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, IL – DECEMBER 09: Fireworks explode at the start of the game between the Chicago Bears and the Los Angeles Rams at Soldier Field on December 9, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL – DECEMBER 09: Fireworks explode at the start of the game between the Chicago Bears and the Los Angeles Rams at Soldier Field on December 9, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

George McAfee

McAfee starred as a running back, defensive back and punt return specialist who was drafted as the second pick, overall, in the 1940 NFL draft. He was instrumental in helping the Bears win the 1940 NFL Championship game as he returned an interception 34 yards for a score.

His best year was 1941 as he set the world on fire with a 7.3-yard rushing average. He also led the league in touchdowns with 12. He scored just about every way possible except for passing.

McAfee holds still holds the Bears’ punt return average record with 31.6 yards.

George decided to serve his country in World War II and enlisted in the Navy. He played just a few games while he was away and then returned to the Bears after the War.

McAfee played four more seasons with the Bears mostly as a return specialist. He ended his Bears’ career with 1685 rushing yards along with 21 rushing touchdowns. McAfee also scored 11 touchdowns through the air.

He ended up in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1966.

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