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USA Today
7 hours ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Bears All-Quarter Century Team: Linebackers
Twenty-five years of Chicago Bears football are in the books since the turn of the century. Since the calendar turned over to 2000, the Bears have seen some success, but also plenty of woeful stretches. Early on, Chicago became a defensive force, claiming four division titles and reaching only their second Super Bowl in franchise history from 2000 to 2010. Since then, however, a 14-year playoff victory drought that is still ongoing and a one-sided fight with their rival Green Bay Packers have taken the spotlight. For all the ups and downs the Bears have seen, however, they had plenty of talent over the years across offense and defense. Multiple former Bears players are already in the Hall of Fame, while many more provided years of incredible play in the navy and orange. Here at Bears Wire, we're celebrating the best Bears players at each position over the last 25 years. Up next is linebacker, a position that has historically been among the franchise's best -- which has proven true through this first quarter century. Brian Urlacher The Bears have had some of the best linebackers in the history of the NFL, and that trend continued into this century with Brian Urlacher, who's not only the Chicago's best linebacker this century but one of their greatest of all-time. Urlacher, a former college safety, established himself as the latest in a long line of Hall of Fame linebackers as an incredibly athletic and gifted player. He played all 13 NFL seasons, all with Chicago. Urlacher is the franchise's all-time leader in solo tackles (1,040) and his 41.5 career sacks is the most by a linebacker in franchise history. Urlacher was the face of one of the league's most dominant defenses in the 2000s, where he made life difficult on opposing quarterbacks. He was an integral part of two defenses that led the league in defensive scoring in 2001 and 2005, as well as the 2006 defense that was the catalyst in the team's Super Bowl run. In 13 seasons, Urlacher totaled 1,361 tackles, 41.5 sacks, 11 forced fumbles and 22 interceptions en route to First-Team All-Pro honors (four times), eight Pro Bowl nods, Defensive Rookie of the Year (2000), Defensive Player of the Year (2005) and he was a first-ballot inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018. Lance Briggs If not for the Hall of Famer he played alongside for many years, Lance Briggs might be in consideration for the Bears' best linebacker this century (so far). Briggs was a mainstay of Chicago's defenses in the 2000s, playing all 12 NFL seasons with the Bears. In that span, Briggs totaled 1,566 tackles, 15 sacks, 16 interceptions and 18 forced fumbles. While Briggs did play most of his 12-year career alongside Urlacher, Briggs was nothing to scoff at. He was dominant in his own right, especially when it came to taking the ball away. Briggs had six defensive touchdowns (five interceptions, one fumble recovery) which is the third most in franchise history. He was also the first linebacker in NFL history to return an interception for a touchdown in each of his first three seasons. Briggs had an impressive resume that includes two First-Team All-Pro nods (2005, 2006), one Second-Team All-Pro nod (2009), seven Pro Bowl appearances (2005-11) and he was named to the 100 greatest Bears of All-Time (28th). The biggest question is why hasn't Briggs been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame yet? It's most likely due to the fact that he played most of his 12-year career alongside a Hall of Famer in Urlacher. Briggs has made the initial list for the Hall of Fame several times now, but he's yet to get to the semi-finalist round. Given Briggs was a defensive cornerstone on some of Chicago's best defenses in the 2000s, the hope is he eventually gets the recognition he deserves. Roquan Smith The Bears' linebacker position has been defined by Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs this century, and Chicago found another stud in Roquan Smith with the eighth pick in the 2018 NFL draft. Things didn't get off to a good start after a holdout his rookie season, but he quickly found his stride and established himself as an integral part of the Bears' defense. In four and a half seasons with Chicago, Smith totaled 607 tackles, including 47 tackles for loss, 16.5 sacks, 20 QB hits, seven interceptions (including one for a touchdown) and 20 pass breakups. He also totaled at least 100 tackles in each of his four seasons, becoming the first Bears player to achieve that feat since Lance Briggs did in six consecutive seasons (2004-09) Smith earned Second-Team All-Pro nods in 2020 and 2021. Although, there was an argument to be made for him to make the Pro Bowl or even First-Team All-Pro. Unfortunately, a contract dispute proved to end Smith's time in Chicago as he was traded to the Baltimore Ravens in Nov. 2022. Since joining Baltimore, Smith has been named a First-Team All-Pro three times (2022-24), earned three Pro Bowl nods (2022-24) and earned the pro Butkus Award (2022, 2023). Smith never got the recognition he deserved while playing in Chicago, which is probably due to the team's struggles amid a coaching carousel. But once he was traded to the Ravens, people started finally paying attention to Smith, whose play didn't necessarily improve but was better highlighted on a better team. Rosevelt Colvin An underrated linebacker for the Bears this century is Rosevelt Colvin, who was selected in the fourth round of the 1999 NFL draft. Selected by the Bears in the fourth round of the 1999 NFL Draft, Colvin emerged as a talented pass rusher. Playing outside linebacker on run downs and defensive end in passing situations, he recorded a career high 10.5 sacks in 2001 and again in 2002. In the process, he became the first Bears player with double digit sacks in back-to-back seasons since Hall of Famer Richard Dent in 1990-91. Colvin spent just four seasons with the Bears, totaling 185 tackles, including 31 tackles for loss, 26 sacks, two interceptions, 20 pass breakups, 10 forced fumbles and four fumble recoveries. After his best season in 2002, he was signed by the New England Patriots in 2003, where he spent his final six NFL seasons and won two Super Bowls before retiring following the 2008 season. Colvin grew up watching the Bears and, even 20-plus years removed since playing for Chicago, he's still rooting for the Bears. Honorable mention: Hunter Hillenmeyer Bears All-Quarter Century Team Follow Bears Wire on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
