Legendary linebacker Brian Urlacher officially passes the torch to rookie Logan Jones, celebrating the continuation of his iconic No. 54 legacy on the Chicago gridiron this season.
The Chicago Bears have 32 people in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
One of them is legendary former linebacker Brian Urlacher, who was inducted in 2018. Urlacher played for the Bears for the entirety of his NFL career, from 2000-2012. He was an eight-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro.
Urlacher finished his NFL career with 1,361 total tackles, 138 TFLs, 22 interceptions and 41.5 sacks. Even though he was a great player for the franchise, his number wasn't retired.
This means that incoming players can use that number if they want, such as the rookies that the Bears added in the 2026 NFL Draft.
Logan Jones was the only offensive lineman that the Bears picked in the draft.
The Bears issued new numbers for 12 players before the draft, and then for the rookies once the seventh round came to a close. Jones chose the prestigious No. 54 that Urlacher made famous.
Urlacher cleared the air about his jersey number being used on Instagram and shared that he didn't have to be asked for a player to use it, but did appreciate George McCaskey calling him about it.
The Hall of Famer is excited that Jones is going to be wearing that number this upcoming season.
"Bears don't need to ask permission," Urlacher said. "They own the number. George [McCaskey] called me and informed me, which I appreciated, and was happy Logan will be repping it!!"
Chicago is getting a very experienced player in Jones.
He first got to Iowa in 2020 and redshirted, not seeing any playing time. Then, he suffered a serious injury, missing the majority of the season.
He then won the starting job at center in 2022 and never let go of it. He started in 49 games for the Hawkeyes and won the Rimington Trophy last season. Jones was also a finalist for the Outland Trophy.
The Rimington Trophy goes to the best center in college football, and the Outland Trophy is given to the best interior offensive lineman in the sport.
It has to feel great for the Bears knowing that Urlacher's jersey is still going to be worn in 2026. The legacy of that number will be continued.
Jones is expected to be the backup to Garrett Bradbury, but head coach Ben Johnson shared at a recent press conference that how much playing time the rookie gets this season is up to him.
At best, Jones could start as a rookie. At minimum, he'll be getting valuable experience from Bradbury and learning the ropes of the NFL.
One thing is for certain, that No. 54 jersey will be worn and Urlacher is honored.