George Halas

College

University of Illinois

Pro team(s)

Chicago Bears (founder, coach, and player)

Hall of Fame

⭐ Pro Football Hall of Fame

George Halas was born on the Near West Side of Chicago and attended the University of Illinois before founding the franchise that would become the Chicago Bears in 1920. As owner, head coach, and player, "Papa Bear" shaped professional football over six decades. He coached the Bears to eight NFL championships and compiled a 318-148-31 record over four coaching tenures. He was instrumental in founding the NFL and is credited with helping establish the league's franchise model. Halas was part of the inaugural Pro Football Hall of Fame class in 1963.