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Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher's mother died on Monday at her home outside of Mount Pleasant, Texas.

Urlacher's mother, Lavoyda Lenard, was 51 years old and unexpectedly passed away.

Said Urlacher in a statement, via ESPN:

"My mother, Lavoyda, unexpectedly passed away Monday at her home in Texas. My first priority right now is to be with my family as we mourn her loss and make the arrangements to lay her to rest. This is a very difficult and emotional time for us and I sincerely ask that you respect our privacy. Thank you."

Since the news, a flood of support has gone out across the nation for a player considered to be one of the most upstanding and hardworking athletes in the league.

It's fitting that Urlacher, the heart of the vaunted Bears defense, has received the kind of emotional response that he projects every single Sunday.

Tweeted Bears quarterback Jay Cutler, "Our thoughts and prayers going out to Brian and his family."

Said Bears receiver Roy Williams:

"My thoughts and prayers go out to him and his family. He is the emotional leader of the football team, so we have his back."

Said defensive end Israel Idonije:

"Our hearts are with him. It's one of those times that you can't imagine, and 100 percent of our support is with him. "At the end of the day, family and life comes first."

It is uncertain whether Urlacher will make the game on Sunday at the New Orleans Saints, an absence which would undoubtedly be a hit against one of the league's most explosive offenses.

As Cutler put it best, "You can't replace a guy like him. He's the heart and soul of this team."

Make sure you take time to pay your respects to Urlacher today, one of the most respected players in the NFL who is without a doubt hurting right now.

Today, we need to match Urlacher's heart on the football field.