NFL Great Brian Urlacher Reacts to Apparent Trump Support Taking Over Sports: ‘No One’s Scared Anymore’
When you think of tough defensive NFL players, it’s hard not to immediately picture Brian Urlacher. As one of the NFL’s greatest linebackers, he was known for his ability to dominate the field. But recently, Urlacher has found himself in the headlines again—not for crushing tackles or defensive prowess, but for something a bit more political. Apparently, Urlacher is all about the energy shift happening in professional sports, especially when it comes to the rising number of athletes showing their support for former president Donald Trump.
BOLD New Era in Sports?
Urlacher’s thoughts on this newfound freedom of expression from athletes are pretty eye-opening. He sees a shift in how players interact with politics. Whether it’s wearing hats backing Trump or showing love for Trump on social media, Urlacher believes that athletes are no longer shying away from showing their true political colors.
“People are taking a stand,” Urlacher said. “They’re not as scared anymore.” For the Hall of Famer, this development represents a major change in professional sports. In the past, it might’ve been considered too dangerous, too divisive, or unpopular for a sports star to openly support a politician like Trump. But in Urlacher’s eyes, that’s changing quickly.
He highlighted the fact that athletes’ voices are being heard now more than ever. There’s a sense that political views are being accepted as part of the daily mix, especially those aligned with Trump. He dropped some truth bombs when he said athletes aren’t dancing around the edges anymore or avoiding conversation. They’re being “louder and more proud” about where they stand on political topics, and Urlacher loves it.
It’s Bigger Than Sports
Urlacher didn’t just casually support these opinions—he’s serious about it. He even offered some historical context to back up his beliefs, noting how “cancel culture” became endemic in sports. Not so long ago, people were wary of voicing their personal or political views for fear of losing endorsements or getting backlash. It was pretty common to see athletes remain neutral, sticking more to the “shut up and play” mentality.
“No one’s really scared anymore,” Urlacher said. It’s a huge shift away from how sports and politics used to co-exist. You might remember MLB games or NFL Sundays being a time to unplug from the chaos, but politics has comfortably taken a seat at the sports table in recent years.
The former Bears linebacker also mentioned how divisive politics might get, but it hasn’t stopped anyone from sharing their beliefs. And to Urlacher, that’s a win for free expression. For many athletes, Trump happens to be the choice they feel unafraid to talk about.
Who’s Leading the Pro-Trump Charge?
Urlacher referenced several high-profile athletes, but most notable is NBA star Kyrie Irving. The Brooklyn Nets point guard has been the subject of media attention for his outspoken opinions, including his stance on vaccine mandates. Irving has not been shy about criticizing mainstream narratives and offering support to those anti-establishment perspectives that align with Trump’s views. And Irving’s not alone.
Another big name in this conversation is UFC fighter Colby Covington. Covington has worn his pro-Trump views on his sleeve—well, more like his hat! Whether he’s sporting Trump’s famous slogan “Make America Great Again” or speaking glowingly about the former president, Covington’s actions have kindled debate. Covington brings his fierce political opinions into the octagon, where he’s not just throwing punches but throwing down statements that resonate with Trump’s core supporters.
This wave of political openness isn’t just limited to individuals like Covington and Irving, though. Others in their respective sports are starting to speak up, and Urlacher sees this as something unique to the current political climate. For him, it’s about freedom, and this recent “Trump takeover” in sports is just a reflection of society becoming bolder when it comes to political figures, especially those like Trump.
Is This a New ‘Cancel Culture’ Fight?
If it feels like cancel culture has been in the headlines more often than not, you’re not alone in thinking that. Urlacher took time to discuss how cancel culture isn’t the looming threat it once was—or at least, athletes don’t seem to fear it so much anymore. In Urlacher’s view, this fearlessness is part of what’s emboldened athletes to get louder about their pro-Trump stance.
Statistics show that earlier in the decade, many athletes kept quiet or neutral when it came to politics, fearing personal or professional repercussions. That’s not the case these days, though. Many feel empowered, unafraid of losing sponsorships or facing backlash due to political affiliations. Urlacher himself pointed out that athletes like Covington are proof that politics and sports can mix without necessarily costing someone their career.
In some ways, it feels like this era of bold political expression mixes with the decline in “cancel culture,” offering athletes more elbow room to say what’s on their minds. The former Bears star said bluntly, “athletes don’t care about that anymore.” In many cases, even the fans seem to be rolling with it too, integrating players’ political opinions into their broader appreciation for the game. While politics can still divide, it’s clear that it’s no longer off the table for those in pro sports.
Athletes Want the Right to Choose…
For Urlacher, this debate is all about allowing athletes to express themselves freely, no matter the political side. He supports athletes when they stand up for their beliefs, whether giving their nod to Trump or going the opposite direction. What’s critical, in Urlacher’s opinion, is that they aren’t being silenced.
Urlacher made sure to hammer the idea that it’s not just about Trump, either. There’s been a noticeable trend across the board where athletes aren’t worried about offending fans or corporate sponsors. Instead, they want the freedom to say how they feel and stick to their convictions, even if they risk ruffling some feathers.
In Urlacher’s opinion, politics and sports have become inseparable. You’ll spot your favorite player rocking political gear or resharing political messages on social media. He supports their right to engage with leadership in their own way, even though he personally aligns with the Trump camp.
How is The Media Reacting to This?
Of course, the reactions from mainstream media outlets are mixed. For some, the rise in pro-Trump attitudes from athletes is refreshing, while others find it troubling.
Urlacher sees it as a natural evolution. There’s a belief that since speaking up about social justice and political issues has become mainstream in sports, it only makes sense to encounter players who are fans of Trump in the mix. The thing fans and spectators should understand, Urlacher said, is that politics aren’t a one-sided issue.
While the media may still doubt whether these views represent mainstream thought, Urlacher believes this is the beginning of a much bigger trend. His thoughts also add an interesting twist to the ongoing discussion over how politics and sports should interact and whether there’s a place for such bold stances on things like Trump support.
Next Steps: Where Does This Go?
As we stand at this crossroads between sports and politics, one thing is clear: it’s only going to become more prevalent. Urlacher, along with athletes like Irving and Covington, has shown that as long as athletes believe in something strongly enough, they won’t be frightened away from saying it aloud, no matter which side they pick.
- Sports figures are becoming more politically outspoken.
- Players like Kyrie Irving and Colby Covington have shown firm support for Trump.
- Athletes appear to fear “cancel culture” less than before.
- Brian Urlacher is a prominent voice advocating for free political expression in sports.
- The line between politics and sports is becoming more blurred, and athletes are embracing it.
Final Thoughts
Brian Urlacher clearly believes that a revolution in sports is underway, fueled by bold political stances. When it comes to supporting Trump, more athletes are joining the conversation, setting us up for an entirely new era where free expression overpowers concerns about cancel culture.
How will this play out in the coming years? Only time will tell, but for Urlacher and those like him, it’s a welcomed breath of fresh air.
Originally Written by: Scott Thompson
