Brian Urlacher: Bears LB Will Make His Mom Proud with Monster Performance

Brian Urlacher returns to the place he knows best, the football field, just one day after attending his mother's funeral. The Chicago Bears' veteran linebacker will try to make his mom proud by knocking off the New Orleans Saints.

The 33-year-old Washington native has played 155 games in his NFL career, but none have probably been as tough as today's. Everybody handles sad situations differently, but having watched Urlacher since 2000, most NFL fans would expect him to have another workmanlike performance.

Urlacher has been the heart of the Chicago defense for more than a decade, and with his heart a little heavy for Week 2, the entire unit is feeling for their fearless leader.

Lavoyda Urlacher died unexpected at her home on Wednesday at the age of 51, according to the Chicago Tribune. Urlacher missed a couple days of practice, but returned to open arms and started the game against New Orleans.

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"I'm glad he's back," linebacker Lance Briggs said. "It's a tough situation. I'm just glad he's back."

Briggs was asked how the team could help Urlacher get through this difficult time.

"Well, as a friend, you support your friend," Briggs said. "Everyone in the country right now is sending out their condolences and their prayers to him and his family. I think that's the best way to support him and help him get through the situation."

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Getting back to the usual routine is often the best medicine for difficult situations. Urlacher knows just how important his mother was to him, just like he understands how important he is to the Bears organization. Returning to the team complex will help heal his internal wounds.

Urlacher has heard from opposing players and fans alike, wishing him the best during one of the saddest moments a person can endure. Everybody wants to impress their mom and that will be Urlacher's main goal against the Saints, even though it takes on his whole new meaning now.

Every time something like this occurs, it puts the game in perspective. As much as football seems like life and death every Sunday afternoon, it's just a game. Win or lose, good game or bad, Lavoyda would have been proud of her son after the game on Sunday.

Eventually everybody's attention will shift to something else and Urlacher will be forced to forge ahead, but his mom in his heart every step of the way.