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Bears Great Brian Urlacher Named A Finalist For Pro Football Hall Of Fame Class Of 2018

By Chris Emma--

(670 The Score) Bears great Brian Urlacher is another step closer to Canton, named Tuesday night a finalist for the 2018 class to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Urlacher was named one of 18 finalists for a vote that comes on Feb. 3, just prior to the Super Bowl.

Urlacher played his entire 13-year career with the Bears, leading an era of defensive dominance at middle linebacker. In 182 games, he recorded 1,040 career tackles and 22 interceptions. He was the leader of a Bears defense that enjoyed its greatest run since the 1985 Super Bowl championship, reaching the Super Bowl after the 2006 season.

Urlacher was an eight-time Pro Bowl linebacker and four-time All-Pro who played a critical role in coach Lovie Smith's schemes.

Urlacher boasts a strong candidacy for first-ballot consideration, though Ray Lewis is also a finalist and considered a lock to be inducted, posing a threat to Urlacher. Voting history at times has suggested two players won't be enshrined at the same position in the same year.

Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago's sports scene and more for 670 The Score 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 and like his Facebook page.

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