New Mexico city celebrates Urlacher’s Hall of Fame induction

LOVINGTON, N.M. – Residents of the southeastern New Mexico city of Lovington are celebrating the induction of Brian Urlacher into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Urlacher starred at Lovington High School and the University of New Mexico before embarking on a 13-year NFL career with the Chicago Bears.

The Bears won four division titles and one conference championship with Urlacher, their career tackles leader who also had 41 1/2 sacks and 22 interceptions.

The five-time All-Pro middle linebacker and member of the 2000s NFL All-Decade Team is the record 28th Bears player inducted into the Hall of Fame.

Lovington Mayor David Trujillo proclaimed Saturday as Brian Urlacher Day.

City residents gathered around TVs and watch parties to celebrate Urlacher’s enshrinement.

Lovington’s Lea Theater showed the induction ceremony on its movie screen.

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Information from: Albuquerque Journal, http://www.abqjournal.com