Pro Football Hall of Famer and University of New Mexico (UNM) alum Brian Urlacher made a visit to his alma mater this week. The former Lobos All-American linebacker met with New Mexico head coach Jason Eck, addressed the current team, and attended a practice session on Tuesday.
Urlacher had not visited UNM in several years until he was contacted by Eck during the offseason. The purpose of his visit was to reconnect alumni with the team and inspire current players. “It was fun to see these guys in person, talk to them, watch them practice, see the facilities again,” Urlacher said.
Eck highlighted the significance of Urlacher’s visit for the players: “I think it’s good for our players to understand that guys have done what he’s done coming out of the University of New Mexico.” He added that Urlacher achieved success without transferring to a bigger school.
During his address to the team, Urlacher discussed winning behaviors and emphasized running to the ball as a key factor in his development at UNM. He observed some promising traits among the current linebackers. “The wins are going to happen I think eventually,” he said. “I just want to see them competing… Control that, have fun, be prepared and run to the football.”
Urlacher’s career includes 1,080 tackles, 41.5 sacks, and 22 interceptions. He is especially known for his performance in 2001 when he led the Bears to a division title and earned NFL Defensive Player of the Year honors.
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