Halas began his football career as a player while attending the University of Illinois, where he played as an end and helped the team win the 1918 Big Ten Conference football championship. After serving in the U.S. Navy during World War I, he played briefly for the Hammond Pros, an early NFL team, before co-founding the Decatur Staleys in 1920. The team moved to Chicago in 1921 and was renamed the Chicago Bears in 1922.
As a player, Halas was known for his versatility and toughness. He played on both offense and defense, and his playing career was highlighted by a 98-yard fumble return for a touchdown in 1923, a record that stood for 49 years.
However, Halas made his most significant impact as a coach and owner. He served as the head coach of the Bears for 40 seasons in four different stints (1920–1929, 1933–1942, 1946–1955, and 1958–1967), amassing a record of 318 wins, 148 losses, and 31 ties. His teams won six NFL Championships (1921, 1933, 1940, 1941, 1946, and 1963), and he was a pioneer in many aspects of the game, including the introduction of daily practice sessions and the use of film to analyze opponents.
Halas also played a crucial role in the growth and development of the NFL. He was instrumental in the formation of the league and served as its president from 1921 to 1946. He was a strong advocate for the NFL's merger with the American Football League in 1970, which helped to create the modern NFL.
Off the field, Halas was a successful businessman. He owned the Bears until his death in 1983, and under his ownership, the team became one of the most successful and popular franchises in the NFL. He was also a co-founder of the National Broadcasting Company (NBC), which played a significant role in the growth of professional football's popularity through its broadcasts of NFL games.
Halas's contributions to football were recognized with his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in its inaugural class in 1963. His legacy continues to be felt in the NFL, with the George Halas Trophy awarded annually to the champion of the NFC, and his initials, GSH, are displayed on the left sleeve of the Bears' jerseys as a tribute to their founder.
In summary, George Halas was a towering figure in American football, whose influence as a player, coach, and owner helped shape the NFL into the popular and successful league it is today. His innovative coaching techniques, business acumen, and dedication to the sport left an indelible mark on the game of football.
🏈