NOVA.SCOTIA (CBC) - Chicago Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher reported to training camp Tuesday, armed with a one-year, $18-million US contract extension through 2012.

The extension reportedly contains a $6-million US signing bonus.

Urlacher, 30, had been demanding that the Bears re-negotiate the nine-year, $57-million US pact he signed June 6, 2003.

"It feels good because I did have four years left on my contract, we all know that," he said. "They didn't have to do anything.

But that was, obviously, a nice deal they offered me. We ended up getting it worked out."

Urlacher is Chicago's marquee defender, having been named to six Pro Bowls in eight NFL seasons and meriting AP defensive player of the year honours in 2004.

"It [negotiations], kind of, dragged on all summer long as we all know, I'm sure," he said. "Everyone reads the papers.

"It was more publicized than it should have been, I think. But I'm glad it is done now and it is behind me."

Urlacher posted a team-high 123 tackles with five sacks and five interceptions in 16 starts last season, even though he was hampered by an arthritic back and required minor neck surgery.

Urlacher has registered 966 tackles, 371/2 sacks, 15 interceptions, eight fumble recoveries and eight touchdowns in 121 NFL games since he was drafted ninth overall by Chicago in 2000.

With files from the Associated Press

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