Brian Urlacher - Early Life

Early Life

Urlacher was born to Bradley and Lavoyda Urlacher in Pasco, Washington. After his parents separated, Lavoyda raised Urlacher and his siblings in Lovington, New Mexico. He spent his youth immersed in sports, and developed an interest in football, basketball, and later table tennis; he graduated from Lovington High School in 1996. While his mother worked several jobs to keep her family afloat, Urlacher spent his teenage years playing sports for Lovington High School and training in weight rooms. The training helped Urlacher gain the speed, stamina, and strength he would need to solidify his football career.

As he progressed through high school, Urlacher gained experience in all three phases of football. He saw playing time as a running back, wide receiver, return specialist, and defensive back. Urlacher led the Lovington High Wildcats to an undefeated 14–0 season, and a division 3-A state championship. He finished the season with twelve touchdown receptions, six touchdown returns, and two rushing touchdowns. He additionally merited state-recognized honors in football, as well as basketball. Lovington has since recognized Urlacher's accomplishments by retiring his high-school jersey number, and naming a holiday after him.

Urlacher wanted to attend Texas Tech University, but the school did not offer him an athletic scholarship. The University of New Mexico and New Mexico State University were the only two Division I schools that offered Urlacher scholarships.