Bear Goggles On
Fansided

The Retired Numbers of the Chicago Bears and the Men Behind Them

By Bryan Dietzler

CHICAGO - OCTOBER 04: A general view of a field goal by the Chicago Bears against the Detroit Lions on October 4, 2009 at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Lions 48-24. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO - OCTOBER 04: A general view of a field goal by the Chicago Bears against the Detroit Lions on October 4, 2009 at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. The Bears defeated the Lions 48-24. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
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CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – SEPTEMBER 05: CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – SEPTEMBER 05: Fireworks display prior to the game between the Chicago Bears and the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field on September 05, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – SEPTEMBER 05: CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – SEPTEMBER 05: Fireworks display prior to the game between the Chicago Bears and the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field on September 05, 2019 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images) /

Bronco Nagurski

Nagurski played a variety of positions with the Bears during his tenure with the team. This included playing linebacker, tackle, and fullback. The University of Minnesota product played eight seasons with the Bears in two separate stints.

His first stint was from 1930-1937 and then he played with the Bears again in 1943. The reason for the break was due to his retirement. Because the Bears could hardly muster enough players to fill their roster due to World War II he came back for a few games during the war.

During his time with the Bears, Nagurski helped them win two NFL championships along to go along with numerous division titles.

His size was somewhat of a legend. He dwarfed most of the other players he played with. In fact, the author got to see his NFL Championship ring, which is a size 19 and a half and it was huge.

Nagurski’s ability to run the ball, thanks to his size, is the stuff of legends.

This legend was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame as part of its inaugural class in September of 1963. The famed Bronco Nagurski Award, which was named after Nagurski, is given to college football’s best defender.

Altogether, Nagurski rushed for a total of 2,778 yards. He had 25 total touchdowns.

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