Chicago Bears Mourn the Passing of Former Quarterback Bob Avellini

Bob Avellini, the former Chicago Bears quarterback who played nine seasons with the team, has passed away at 70. Avellini was a key figure in the Bears' improbable 1977 playoff run, which marked the team's first postseason appearance in 14 years.

Former Chicago Bears quarterback Bob Avellini, who spent all nine of his NFL seasons in the Windy City, has died at the age of 70. The Bears announced that Avellini passed away after a battle with cancer.

Avellini was a fierce competitor and a beloved member of the Bears organization. "Bob was one-of-a-kind, a fierce and tough competitor," the Bears said in a statement. "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."

Avellini joined the Bears in 1975 and quickly became a starting quarterback for the team. He played for the Bears until 1984, forming a dynamic duo with star running back Walter Payton. Together, Avellini and Payton led the Bears to a memorable 1977 season, which saw the team break a 14-year playoff drought.

In 1977, Avellini had a career-high 2,004 passing yards and 11 touchdowns. Payton, meanwhile, had a league-high 1,852 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns. The Bears finished the season with a 10-6 record, clinching a playoff berth.

However, the Bears' playoff run came to an end in the Divisional Round, where they were defeated by the Dallas Cowboys by a score of 37-7. Avellini threw four interceptions in the game, which remains a single-game franchise record for interceptions.

Despite the disappointing playoff exit, Avellini left a lasting legacy with the Bears. He finished his career with a 23-27 regular-season record, throwing for 7,111 yards and 33 touchdowns. Avellini was also known for his leadership and toughness on the field.

The Bears expressed their condolences to Avellini's family and friends, stating that "our thoughts and prayers are with them during this difficult time."

Avellini will be remembered as a key figure in Bears history, a player who led the team to its first playoff appearance in over a decade. His legacy as a tough and competitive quarterback will continue to be remembered in Chicago.