Yahoo
8 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Spurs' Dylan Harper shares eye-opening Giannis Antetokounmpo workout story
The post Spurs' Dylan Harper shares eye-opening Giannis Antetokounmpo workout story appeared first on ClutchPoints. Dylan Harper's workout with Giannis Antetokounmpo may have lasted just one day—but it could shape the San Antonio Spurs rookie's entire NBA career. Before even setting foot on an NBA court, Harper experienced the kind of intensity and precision that defines greatness, thanks to a grueling offseason session with the Milwaukee Bucks superstar. Advertisement The story came to light during Harper's appearance on 7PM in Brooklyn, the podcast hosted by Carmelo Anthony. When asked about his pre-draft training a day after Harper was taken No. 2 overall in the 2025 NBA Draft, he recalled his jaw-dropping introduction to Antetokounmpo's workout routine. 'It kind of switched my brain… how he just approached the workout was probably the best part about it.' Harper was expecting a day of one-on-one play with the two-time NBA MVP. What he got was a masterclass in NBA discipline and detail. The session began with an unrelenting focus on repetition and precision—staying at one shooting spot for 20 minutes, refusing to move on until it was perfect. For Harper, used to quick-paced drills, it was a shock. Advertisement 'He not gonna leave the spot until it's perfect… I was trying to play 1v1 the whole time with him.' More than just a physical challenge, the workout became a mental shift. Antetokounmpo emphasized 'kill spots'—areas on the floor where an elite player can dominate, even against a Defensive Player of the Year. The lesson was clear, slow is smooth, and smooth becomes unstoppable. 'You can't be perfect, but you can get close to perfect.' That mindset fits perfectly within San Antonio's elite NBA player development model, an approach tailored for maximizing the potential of high draft picks like Harper. For Spurs rookies, disciplined focus and purposeful work have always been cornerstones of the franchise's identity, as seen in the careers of Tim Duncan, Kawhi Leonard, Victor Wembanyama, and Stephon Castle. Advertisement With back-to-back Rookie of the Year honors already secured by their top selections, Harper now sets his sights on extending the streak to a third straight season. This wasn't just a training day. It was a blueprint for success. 'He might not be going the fastest, but he's going the hardest in the gym.' That takeaway matters. Harper arrives in San Antonio with more than talent—he brings a work ethic shaped by one of the game's greats: his father, Ron Harper. The Harper era might just be getting underway in Texas, but Spurs fans can take comfort knowing their top pick already understands what it takes to reach the top. Related: Dylan Harper's mom goes viral at 2025 NBA Draft after Spurs selection Related: Why Spurs strike NBA Draft gold again with Carter Bryant
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Thunder star Jalen Williams' emotional message to fans at parade
The post Thunder star Jalen Williams' emotional message to fans at parade appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Jalen Williams hype train is not slowing down anytime soon. What a year he had. He surged into a role and took the league by storm. Paired alongside the league MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, Williams was able to hit career highs in almost every category and win an NBA Championship in his third season. Advertisement Williams' numbers increased a ton. From 2024 to 2025, his points per game increased from 19.1 to 21.6, assists from 4.5 to 5.1, rebounds from 4.0 to 5.3, and steals from 1.1 to 1.6. His field goal percentage decreased a tad, but he attempted more shots per game. In Game 5 of the NBA Finals, Williams scored 40 points on 56% shooting in a masterclass performance. The former first-round pick played a crucial role with the Thunder this season and will likely be remembered forever already as one of the best players to put on a Thunder uniform. During the championship parade on Tuesday, Williams had an emotional message to the fans. 'None of this is possible without you guys. You guys have been through the ups and downs of the Thunder organization. We appreciate you guys. We love you guys.' Advertisement Williams has just one year left on his contract. He is due for a major payday at the right time. Both Williams and Chet Holmgren are in line for major contract extensions. 'Holmgren and Williams are eligible to sign up to a five-year, $247 million extension. The total value could increase to $296 million if MVP, All-NBA, and Defensive Player of the Year escalator clauses are included,' ESPN's Bobby Marks wrote. 'The increase in salary will only occur if either player reaches one of the three criteria for the 2025-26 season.' Williams was an All-NBA Second Teamer this past season, so he could reach up to $296 million. His incredible rise to fame is only going to get better once he gets the payday he deserves. Related: Thunder's Jalen Williams 'feeling loose' at parade after viral 'Shirley Temples' comment Related: Thunder news: OKC mayor crowns Shai Gilgeous-Alexander over Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Metta World Peace on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander being ‘better than Michael Jordan'
