Hall of Fame Bears Legend Submits Dozens-Page Report and Evidence Stored on Personal USB, Accusing Officials of Favoring 49ers in Controversial 42–38 Loss

The Week 17 Sunday Night Football matchup between the Chicago Bears and the San Francisco 49ers ended with a 42–38 victory for San Francisco, but the aftermath quickly stretched far beyond the final score. What was an electrifying shootout featuring 936 total yards and 11 touchdowns soon became overshadowed by fierce debate surrounding officiating — particularly several penalty calls made at decisive moments late in the game.

One days after the final whistle, that debate escalated dramatically when Brian Urlacher, a Hall of Fame linebacker and one of the most respected defensive icons in Bears history, formally entered the conversation. Urlacher, a former team captain and franchise cornerstone, is not known for inserting himself into league controversies. That reality alone made his next move impossible to ignore.

According to multiple sources, Urlacher submitted a dozens-page report directly to the NFL, accompanied by a personal USB drive containing extensive supporting material. The contents reportedly include multiple camera angles, slow-motion breakdowns, and a detailed timeline of plays he believes materially altered the flow of the game. Central to the report are controversial illegal hands to the face penalties that wiped out a Bears interception, along with disputed face mask calls and other officiating decisions that occurred precisely as Chicago was gaining momentum.

In the closing section of the report, Urlacher included a personal statement that underscored the gravity of his concerns:

“I’m not asking for a result to be overturned. I was in the stands and watched the entire game, and what I saw, I believe a lot of people saw as well. There are moments in that game that deserve to be reviewed fully and honestly. I’ve submitted everything necessary to bring clarity to those decisive situations. If we truly respect this sport, moments that can swing an outcome cannot be brushed aside — because what’s lost isn’t just a game, but trust in the fairness of the league itself.”

Inside the Bears organization, Urlacher’s actions reportedly had an immediate impact. Several players viewed the move as long-overdue advocacy following a game that left them frustrated and deflated. While the coaching staff has declined to comment publicly, league sources indicate there is internal support for addressing the issue through formal channels rather than emotional postgame reactions.

That frustration is understandable given the Bears’ performance on the field. Chicago’s offense matched the 49ers score for score, repeatedly forcing San Francisco into uncomfortable situations and keeping the contest within a single possession until the final moments. In a game decided by four points, even one or two officiating calls at critical junctures can dramatically alter the narrative — a reality that has fueled the intensity of the backlash.

It is rare for a Hall of Fame player to submit such an extensive report, complete with physical evidence, directly to the league office. Urlacher’s actions elevate the issue beyond a single fan base or matchup, raising broader questions about transparency, accountability, and how the NFL responds to allegations of officiating bias in high-stakes games.

As of now, the NFL has not issued an official response. The 49ers’ 42–38 victory remains in the record books. But somewhere within league offices, a thick report and a silent USB drive now sit under review. And for the Bears — and many watching across the NFL — the central question is no longer who won or lost, but whether competitive fairness on the field is being protected as fiercely as the league claims it is.