CHICAGO (AP) — The Chicago Bears are parting ways with eight-time Pro Bowl linebacker Brian Urlacher (UR'-lak-ur) after 13 years, after the two sides failed to agree on a contract. .

General manager Phil Emery says the two sides decided to move forward after reaching the impasse.

For years, the heart and face of the franchise, Urlacher is now a free agent.

He missed the last four games of his career with the Bears with a hamstring injury.

Urlacher started 180 games from 2000 through 2012, recording a team-record 1,779 tackles. He was the AP's defensive player of the year in 2005.

Chairman Brian McCaskey says the team wished its "humble superstar" the best.

More From 107.9 Jack FM