PHOENIX - Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher disputed a report that he threatened to retire if the Bears don't reward him with more guaranteed money.
``I never said that I was going to quit,'' Urlacher told the Tribune early Friday morning. ``That's just a gossip column. Reports like that is why I choose not to speak to the media.''
Urlacher, who is seeking a multi-year contract extension that would pad the nine-year, $57-million contract he signed in 2003, has not attended the Bears' on-going voluntary workouts and said he is unsure if he will attend the team's mandatory minicamp May 30-June 1 if a contract agreement is not reached. He also cited the opportunity to spend more time with his children as a reason for staying in Arizona.
He did not express plans to boycott training camp. The Bears, who sit about $16 million under the salary cap, continue to have talks with Urlacher's agents.
``They've offered me a one-year extension,'' Urlacher said. ``My agents are doing a great job for me. I try to stay out of it as much as I can.''
Urlacher said he understands the Bears' hesitance to make a bigger commitment is directly related to concerns about his health. He is coming off minor neck surgery in January and continues to battle arthritis in his lower back.
``But in my mind, my neck is rehabbed and back to normal,'' Urlacher said. ``My back is better now than it was at any point last season.''
Urlacher turns 30 in May, and the eight-year veteran still has a personal goal of playing at least 12 seasons.
``When I first came into the league, I said I wanted to play 10 years,'' he said. ``Now, I think I can play 12 or 13. Then we will reassess then.
``I don't want to be old guy out there trying to play with these young guys and can't keep up anymore. I think I'll know when it's time for that. But I'm not close to that right now.''
Urlacher also diffused any trade talk, as the report suggested.
``Everybody knows I want to be in Chicago,'' he said. ``I've said that from Day 1. I can't imagine playing anywhere else. I want to be with my teammates.
``Could I see a scenario where I wouldn't be here? It would be if they traded me. But we all know that's not going to happen.''