The post Metta World Peace on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander being 'better than Michael Jordan' appeared first on ClutchPoints. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander just delivered a season that basketball fans will be talking about for decades. He led the Oklahoma City Thunder to an NBA championship, battling through a thrilling seven-game series against the Indiana Pacers, per AthlonSports. Along the way, he claimed the league's scoring title, won regular season MVP, and took home Finals MVP honors. That combination has only been accomplished by three others in league history: Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, Shaquille O'Neal, and Michael Jordan. Advertisement Naturally, that kind of season demands conversations about greatness. But Metta World Peace, the former NBA champion and Defensive Player of the Year, took it to another level. On social media and in recent interviews, he claimed, 'At times, Shai is better than MJ.' Fans were stunned, critics shook their heads, but Metta meant every word. And he didn't walk it back. Instead, he added context on the podcast Casuals with Katie Nolan, saying, 'Michael Jordan's done things nobody has ever done, and it looks so elegant. But SGA, the way he plays the game, through the legs, behind the back, step back, crossover, spins, it's exactly how he wants to play it.' A New Kind of Greatness Gilgeous-Alexander's playing style has become one of the smoothest in the league. He doesn't rely on brute strength or explosive dunks. His footwork, rhythm, and control turn games into highlight reels, but not in the way that overwhelms. He picks his spots, controls the tempo, and makes elite defenders look ordinary. To Metta's point, it's not about Shai copying Jordan's dominance. It's about the way he has carved out his own lane. Advertisement Jordan was an assassin who struck with speed and precision. Shai feels more like a tactician, crafting each move with patience and creativity. His ability to stay calm in pressure moments and hit tough shots from all angles is a skill set that has separated him from his peers. And now, it is starting to place him in a different conversation altogether. Metta World Peace didn't say Shai Gilgeous-Alexander is better than Michael Jordan in every way. He simply pointed out what some fans have started to see: in certain moments, on certain nights, Gilgeous-Alexander plays a brand of basketball that feels just as legendary. Related: Fans react to Nick Young going off on Gilbert Arenas for being a 'Kobe hater' Related: Pat McAfee finally explains WWE absence
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
7-foot-2 NBA draft prospect from China drawing comparisons to 3-time MVP Nikola Jokic
The post 7-foot-2 NBA draft prospect from China drawing comparisons to 3-time MVP Nikola Jokic appeared first on ClutchPoints. Scouts were always high on the prospects entering the 2025 NBA draft. For the majority of the 2024-2025 season, 7-foot-2 Hansen Yang fell into the category of a mystery player or a 'draft and stash' prospect. Advertisement People were skeptical about whether Yang's dominance in China could translate to the NBA. However, everyone's perception of Yang changed once the NBA draft combine and Klutch Pro Day came around. Who is 2025 NBA Draft prospect Hansen Yang? Yang has flown under the radar on most draft boards, not just because of the surplus of talent in this year's class, but for three main reasons: – Limited sample size in his game. – Recent track record of Chinese players playing in the NBA – Inferior competition Born in 2005, Yang isn't following the mold of slender, 7-foot unicorns who shoot threes all game. Yang is more of an old-school big who relies on his IQ and soft touch to generate offense. Advertisement Yang is currently in his second season in the CBA. In his first 10 games with the Qingdao Eagles, he averaged 16.3 points, 10.1 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 2.7 blocks per game. Last season as a rookie, Yang averaged similar numbers and won Defensive Player of the Year. Last April, the NBA and ESPN released their latest mock drafts. Both had Yang as a late second-round pick, around the late 40s to early 50s. At the draft Combine, Yang was determined to change the narrative. As a player whose perceived weakness is with his lateral speed and quickness, Yang finished in the top 5 among centers in all dynamic performance tests. This includes the shuttle run, lane agility drill, and 3/4 sprint. Why Yang has been compared to the likes of Alperen Sengun, Nikola Vucevic, and Nikola Jokic The comparisons were always there. Most scouts just refused to give in to the hype because of his competition. During the combine, Yang's bag was on full display. On a day when most people pinpoint the strengths and weaknesses of the projected top picks of the draft, Yang's play took the headlines. Advertisement He showed that he can extend his range, score (and defend) in the post against stronger centers, and deliver accurate passes. There's still a lot more scouts need to see from Yang in the coming days. Luckily, he is represented by Klutch Sports. If for some odd reason he won't hear his name called on draft night, Rich Paul most likely has something up his sleeve that ensures Yang is in the best situation for him to develop and make an NBA roster. If so, he could become a steal like Jokic. Related: Stephen A. Smith sends final NBA All-Star Game warning Related: NBA rumors: Why Tim MacMahon 'won't dismiss' Jason Kidd leaving Mavericks for Knicks
