FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 09/14/2018
BRIAN URLACHER TO RECEIVE HALL OF FAME RING OF EXCELLENCE DURING WEEK 2 CHICAGO BEARS TO HONOR HALL OF FAMER DURING SPECIAL CEREMONY
CANTON, OHIO – The Pro Football Hall of Fame and Kay® Jewelers, the Official Jewelry Store of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, will honor Hall of Famer BRIAN URLACHER on Monday, Sept. 17 when the Chicago Bears host the Seattle Seahawks.
Fans at the Week 2 matchup will witness Class of 2018 Enshrinee Urlacher receive his Ring of Excellence during a special halftime presentation. The Hall’s President & CEO David Baker will be on hand as Urlacher is presented with his Ring of Excellence. The game is slated to kick off at 7:15 PM CT at Soldier Field.
The Hall of Fame Ring of Excellence is one of three iconic symbols that represent the elite status of being a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Urlacher received his Hall of Fame Gold Jacket and unveiled his Bronzed Bust during his Enshrinement this past August.
HALL OF FAME RING OF EXCELLENCE The Hall of Fame Ring of Excellence is created by Kay® Jewelers, the number one jewelry store in America and the Official Jewelry Store of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The spectacular Hall of Fame Ring of Excellence is set in 14K gold with a total diamond weight of 1¾ carats. However, it is much more than a beautiful piece of jewelry. Intricate details on the ring reflect the special significance of enshrinement. • The outer diamonds create a “stadium” effect surrounding the football-shaped diamond center. • The vibrant blue gemstone was selected both for appearance and meaning, as blue is often associated with confidence, power and integrity – all traits of these incredible legendary football icons. • Urlacher’s Hall of Fame Ring of Excellence is customized to reflect his unique career. A likeness of his bronzed bust, along with “Linebacker” (his position) and “2000-2012” (his years in the NFL) appear on one side while “Urlacher,” the Pro Football Hall of Fame logo and “Class of 2018” are included on the other. • Additionally, a special arbormark (or engraving) appears on the inside of the ring, which is Urlacher’s Enshrinee number 318.
EXCERPT FROM URLACHER’S ENSHRINEMENT SPEECH IN AUGUST “The most coveted position in pro football for a defensive player is to play middle linebacker for the Chicago Bears. Just think about it. The history of this position is unmatched by any other team – Bill George, Dick Butkus, Mike Singletary, and now – I can barely say it – me.
I hope over my 13 seasons I made all of you Bears fans proud. Becoming a Bear was like playing for family. And to play my entire career with one team was a testament to the tradition of the Chicago Bears. I know this was due to our founding father, George Halas.
Thank you, Virginia Halas McCaskey and George McCaskey, for continuing that legacy. Thank you, George, for always treating us with respect and dignity. Thanks also to loaning us Conor, your son, for four years of training camp. He was a good ball boy for our linebacker drills.”
CHICAGO BEARS IN THE HALL OF FAME (28) – Doug Atkins, George Blanda, Dick Butkus, George Connor, Richard Dent, Mike Ditka, John “Paddy” Driscoll, Jim Finks, Dan Fortmann, Bill George, Harold “Red” Grange, George Halas, Dan Hampton, Ed Healey, Bill Hewitt, Stan Jones, Sid Luckman, Link Lyman, George McAfee, George Musso, Bronko Nagurski, Walter Payton, Gale Sayers, Mike Singletary, Joe Stydahar, George Trafton, Clyde “Bulldog” Turner, BRIAN URLACHER
LINEBACKERS IN THE HALL OF FAME (29) – Chuck Bednarik (also C), Bobby Bell (also DE), ROBERT BRAZILE, Derrick Brooks, Nick Buoniconti, Dick Butkus, Harry Carson, George Connor (also DT/T), Bill George, Kevin Greene, Jack Ham, Chris Hanburger, Ted Hendricks, Sam Huff, Rickey Jackson (also DE), Jack Lambert, Willie Lanier, RAY LEWIS, Ray Nitschke, Les Richter, Dave Robinson, Joe Schmidt, Junior Seau, Mike Singletary, Lawrence Taylor, Derrick Thomas, Andre Tippett, BRIAN URLACHER, Dave Wilcox
PHOTOS: Images of Urlacher’s Hall of Fame Ring of Excellence may be downloaded for editorial purposes only. © Pro Football Hall of Fame. https://profootballhof.box.com/s/8gszplbac3lbcqrx5zjlvg4lyizqyzes
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