"There is no doubt that linebacker Brian Urlacher is one of the most popular players in Chicago Bears history. His name is right up there with the other legendary names of the franchise's storied past like Dick Butkus, Walther Payton and Mike Ditka. Urlacher is one of 15 finalists for the 2018 Pro Football Hall of Fame class and he will find out if he will be enshrined in Canton on his first ballot. A 48-person selection committee will vote on the class this week in Minneapolis and those who make the cut will be announced on Saturday night during the NFL Honors ceremony. Lovie Smith was Urlacher's head coach for nine of his 13 seasons in the NFL and he is going to bat for his former star defender. «It would be an insult if Brian is not a first-ballot selection,» said Smith, per John Mullin of NBC Sports Chicago. «To me, Brian is a no-brainer. Derrick [Brooks] was a no-brainer. Ray [Lewis] is a no-brainer. Derrick changed the way the outside-linebacker position was played. Brian changed the way the middle linebacker could be played. First ballot for Brian is a no-brainer.» Do you think Brian Urlacher will be getting the call to the hall this weekend?"
