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Rodgers: Bears Will Miss Urlacher's Presence On, Off The Field

(CBS) Though he's been Brian Urlacher's opponent since he joined the league, Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has nothing but respect for No. 54.

"I always appreciated the approach he takes to the game," Rodgers said. "Against the Bears you never had to worry about cheap shots around the pile or after the whistle.  They played the right way and it was led by Brian."

The Super Bowl-winning quarterback implied the Bears may miss Urlacher off the field as much as they'll miss his play on the field.

"It's kind of like us with losing (Charles) Woodson," Rodgers said. "It's tough to lose a guy of that leadership ability. Playmaking aside, I think both guys can still play at a high level.  They are guys who bring more than just their on-the-field ability. They bring so much more to a locker room and a defense. That veteran presence, that leadership, that track record they have, the experience.  When they get up in a meeting and talk, everybody is quiet.  They're definitely going to miss his presence and his ability and his leadership."

 

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