Chicago Bears Top 100: #20 – Willie Galimore

The dog days of the offseason are finally behind us now that training camp is underway, just in time for our countdown of the Top 100 Chicago Bears of all time to really heat up.  As we get closer to the season opener, we get closer to naming the #1 Chicago Bear of all time.

Next up on our list is #20 on the list of all time great Chicago Bears, running back Willie Galimore.  The Bears selected “The Wisp” in the 5th round of the 1957 NFL Draft out of Florida A&M.  The 6’1″ 187 running back was said to be able to run laterally as fast most could run in the straight line.  He put that speed to immediate use as a rookie, rushing for 538 yards and 5 TD’s.  He added 15 catches for 201 yards and another pair of TD’s in the 12 games in his rookie season.

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His best season came in 1958 when he combined for 12 touchdowns and 619 yards en route to a Pro Bowl.  Galimore played six seasons with the Bears from ’57 – ’63, capped off by an NFL Championship in 1963.  Then tragedy struck.

During training camp in Rensselaer, Indiana, Galimore and Bo Farrington were involved in a car accident that killed the Bears teammates.  Galimore’s career was tragically cut short.  He had so much more to give on the field while off the field, he was active in the Civil Rights movement.

Galimore stands among legendary Chicago Bears running backs and his #28 was been retired by the team.

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.