It was more icing to cap a brilliant season-opening 30-12 victory Sunday over the Atlanta Falcons, the NFC’s top seed last postseason.
But nearly 90 minutes later, the Bears — on behalf of Urlacher — issued a statement that puts the immensely popular NFL in perspective.
“My mother, Lavoyda, unexpectedly passed away Monday at her home in Texas,” Urlacher said in the statement. “My first priority right now is to be with my family as we mourn her loss and make the arrangements to lay her to rest.
“This is a very difficult and emotional time for us, and I sincerely ask that you respect our privacy.”
She was 51. A cause of death hasn’t been disclosed.
Urlacher did return to Halas Hall on Thursday, bolstering the notion that he’ll play on Sunday.
But the Face of the Franchise is mourning.
And his teammates and coaches mourn alongside him.
“He’s the heart and soul of this organization, and we all know he’s going through a tough time right now, but we’re going to respect his privacy,” quarterback Jay Cutler said. “When he gets back, we’re here for him.”
Many of them, though, may not wait.
Given the tightness of the Bears’ locker room and the deep affection for Urlacher within it, it’s hard to imagine some members of the organization not flying wherever the funeral and services will be held.
It's not certain whether Urlacher will practice Thursday or play Sunday when the Bears visit the New Orleans Saints. He wasn't immediately available for comment.
"I know sometimes when you're going through tough times, the best thing for you to do is get back to something you like doing, and football is very important to Brian," coach Lovie Smith said on Wednesday.
The Bears are giving Urlacher as much time as he needs to deal with the situation.
Urlacher, 33, has played all 13 of his NFL seasons in Chicago and is widely considered one of the team's emotional leaders in the locker room.
Since 2008, the Bears are 21-13 with Urlacher in the lineup and 7-8 without him.
Smith, the organization and several players, including quarterback Jay Cutler, publicly expressed condolences and lent support to Urlacher on Wednesday.
Lenard died in her home outside of Mount Pleasant, Texas, on Tuesday. She was 51. Lt. Brent Smith of the Titus County (Texas) Sheriff's Office said there was no evidence of foul play.
"That's going to be tough for our football team (if Urlacher doesn't play Sunday), but we're understanding," Bears receiver Roy Williams said Wednesday. "Whoever takes his spot (if necessary) will play well.
"My thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family. He is the emotional leader of the football team, so we have his back."
Nick Roach started three games for the Bears at middle linebacker in 2009. Reserve Brian Iwuh, who also has starting experience in the middle from his days in Jacksonville, could then be plugged in on the strong side. But Roach made it clear the Bears are not ready to rule out Urlacher.
A source told the Chicago Tribune Wednesday night that Urlacher plans to play Sunday at New Orleans.
The veteran linebacker left the team Wednesday after the unexpected death of his mother, Lavoyda, at age 51. Coach Lovie Smith had said the team would let Urlacher have as much time as possible to grieve.
Meanwhile, fellow athletes, sports reporters and fans have been using Twitter to send out their condolences to Urlacher.
New York Jets wide receiver Plaxico Burress tells Urlacher, "Stay Strong. Bless." Sports Illustrated's Peter King calls it a "tough blow for a very good man." Others sending out their thoughts and prayers include San Francisco 49ers' Braylon Edwards, New Orleans Saints' Mark Ingram, Miami Heat's Dwyane Wade, Chicago Bulls' Carlos Boozer and ESPN's Adam Schefter and Linda Cohn.
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