This Day in Football History

1968 - George Halas retires from coaching

The legendary George Halas retired from coaching on this day in 1968. Halas spent a remarkable 40 seasons coaching the Chicago Bears.

Not only was Halas the coach, but he played for the team as a wide receiver/defensive end from 1920-1930. In 1923 he stripped Jim Thorpe of the football and ran it back 98 yards for a touchdown. The fumble return stood as the longest in league history until 1972. 

Halas remained the team's owner until his death in 1983 and was a part of eight NFL Championship teams with the Bears. Before he passed away, Halas hired one of his former players, Mike Ditka, to coach the team in 1982. Ditka would go on to lead the team to a Super Bowl three years later.

The George Halas Trophy is awarded to the winner of the National Football Conference each season. 

Birthdays

1954 - Jackie Slater

1956 - Nick Lowery

1972 - Antonio Freeman

1974 - Danny Wuerffel

1981 - Darnell Dockett

1988 - Vontae Davis