"Around 11:45 a.m. Wednesday, the Bears announced that middle linebacker Brian Urlacher was named the NFC's defensive player of the week.

It was more icing to cap a brilliant season-opening 30-12 victory Sunday over the Atlanta Falcons, the NFC's top seed last postseason.

But nearly 90 minutes later, the Bears — on behalf of Urlacher — issued a statement that puts the immensely popular NFL in perspective.

"My mother, Lavoyda, unexpectedly passed away Monday at her home in Texas," Urlacher said in the statement. "My first priority right now is to be with my family as we mourn her loss and make the arrangements to lay her to rest.

"This is a very difficult and emotional time for us, and I sincerely ask that you respect our privacy."

She was 51. A cause of death hasn't been disclosed.

But the Face of the Franchise is mourning.

And his teammates and coaches mourn alongside him."