Brian Urlacher, who has spent all 13 seasons of his professional career with the Chicago Bears and is the all-time tackles leader in Bears' history, is leaving the Bears after calling their one-year, $2 million contract offer "insulting." 

In a Chicago Tribune report, Urlacher is quoted as telling the newspaper "It wasn't even an offer, it was an ultimatum. I feel like I'm a decent football player still. It was insulting, somewhat of a slap in the face."

Urlacher, who has 1,358 total tackles according to Pro-footballreference.com, the most in Bears' history, told the Chicago Tribune the Bears were unwilling to budge at all from their proposal. "This is what it is, take it or leave it.' It was, 'If you want to play for the Bears, you'll play for this. If not, then you're not playing for the Bears."

Urlacher said in the Tribune report that he has worked too hard in the offseason to retire, and will be looking to play in the NFL this season, although he wanted to remain with the Bears.

Urlacher and his agent tried to persuade Chicago to up their offer to one year and $3.5 million, and was even open to adding incentives to a new contract. "I wanted to be here," Urlacher said. "I wanted to be in Chicago. I wanted to finish here. Now, it's not possible." He also told the Tribune he believes Chicago never wanted him back, and went through a charade to give the appearance that they "gave a run" at him.

In addition to his many tackles, Urlacher is also known for his ability to cover tight ends and play zone coverage against the pass. He was a safety during his college years at the University of New Mexico. He is seventh all-time on the Bears interceptions list with 22, and he has taken two of them to the house for touchdowns. He has also forced 11 fumbles and recovered 15 in his storied career.

Tags: NFL. chicago bears