Chicago Bears linebacker, Brian Urlacher made this statement late last week regarding his contract situation. "I think (team president) Ted Phillips said when they had the owners meeting they're gonna wait until the season is over; see what happens, how I play (before addressing the contract situation)," Urlacher said Friday on "The Waddle & Silvy Show" on ESPN 1000. "It's kind of exciting. I've never been a free agent. So if I can get to free agency we'll see what happens. I no doubt want to finish my career here. There's no doubt about that. But you bring in free agency and all that you just never know what's gonna happen."
"The Bears know I want to be here. I've told them that. I've said it publicly, and that's not gonna change," he said. "Whatever happens during the season or after the season, we'll address it then. But they know I want to be here, and I think they want me here."
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| Play and not talk will provide Super Bowl return |
Then there is San Antonio center Tim Duncan who offers a completely different look at his contract situation. Duncan has no interest in testing the free-agent market. While Duncan is set to become a free agent on July 1, the San Antonio Spurs veteran told Yahoo! Sports that he plans to finish his career where it started.
"Although I shouldn't say that; I have to threaten them that I'll leave," Duncan joked. "No ... I'm not going anywhere. You can print that wherever you want to. I'm here and I'm a Spur for life."
Okay, now I ask you. What statement by which player offers you respect of that individual? I've believed in Urlacher for many years now. He has handled much of his professional sports life in a very work-man life manner, much like he does on the field. Then why not keep quiet on his upcoming situation and focus on a season that could bring a return to the Super Bowl?
Duncan on the other hand showed his cards so to speak. He's taken much of the contract negotiation out of the equation. It's apparent where he wants to be.....with no threat of leaving. A Spur for life.
I realize the careers lengths of the two sports these stars play Urlacher (football) and Duncan (basketball) are different. Both players are looking for career security....which I'm sure they've already achieved. On the court, Duncan's Spurs team have won ten straight playoff games this Spring and have six wins left to hoist the NBA trophy. On the other hand, Urlacher's Bears have a LONG way to go to even put themselves into a place of winning the Super Bowl.
As I said....two players....two sports and two different mind-sets.....and world's apart. Mr. Duncan, you've got my respect. It's Urlacher who I'm wondering about.
"A 12-year veteran, Urlacher celebrated his 34th birthday on Friday. He enters his 13th season with the Bears and is in the last year of a five-year extension he signed in 2008. He is set to make a base salary of $7.5 million with a cap hit of $9.7 million".
