Brian Urlacher and Devin Hester Selected to NFL's Best 53-Man Roster of the Past 25 Years
A major nod to NFL history just dropped—highlighting the league's most iconic stretch in recent memory. In celebrating the last 25 years of gridiron greatness, a definitive list has been released, shining a spotlight on the league's most impactful players and coaches. And for fans in Chicago, there's plenty to be proud of—two all-time Bears legends earned their place on this elite roster.
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The list in question is the NFL All Quarter Century Team: Best 53-Man Roster, Coaches, released by ESPN analysts Aaron Schatz and Seth Walder. Meant to reflect the best of the best from the modern era (2000–2025), the team captures not just fan favorites but data-backed excellence across all positions.
Soldier FieldGetty Images
For a city that lives and breathes football, seeing Brian Urlacher and Devin Hester honored among the NFL elite is a badge of honor.
Brian UrlacherGetty Images
Urlacher anchored one of the most feared defenses of the 2000s—a relentless force who made Sundays miserable for opposing quarterbacks. Over a 13-year career with the Bears, the linebacker totaled 41.5 sacks, 11 forced fumbles, and 22 interceptions. He was named Defensive Player of the Year once and earned five All-Pro nods.
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According to Walder, the Urlacher-led Bears had the third-best defense in terms of EPA per play from 2001 to '12. He also ranked fourth in plus-EPA per game among all players. A stat-sheet stuffer with sideline-to-sideline instincts, Urlacher was the pulse of a defense that demanded respect.
Devin HesterGetty Images
Hester brought fireworks every time he touched the ball. With 20 return touchdowns and over 11,000 return yards, his career didn't just redefine special teams—it elevated it to must-see TV. Fourteen of those scores came via punt returns—a jaw-dropping number no one has come close to touching.
And in 2024, Hester capped off his legacy by becoming the first return specialist ever inducted into the Hall of Fame. From the moment he housed the opening kick of Super Bowl XLI, fans knew they were watching something special.
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In honoring the league's top contributors from the past quarter century, ESPN's list is both a tribute and a time capsule—a reminder of the impact Urlacher and Hester had on the game. And in Chicago, it's a chance to reflect on two careers that still echo through Soldier Field, reminding fans why this city's football history is anything but ordinary.
Related: Bears' Prized Free Agent Starts Game Day in the Most Unexpected Way
Related: Bears Hard-Nosed Rookie RB Pushes Back on 7th-Round Label After Draft Slide
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 20, 2025, where it first appeared.
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