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George Halas

By James Alder, About.com

Born:

February 2, 1895 - Chicago, Illinois

Died: Oct. 31, 1983

Years Played:

1920-1929

Position Played: Defensive End

Played For: Chicago Bears

Alma Mater: University of Illinois

Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame: 1963

Nickname:

Papa Bear

Little Known Fact:


George Halas played briefly as an outfielder with the New York Yankees.

George Halas Quote:


"Nothing is work unless you'd rather be doing something else."

Best Know For:


He was one of the NFL's leading pioneers and founder of the Chicago Bears.

Coaching Record:

321-142-31

Years Coaching: 1920-29, 1933-42, 1946-55, 1958-67

College Highlights:


• MVP of 1919 Rose Bowl

NFL Highlights:


• Participated in the organization of the American Football Association, which would later become the NFL
• Only person to be associated with the NFL throughout its first 50 years
• Founder of the Decatur Staleys in 1920 (Renamed the Chicago Bears in 1922)
• Performed as a player, coach, or owner of the Chicago Bears from 1920-83
• Coached the Chicago Bears for 40 seasons
• Voted NFL Coach of the Year Twice (1963,65)
• Won 320 Games as an NFL Head Coach
• Coached the Chicago Bears to a 73-0 win over the Washington Redskins in the 1940 NFL Title Game
• Won Six NFL Championships as a Head Coach
• Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (1963)

Innovations:
• Added a man-in-motion and perfected the classic T-Formation
• First coach to hold daily practice sessions
• First to utilize films of opponents' games for study
• First to schedule a barnstorming tour
• First to have his team's games broadcast on radio

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