Chicago Bears Hall of Fame linebacker Brian Urlacher visited U.S. President Donald Trump in the White House last year to help convince him to pardon his brother, Casey Urlacher. The elder sibling then posted various supportive messages for Trump on social media and apparently, his efforts eventually paid dividends, via Pro Football Talk.

The outgoing president decided to make a last-minute decision in office and granted a presidential pardon to Casey Urlacher who was previously involved in illegal gambling.

“President Trump granted a full pardon to Casey Urlacher,” the White House said in a statement. “This pardon is supported by his friends and family, and countless members of his community. Mr. Urlacher has been charged with conspiracy to engage in illegal gambling.”

After going undrafted in the 2003 NFL Draft, the younger Urlacher proceeded to make a career in politics. Back in 2013, he was elected as the Mayor of the Village of Mettawa Illinois. Two years later, he also attempted to run for State Senate as a Republican but was eventually defeated.

He found himself in hot water after receiving federal charges due to his contributions for an offshore sports gambling ring that primarily targeted Chicago-based gamblers. It raked in millions of dollars and Urlacher was one of several individuals who faced up to 10 years of imprisonment. Due to his brother's influence, Trump went out of his way to grant him pardon despite the case still pending in court.

Brian Urlacher isn't safe from controversy as well after he opposed the protests being made by the Black community after the shooting of Jacob Blake in August of 2020. He also showed support to the 17-year-old Kyle Rittenhouse who killed two individuals during protests in Wisconsin. Since then, the Bears organization has decided to distance themselves from their Hall of Fame player.