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
