Urlacher named defensive player of month for first time #bears #nfl

from http://www.chicagobears.com/news/NewsStory.asp?story_id=7466

LAKE FOREST, Ill. – Bears middle linebacker Brian Urlacher has been named NFC defensive player of the month for December/January. Surprisingly, it's the first time in his career he's earned the honor.

Brian Urlacher tackles running back Maurice Morris during the Bears' Week 13 win over the Lions.

Urlacher led the NFC with 49 tackles during the month. He added 1½ sacks, one forced fumble and three passes defensed as the Bears won the NFC North title and earned a first-round bye in the playoffs.

Last week Urlacher was voted to his seventh Pro Bowl. The only five players in franchise history who have been selected to more are all enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame: Mike Singletary (10), Walter Payton (9), Dick Butkus (8), Doug Atkins (8) and Bill George (8).

Urlacher is the second straight Bears player to be named NFC defensive player of the month. Defensive end Julius Peppers claimed the honor in November after leading the Bears to a 4-0 record by registering 13 tackles, four sacks, six quarterback pressures and one forced fumble.

The only other Bears players to win the NFC defensive player of the month award have been linebacker Wilber Marshall in December 1986 and defensive end Trace Armstrong in September 1990.