George Halas’ memory lives on in many ways. Almost 36 years after his death in October 1983, one of professional football’s most admired figures stands the test of time today. The word Halas or affectionate nickname “Papa Bear” is synonymous with the Bears as an NFL franchise. A player, coach, and owner of the team for decades, he’s rightfully credited for helping to establish not only the Bears’ legitimacy, but the NFL’s status as the all-encompassing titan of American sports most view it as today.
Like Hall & Oates, Mario and Luigi, and Spongebob and Patrick, you can’t have the Bears without Halas.