​This week, Ed Easton Jr. of Chiefs Wire sat down with Pro Football Hall of Famer and Chicago Bears icon Brian Urlacher. In their conversation, Urlacher shared insights about his involvement in this year’s American Century Championship, which is scheduled for July 10-12 at Edgewood Tahoe and will be broadcast on NBC and Peacock. He also touched on former Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Matt Nagy and the Bears’ potential relocation, offering his perspective on both topics.
Urlacher compared the athletic talent across different sports, rating participants in the celebrity golf event on a scale that includes professional hockey players, baseball players, and NBA athletes. He noted that while some athletes from other sports might stack up well against NFL players, hockey and baseball competitors often shine brightly in this multi-sport pool of participants. Urlacher’s own NFL career, particularly his Hall of Fame achievements, remains a touchstone as he applauded the sustained success of the Chiefs dynasty in recent seasons.
Reflecting on coaching moves, Urlacher expressed mixed feelings about Nagy’s departure from the Chiefs’ staff after the 2025 season. “I hate that. Well, I love Coach Nagy,” Urlacher said after hearing that Nagy had left the Chiefs to join the New York Giants. Urlacher recalled Nagy’s four-year tenure as Bears head coach from 2018 to 2021, a period that included a division title and playoff appearances, and he spoke warmly about Nagy’s impact on the Bears, appreciating his return to coaching at the NFL level even as it meant moving on from the Chiefs.
Beyond coaching and competition, Urlacher offered thoughts on the Bears’ rumored relocation to Indiana, drawing parallels to the Chiefs’ potential move to Kansas for a new stadium. He emphasized a preference for keeping the team at Soldier Field, or at least remaining within city limits, while acknowledging the practical and financial factors that push teams to seek more favorable stadium arrangements. “I don’t like them playing anywhere besides Soldier Field. I don’t care if it’s Arlington Heights, I don’t care if it’s Indiana, I don’t like them leaving Soldier Field,” Urlacher remarked. He recognized that financial incentives and tax considerations can shape a franchise’s decision, noting Indiana’s appeal in terms of stadium development. “I understand financially it makes more sense for the Bears to get out of there because the city owns Soldier Field,” he explained. Urlacher also referenced the broader realities of tax policies and state incentives, concluding that while a move might be economically rational, it doesn’t sit well with him. “I get it, it has to make sense business-wise, their business, run it the right way, make as much money as they can. I get it, I don’t like it, but I understand it, and the state’s not willing to budge very much and give them a break, so jump over into Indiana. Why not? Great state.”
The American Century Championship itself is a marquee event in the golf calendar, highlighted by a prize purse of $750,000. A significant portion of the prize money is donated by the celebrity players to charitable causes, reinforcing the tournament’s philanthropic impact. Over the years, the event has contributed more than $8 million to various non-profit organizations. The tournament’s visibility is elevated by live network coverage on NBC and Peacock, and a first-place prize of $150,000 adds to its prestige, attracting top-flight athletes and celebrities who compete at a high level while supporting charitable initiatives.
Urlacher’s reflections during the interview underscore the intersection of professional football legacy and other sports’ talent, as well as the enduring passion for the Bears and the Chiefs. His comments about Nagy and the potential relocation of the Bears offer a candid glimpse into the complexities of coaching careers and franchise decisions, all while participating in a high-profile golf tournament that blends sports, entertainment, and community support. The event continues to be a platform where former players, current stars, and celebrity participants contribute to charitable efforts while engaging fans on a national stage.