Brian Urlacher, NFL Hall of Famer and former Chicago Bears linebacker, has expressed admiration for Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham, highlighting her talent and outspoken stance on transgender athletes in girls' sports.

In a recent interview with Fox News Digital, Urlacher said, "She’s got great stuff out there," praising Cunningham's aggressive and fun playing style, which he follows on Instagram. Despite not being a WNBA fan, Urlacher noted, "Like I said, I don’t watch the WNBA, but I like those two girls (Cunningham and Caitlin Clark) right there."

Urlacher also addressed Cunningham's comments on transgender athletes, stating he follows the issue "closely." Cunningham had said that "young girls...shouldn't have to go against biological men" in sports. Urlacher reacted positively, saying, "She just says what’s true. She says common-sense things, and she gets so much backlash. She’s like, 'Men should not be playing in women’s sports.' Why is that so controversial? I don’t get it. I don’t understand it."

He further praised Cunningham for standing firm on her views despite criticism: "It’s a simple statement. She stood by it. That’s what I love about when people say things: Don’t back down. If you say something, stand by it. And she said it. She backed it up. She’s not backing down, no matter how much heat she gets from certain people."

Urlacher also commented on the nature of the WNBA, calling it "a liberal and mostly gay league," which he said is "fine" and added, "I have no problem. My daughter is gay. No problem. I’ve got no problem with that... But man, what do you do, right? She said what she said. I cannot disagree with her."

Cunningham has been active in the WNBA, playing for the Indiana Fever at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, with notable games against teams like the Connecticut Sun and Seattle Storm earlier in 2026.

Sources