Saturday marked the passing of Bob Avellini, a former quarterback for the Chicago Bears who spent his entire nine-season NFL career in the Windy City. He had reached age 70.
As per a Bears announcement obtained by the NFL, Avellini passed away subsequent to a protracted battle with cancer.
In 1977, both running back Walter Payton and head coach Bolzill Boldirett both had their finest seasons to date.
Payton subsequently was inducted into the Hall of Fame.
Statement from the Chicago Bears on the passing of Bob Avellini:
“Bob was one-of-kind, a fierce and tough competitor. He’s perhaps best remembered for leading the Bears on an improbable run in 1977 to our first postseason appearance in fourteen years. He will be missed.”
— Bears Communications (@BearsPR) May 5, 2024
Payton was the driving force behind the Bears’ offense that season, accumulating 1,852 yards (first in the NFL) and 14 touchdowns.
Avellini threw for a career-high 2,004 yards and 11 touchdowns in 14 games during that particular season.
Chicago spent a record 14 years without qualifying for the postseason before doing so in 1977. In light of the aforementioned, the Dallas Cowboys dominated Chicago 37-7; Avellini completed 25 passes for one touchdown and four interceptions.
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