Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher left town Tuesday after finding out his mother, Lavoyda, unexpectedly passed away Monday at her home in Texas.
"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," Urlacher said in a statement. "This is a very difficult and emotional time for us and I sincerely ask that you respect our privacy. Thank you."
"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," Urlacher said in a statement. "This is a very difficult and emotional time for us and I sincerely ask that you respect our privacy. Thank you."
It is not known how long Urlacher is expected to be gone, making his status unclear for Sunday’s game against the Saints in New Orleans.
The Bears’ front office, coaching staff and team members had no additional comment.
Urlacher played a dominant role in the Bears 30-12 season-opening win against the Atlanta Falcons at Soldier Field Sunday.
Local
Urlacher intercepted Falcons QB Matt Ryan, scored a touchdown on a fumble return and racked up 10 tackles.
His absence would be a blow to the Bears defense, which is thin at the linebacker position.
