SAN FRANCISCO (May 13, 2002) - SEGA Sports(tm), the brand that continues to set new standards in sports video gaming, today announced the signing of Chicago Bears middle linebacker Brian Urlacher to serve as the official spokesperson and cover athlete for "SEGA Sports(tm) NFL 2K3." After joining the Chicago Bears in 2000, Brian Urlacher quickly made his mark in the NFL, winning The Associated Press NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year Award. The league and numerous sporting publications have honored him since as one of the NFL's top defensive players. He is also a two-time Pro Bowl pick who has led the Chicago Bears in total tackles, sacks, solo tackles and tackles for loss.

"Brian Urlacher's breakthrough play has redefined the middle linebacker position. The hard work and drive he has shown through his dedication to the NFL and the Chicago Bears exemplifies what SEGA Sports is all about - fortitude, strength and passion," said Tom Nichols, group director of sports marketing, SEGA of America, Inc. "Brian has offered our development team strategic advice and counsel about what it's like to be one of the toughest and athletically gifted young linebackers in the NFL. With his help and the
many numerous additions to this year's game there is no doubt 'SEGA Sports NFL 2K3' will own the playing field."

"I've been dreaming of being on an NFL video game cover since I started playing football," Urlacher said. "I am honored to be a part of 'SEGA Sports NFL 2K3' because this game offers the best perspective on what it's really like to be on the football field. SEGA Sports has managed to capture the most realistic details of the game, down to the look and the feel of realistic tackles."

Urlacher loaned his high-intensity defensive moves to "SEGA Sports NFL 2K3" in a motion capture session held earlier this year. In addition, he spent time in the sound studio recording defensive huddle audio calls and worked with the development team in a defensive play design session. Urlacher's input and thorough knowledge of the game was used in designing the ultra realistic AI and detailed team-specific defensive playbooks in "SEGA Sports NFL 2K3."

Developed by Visual Concepts, the development house behind the sports video game revolution and makers of the acclaimed "SEGA Sports NFL 2K" and "SEGA Sports NBA 2K" series, "SEGA Sports NFL 2K3" will bring sports gamers the detailed authenticity and breathtaking realism that they have come to expect from the SEGA Sports NFL franchise. With new lifelike player animations, "SEGA Sports NFL 2K3" comes to the 2002 season bigger and stronger than ever before with enhanced play calling intelligence and a brand new ESPN
broadcast system with the familiar ESPN overlays, scores and highlights. "SEGA Sports NFL 2K3" will also build upon the legacy already set by its predecessors by adding an incredibly deep Franchise Mode, which gives gamers a chance to control the team as both coach and general manager.

Urlacher joins the long line of great athletes who have graced the covers of SEGA Sports titles such as tennis stars Venus and Serena Williams, 76ers guard Allen Iverson, Heisman(R) Trophy winner Eric Crouch and New York Yankees(R) slugger Jason Giambi.

"SEGA Sports NFL 2K3" will be available at retailers nationwide this fall for the PlayStation(r)2 computer entertainment system, the Xbox(tm) video game system from Microsoft(R) and Nintendo GameCube(tm).

Below we have some pictures for you of Brian participating in the development of NFL 2K3.