Introduction
Casey Urlacher (born August 24, 1979) is an American politician and former football player. He is the mayor of Mettawa, Illinois. Urlacher previously played football in the Arena Football League for two seasons for the Chicago Rush and Nashville Kats. He is the brother of former National Football League linebacker Brian Urlacher.
Early life
Casey Urlacher was born to Brad and Lavoyda Urlacher in 1979. Following the couple’s divorce, Lavoyda moved the family to Lovington, New Mexico where she later married Troy Lenard.
During his high school years, Urlacher distinguished himself as a premier football player, helping Lovington High School record a 14-0 season. Together, Casey and his older brother, Brian, earned a prodigious reputation around Lovington. Following Brian’s graduation, Casey was promoted to captain of the football team. Also, outside of football, Urlacher ran track and played basketball and baseball.
College career
Urlacher spent his first two years of college at the New Mexico Military Institute. During his first two years, he only managed to play for one season, while redshirting the other.
In 2000, Urlacher moved in with his brother Brian in his house in Lake Bluff, Illinois, and attended Lake Forest College playing with the team for three seasons.
Professional career
Urlacher was not selected in the 2003 NFL Draft. The Chicago Bears granted him a professional try-out during their training camp in 2003, but Urlacher failed to make the final roster.
The Chicago Rush arena football team signed him to play as a fullback and linebacker, but Urlacher failed to make the team's roster after training camp and was released. Upon his release, Casey signed with the Peoria Pirates of af2, then the Nashville Kats before being cut in 2005 and joining the Chicago Rush again for a short time.
Civic and political career
In April 2013, Urlacher was elected Mayor of the Village of Mettawa, Illinois, population 553, having won 61% of the vote. He was led to victory under the leadership of Scott Cisek, lobbyist for Cook County and former Executive Director of the Cook County Democratic Party.
In October 2013, Urlacher was appointed by Illinois Governor Pat Quinn (D) to the Illinois' Civil Service Commission. He earns $25,320 a year serving on the board.
On October 1, 2015 Urlacher announced his intention to seek the Republican nomination to run for State Senate in the 26th district to succeed Dan Duffy. His attempt to get on the ballot was challenged, and state election officials invalidated more than 1000 of his collected signatures leaving him with only 48 above the minimum. In March 2016, Urlacher was defeated in a three-way primary by Dan McConchie by over 1,300 votes.
On May 8, 2017, Bruce Rauner appointed Urlacher to the Illinois Civil Service Commission for a term expiring March 23, 2023. The Commission is tasked to review and approve rule changes to the Illinois Personnel Code, position classifications, and pay plans proposed by Department of Central Management Services, which administers state's merit employment system. It also acts as an impartial review board for employees who appeal department decisions.
Federal indictment
Urlacher was among 10 people charged in a federal indictment alleging they ran an offshore sports gambling ring that raked in millions of dollars from hundreds of Chicago-area gamblers. He was charged with conspiracy and running an illegal gambling business. He is accused of acting as an agent for the gambling ring, recruiting bettors in exchange for a cut of their eventual losses.