is the only school that gave me a chance to play football, coming out of Lovington (N.M.) I’m proud to be a part of this program. I’m proud to say I’m a Lobo.”
Urlacher’s strength, athleticism and foot speed convinced the Chicago Bears to draft him No. 9 overall in the 2000 NFL Draft. No other Lobo has ever been drafted higher.
Urlacher is about to enter his 10th season with the Bears. He was the 2005 NFL Defensive Player of The Year and has been named to six Pro Bowls in nine seasons. He says he hopes to play the game at the NFL level for another three or four seasons.
“My body feels great,” said Urlacher, who also is in Albuquerque conducting his Brian Urlacher Football Camp on the UNM campus. “I don’t plan on retiring anytime soon, but I’ve played nine years, and 12 or 13 years is a long career for a linebacker.
“I’m still productive on the field and as long as I feel that way, I’ll keep playing. But I don’t plan to hang around too long. I don’t think I’ll take it too far. I want to be able to get out of bed and do things like play golf and hang out with my kids and family.”
On Wednesday, Urlacher was hanging out with his family of Lobos. He said he was impressed by the improvements around UNM, which includes a $60 million renovation of The Pit.
“There are improvements everywhere,” said Urlacher. “This (Indoor) facility is amazing. I wish they had it when I was a Lobo. It’s a great honor to have the field named after me. It’s one of the coolest things that has ever happened to me.
“I love the Lobos. This school did a lot for me and I not only want to give back, but I feel an obligation to give back and support my school. I hope more Lobos feel this way.”