Brian Urlacher earned his sixth ever NFC Defensive Player Of the Week award today with his performance on Sunday. His 10 tackles, one interception and fumble return for a touchdown gave him the nod.

His fumble return for a touchdown was only his fourth trip to the endzone of his career. It was his first since 2007, when he returned an interception 85-yards against the Brett Favre lead Packers.

Urlacher has 19 interceptions since joining the NFL with the Bears in 2000, that is the fourth most among NFL linebackers.

Unfortunately, Urlacher might not be available for Sunday’s game against the New Orleans Saints. According to the Chicago Tribune, Urlacher flew out of town early Tuesday to deal with the passing of his mother in Arizona.

Urlacher released this statement today about his mother’s passing:

“My mother, Lavoyda, unexpectedly passed away Monday at her home in Texas,” Urlacher said in a 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. Thank you.”

He is going to be away from the organization for a couple days, so his status is in doubt for Sunday’s game. Family obviously comes before football.

Since 2008, the Bears are 21-13 with Urlacher in the lineup and 7-8 without him.

“You can’t replace a guy like him,” Cutler said. “He’s the heart and soul of this team.”

Bears fan should hope for Urlacher to play on Sunday, but family is more important than the game. But it would be a shock to me if he didn’t play, the game is a huge part of his life and I think he would want to take care business on the field for his sake and his mother’s sake.

All quotes from ESPNChicago.com

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