Brian Urlacher picks Michael Vick for comeback award

Brian Urlacher played one half of the first game in 2009 when a freak dislocated bone in his wrist forced him to miss the remainder of the season.

So, he’s a natural candidate for the Comeback Player of the Year award, especially after being named to the Pro Bowl for the seventh time in his career. But if the Chicago Bears middle linebacker had a vote, he would select Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Michael Vick.

After serving as a backup for the 2009 season, Vick emerged as a top quarterback this season, playing perhaps better than he ever did with the Atlanta Falcons before his 18-month stint in federal prison for his role in a dogfighting ring.

“Vick's got to get it,'' Urlacher told Vaughn McClure of the Chicago Tribune. "Especially with all the stuff he's been through. For me, I don't really care about that.''

There are a slew of qualified candidates, including New England Patriots wide receiver Wes Welker, Minnesota Vikings middle linebacker E.J. Henderson and Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Mike Williams.

Vick passed for 2,018 yards and 21 touchdowns while throwing only six interceptions. He also rushed for 676 yards.

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Brad Biggs covers the Bears for the Chicago Tribune

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