Brian Urlacher retires from professional football

Brian Urlacher will not play in the NFL in 2013, according to his post on WhoSay.

Urlacher, 34, became a free agent after the 2012 season, his 13th for the Chicago Bears. He earned numerous honors as a Bear, including Defensive Player of the Year in 2005 and Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2000. He was selected for eight pro bowls.

For the 2013 period, Urlacher was offered a deal that was just over the veteran minimum, and Urlacher elected to decline the offer.

He was reported to be in talks with the Broncos and the Vikings earlier this year, but has decided to leave football.

"I'm not sure I would bring a level of performance or passion that's up to my standards," Urlacher said in his statement. "When considering this, along with the fact that I could retire after a 13-year career wearing only one jersey for such a storied franchise, my decision became pretty clear."

See his full statement here.