Chicago Bears Countdown to Kickoff: 17 Days with Richie Petitbon

Today marks exactly two weeks until the NFL's regular season return, where the Detroit Lions will take on the Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs on Thursday Night Football, but Chicago Bears fans will have to wait just a few more days. In fact, there are only 17 days from today until the team's season opener at home versus the Green Bay Packers. To celebrate the approach of the season, today's installment of Chicago Bears Countdown to Kickoff brings us to the best player in franchise history to don the number 17, legendary safety Richie Petitbon.

New Orleans star Richie Petitbon joins Chicago Bears in 1959 NFL Draft

In 1938, Richie Petitbon was born in New Orleans, Louisiana, the same city where his football career would begin as a quarterback for Jesuit High School. There, Petitbon, the son of a first-generation French immigrant, was named all-city for his offensive play, helped the team win a state championship in 1957, and was a standout runner for the track team in the springs.

After graduating from high school, Petitbon was determined to stay close to New Orleans and accepted a track scholarship from Loyola University. However, he was not successful in the college ranks and decided to transfer to Tulane University after his freshman year. At Tulane, Petitbon also transferred from the track to the gridiron, a move that would end up paying dividends throughout his life.

With the Green Wave, Petitbon started his final two seasons at quarterback in 1957 and 1958. While he started in all 20 games during that span, the team struggled to find success on the field, and combined for a 5-15 record.

Despite overall struggles, Petitbon played well in both seasons, but especially so as a senior. In his final year, he led the team in both passing yards (728) and total points scored (30). He also led the SEC in passing yards and completions (66). Following the year, Petitbon was named an All-SEC quarterback, but his attention soon turned to the 1959 NFL Draft.

The Chicago Bears selected Petitbon with the 21st overall pick during the second round. Upon joining the professional ranks, the collegiate offensive star elected to transition to the defensive side of the ball, joining a unit that included all-time greats in Bill George, Doug Atkins, and Joe Fortunato.