DOUBL3 COVERAGE PODCAST – Episode Summary
Episode Title: Brian Urlacher Explains Why Aaron Rodgers Is The GOAT & Why Caleb Williams Is NFL’s Best Young QB
Hosts: N3on & Mystic Zach
Guest: Brian Urlacher (NFL Hall of Famer)
Date: January 17, 2026
Episode Overview
In this lively playoff edition, hosts N3on and Mystic Zach are joined by Chicago Bears legend Brian Urlacher. The conversation dives deep into the changing fortunes of the Bears, the genius of coaches revitalizing franchises, why Aaron Rodgers is Urlacher’s quarterback GOAT, and why Caleb Williams is the most exciting young quarterback in the NFL. The trio covers all angles of the current NFL playoffs, Hall of Fame debates, coaching carousels, and lighter moments involving Twitter, fan culture, and the rise and fall of NFL franchises.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Aaron Rodgers: The GOAT in Urlacher’s Eyes
[00:00, 08:30, 08:54]
- Rodgers' mastery: Urlacher praises Rodgers’ in-game intelligence and preparation.
“He was going to know exactly what we were doing every single play…If I had to pick a guy for my quarterback, it’d be him.” – Brian Urlacher [00:30]
- Consistent Bears killer: Urlacher says Rodgers’ record against the Bears was “annoyingly really good” and recalls Rodgers beating them in the 2010 NFC Championship.
- What sets Rodgers apart: Beyond talent and stats, Rodgers’ personality and leadership are lauded:
“I just love how he doesn’t give people think and he says what he wants to. I like that.” – Urlacher [08:23]
2. Caleb Williams: NFL’s Best Young QB
[01:38, 03:23]
- Impact on the Bears: Urlacher highlights the franchise transformation under Caleb and new coach Ben Johnson:
“He’s like a cat back there, man. He does some crazy things and he’s got a cannon.” – Urlacher [03:28]
- Comeback mentality: Urlacher notes Caleb’s penchant for big plays when trailing—his “Iceman” composure in clutch moments.
- Comparison to Lamar Jackson: Credits Caleb’s side-to-side movement as uniquely elite.
3. Bears' Renaissance: Ben Johnson’s Arrival
[02:01, 02:45, 15:14]
- Urlacher praises Ben Johnson as a transformative head coach; calls him the “hot commodity” and claims he’s changed the entire team culture.
“He’s done a great job with the culture and getting these guys ready to play.” – Urlacher [02:42]
- Beating the Packers: Victory over Green Bay (including a wild comeback) electrified the fanbase.
- Defensive growth: Urlacher highlights how the defense is now “playing well enough to win.”
4. The Special Teams Factor – Devin Hester’s Hall Of Fame Journey
[04:51, 05:31]
- Urlacher calls Hester “the best at his position of all time — there’s no one even close.”
- The value of Hester today would be monumental:
“You’re looking at a return specialist who’s like getting a first round pick if you want to trade him. That’s unheard of. And it’s worth it.” – Urlacher [05:12]
- Urlacher reflects on specialist bias in Hall of Fame voting, calling it “weird.”
5. NFL Playoffs Breakdown
Bills at Denver
[10:39, 12:11]
- Urlacher and Zach laud Josh Allen, noting his resilience despite Buffalo’s injuries.
“If he’s another guy… we might have been really good. Yeah. At least three, right?” – Urlacher on Allen leading his Bears [11:27]
49ers @ Seahawks
[13:35, 14:01, 15:14]
- Consensus: Seattle is a tough place to play, with an overwhelming home environment.
“That fan base is just nuts…they cause an earthquake once.” – Urlacher [15:28]
- Mike Macdonald’s defensive culture called “awesome.”
Rams @ Bears
[20:38, 21:19]
- Urlacher breaks down positional matchups, notes injury challenges, and that “it’s going to be cold, I’ll tell you that much.”
- Urlacher picks the Bears (with betting points in mind: “We’re getting four points”) and highlights home field advantage.
Texans @ Patriots
[16:21, 17:02]
- Urlacher is high on the Texans’ defense but leans Patriots after hearing Nico Collins is out.
- Zach highlights Josh McDaniels’ offensive genius and Patriots’ success against good defenses.
6. The Hall of Fame Debates and Notable Names
[05:31, 06:29]
- Urlacher lists surprising multi-ballot entries, including DeMarcus Ware, Dwight Freeney, Jared Allen, and Antonio Gates.
- Off-field issues likely to keep Antonio Brown out, despite impressive stats.
7. Urlacher’s Football Family & Parenting
[09:36, 10:09]
- Urlacher’s son: Free safety, “physical,” loves contact, and transferred from Notre Dame to USC.
8. On NFL Fan Bases & Media
- Urlacher candidly critiques Steelers fans as “spoiled” [07:40].
- Points out fans’ tendency to blame head coaches for lack of success.
9. Coaching Carousel & Front Office Perspectives
[27:35, 28:22]
- Urlacher calls the Harbaugh-to-Giants hiring the best open job (“he interviewed them”).
- Praises defensive talents on the Giants: “Dexter Lawrence. They got some dudes, you know…” [28:29].
- Gives opinion on Harbaugh and other newly open jobs (Baltimore, Tennessee, Miami, Arizona), expressing positivity about several former opponents and coaches.
10. Player Health, Injuries & Blame Culture
[26:47, 27:19]
- Urlacher shares that most players play through injuries the public never knows about.
“Pretty much everyone’s hurt this time of year. Unless you’re a kicker or a holder.” [27:13]
- Blame often falls on coordinators rather than players.
Notable Quotes and Memorable Moments
- “He’s my number one. If I had to pick a guy for my quarterback, it’d be [Rodgers].” – Urlacher [00:30]
- On Caleb Williams: “He starts playing his best ball when they get down by 10 or more…He’s like a cat back there.” – Urlacher [03:28]
- “He (Devin Hester) changed field position for you every single game.” – Urlacher [05:20]
- “When the play breaks down, that’s when he’s at his best, like you said.” – Urlacher on Caleb Williams [03:59]
- “I don’t get it. Their fanbase is spoiled.” – Urlacher on Steelers fans and Tomlin [07:40]
- “Josh is a badass.” – Urlacher on Josh Allen [25:13]
- “If I don’t like them, I might just not talk about them.” – Urlacher [26:02]
- On social media: “I wouldn’t read the comments. How about that?” [19:05]
Timestamps for Important Segments
- Urlacher on Rodgers’ Greatness: 00:00, 08:30
- Discussing Ben Johnson’s impact: 02:01
- Caleb Williams’ “X factor”: 03:28
- Devin Hester & Special Teamers in HOF: 05:31
- Allen & Buffalo’s Playoff Grit: 11:08, 11:47
- NFC Playoff Picture (Seahawks, 49ers): 13:46, 15:14
- Preview: Rams vs. Bears: 20:38
- Coaching Carousel (Harbaugh, Giants, etc.): 27:35
- Player Injury & Blame Dynamics: 26:44
Tone & Style
The episode is high-energy, unfiltered and engaging. Urlacher’s candor and old-school perspective shine, balancing deep football analysis with lighthearted banter. The hosts encourage a conversational, story-driven flow with plenty of back-and-forth.
Conclusion
A must-listen for Bears fans, NFC North followers, and anyone who loves insightful old-school-meets-new-NFL commentary. Urlacher’s appreciation for Rodgers and his effusive praise for Caleb Williams set the tone for serious football debate, and the playoff picks and coaching carousel predictions make for a compelling snapshot of today’s league.
