Word spread fast that Urlacher, Chicago's star linebacker, had a weekend fling in Las Vegas with socialite model Paris Hilton. The Las Vegas Review-Journal reported that Urlacher was spotted with Hilton, 21, this past weekend at a Vegas nightclub.
"I was real surprised," Urlacher said of the media attention. "I didn't think it was that big of a deal. I got back (to Chicago) and I had 25 messages from people. But I guess I should have known.
"I realize that in my position that's the way it goes. Everything you do is put out there, but I'll have to watch what I do, I guess. I didn't do anything wrong by any means, but that's just the way it goes."
Urlacher has been separated from his wife, Laurie, since last spring, according to reports. The couple has a young daughter, Pamela.
"I get to meet a lot of cool people obviously with what I do," Urlacher said. "I got to meet her. We just hung out a little bit and that was about it. Everyone blows it out of proportion."
Urlacher should know that's the way it goes with you're one of Chicago's biggest sports figures and one of the NFL's biggest stars. Urlacher was supposedly in
Vegas with a group of friends and hooked up with Hilton during the team's bye week.
Urlacher downplayed the story, and quickly put things in perspective by talking about the Packers. Green Bay (1-2) is coming off an upset loss in the desert in
Arizona, while the Bears are 0-2 and looking to get back on track when Soldier
Field reopens for the first time on Monday Night Football.
"I think that (the opening of the new stadium) is the main thing," Urlacher said. "All of us are excited about our new stadium. It's going to be a big night for us. Monday Night Football is the biggest stage in football.
"We're excited about that, and we have to deal with the Packers."
Green Bay and Chicago will meet for the 166th time -- and 165th in regular season play -- on Monday. No other teams in league history have met as many as 150 times. Although the Packers have won the last five meetings, the rivalry's intensity over the 82-year span has a scoring differential of one point per game, and 69 of the 164 meetings have been decided by a touchdown or less.
The Bears hold an 84-75-6 advantage in the series, which began in 1923, but Green Bay has won nine straight on the road against the Bears and quarterback Brett Favre is 9-1 at Soldier Field.
"The Bears, a lot like the Packers, have had great tradition over the years," said Favre, who has won 18 of 22 games against the Bears. "Who knows what will happen in this game, but I'm sure (Soldier Field) is going to be an exciting place."