We’re heading into the dog days of the offseason, counting the days until the Chicago Bears 2014 season kicks off. Thanks to Bear Goggles On contributor and the fine editor of Blackhawk Up Keith Schultz’s suggestion, we’re going to do a Top 100 list of the all time Chicago Bears. It’s a fun way to pass the time and take a stroll down memory lane.
Next up in our countdown of the Top 100 Chicago Bears of all time is #70 on the list, tight end Emery Moorehead. Moorehead was drafted in the 6th round of the 1977 NFL Draft by the New York Giants out of Colorodo. Moorehead came into the NFL as a wide receiver, seeing sparse action while with the Giants from ’77 – ’79 as he converted from wide receiver to tight end. Moorehead spent a season in Denver before finally coming to the Bears in 1981.
Moorehead’s primary duty in his first season with the Bears was as a kick returner. Yup, that’s right. Moorehead didn’t have any catches for the Bears in 1981, but did have 23 kickoff returns for 476 yards. Devin Hester, he was not. In 1982, Moorehead started to carve out his niche as a tight end. He had 5 touchdowns on 30 catches and led the team with 363 receiving yards in a shortened 9 game season. That also tells you something about the offense back then.
Moorehead continued to be an integral part of the Bears offense of the 1980’s, ending up with 200 receptions for 2730 yards in his eight seasons with the Beloved, including a Super Bowl victory with the ’85 Bears. Moorehead ranks in the Top 20 of Chicago Bears pass catchers and is one of the top tight ends in franchise history.
Moorehead’s son Aaron following his his father’s footsteps, earning his Super Bowl ring, ironically enough over the Bears, as a wide receiver with the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XLI. Emery Moorehead currently resides in suburban Chicago and works as a Realtor.
What do you think of the ranking? Too high? Too low? I guess you’ll have to check back to see who finished ahead of him to judge for yourself. We’ll be counting down a different person each day as we inch our way to the September 7th season opener.