Top Rated: Number 17 Chicago Bears Players

Who is the most iconic player to wear number 17 for the Chicago Bears?

The number 17 has been worn by many great players in Chicago Bears history, but the most iconic is undoubtedly Gale Sayers. Sayers was a running back who played for the Bears from 1965 to 1971. He was one of the most elusive and exciting runners in NFL history, and he was a key member of the Bears' 1963 NFL Championship team.

Sayers was born in Wichita, Kansas, in 1943. He was a star running back at the University of Kansas, and he was drafted by the Bears with the fourth overall pick in the 1965 NFL Draft.

Sayers made an immediate impact on the Bears, rushing for over 1,000 yards in his rookie season. He was named the NFL's Rookie of the Year, and he was also selected to the Pro Bowl.

Sayers continued to be a dominant force for the Bears throughout his career. He rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of his first five seasons, and he was named to the Pro Bowl six times.

In 1968, Sayers suffered a severe knee injury that forced him to miss the entire season. He returned to the Bears in 1969, but he was never the same player. He retired from the NFL after the 1971 season.

Despite his short career, Sayers is considered one of the greatest running backs in NFL history. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1977, and he is a member of the NFL's 100th Anniversary All-Time Team.

The number 17 has not been worn by any Bears player since Sayers retired. It is a retired number in honor of one of the greatest players in team history.

Number 17 Chicago Bears

The number 17 has been worn by some of the most iconic players in Chicago Bears history. These players have helped the team achieve great success on the field, and they have left a lasting legacy for the franchise.

• Gale Sayers: Sayers is the most iconic player to wear number 17 for the Bears. He was a running back who played for the team from 1965 to 1971. Sayers was one of the most elusive and exciting runners in NFL history, and he was a key member of the Bears' 1963 NFL Championship team.
• Red Grange: Grange was a running back who played for the Bears from 1925 to 1934. He was one of the most popular players in the NFL during his era, and he helped the Bears win two NFL Championships.
• Bronko Nagurski: Nagurski was a fullback who played for the Bears from 1930 to 1937. He was one of the most dominant players in the NFL during his era, and he was a key member of the Bears' 1932 NFL Championship team.
• George McAfee: McAfee was a running back who played for the Bears from 1926 to 1938. He was one of the most versatile players in the NFL during his era, and he was a key member of the Bears' 1933 NFL Championship team.
• Paddy Driscoll: Driscoll was a guard who played for the Bears from 1920 to 1929. He was one of the best linemen in the NFL during his era, and he was a key member of the Bears' 1921 NFL Championship team.
• Bill Hewitt: Hewitt was a center who played for the Bears from 1932 to 1943. He was one of the best centers in the NFL during his era, and he was a key member of the Bears' 1940 NFL Championship team.

These are just a few of the many great players who have worn number 17 for the Chicago Bears. These players have helped the team achieve great success on the field, and they have left a lasting legacy for the franchise.

1. Gale Sayers

Gale Sayers is the most iconic player to wear number 17 for the Chicago Bears because he was one of the most exciting and elusive running backs in NFL history. He was a key member of the Bears' 1963 NFL Championship team, and he helped the team achieve great success on the field.

Sayers was born in Wichita, Kansas, in 1943. He was a star running back at the University of Kansas, and he was drafted by the Bears with the fourth overall pick in the 1965 NFL Draft.

Sayers made an immediate impact on the Bears, rushing for over 1,000 yards in his rookie season. He was named the NFL's Rookie of the Year, and he was also selected to the Pro Bowl.

Sayers continued to be a dominant force for the Bears throughout his career. He rushed for over 1,000 yards in each of his first five seasons, and he was named to the Pro Bowl six times.

In 1968, Sayers suffered a severe knee injury that forced him to miss the entire season. He returned to the Bears in 1969, but he was never the same player. He retired from the NFL after the 1971 season.

Despite his short career, Sayers is considered one of the greatest running backs in NFL history. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1977, and he is a member of the NFL's 100th Anniversary All-Time Team.

The number 17 has not been worn by any Bears player since Sayers retired. It is a retired number in honor of one of the greatest players in team history.

Gale Sayers is an important part of the legacy of the Chicago Bears. He is one of the most iconic players to ever wear the number 17, and he helped the team achieve great success on the field.

2. Red Grange

Red Grange is one of the most iconic players in Chicago Bears history. He was a running back who played for the team from 1925 to 1934. Grange was one of the most popular players in the NFL during his era, and he helped the Bears win two NFL Championships.

• Grange's impact on the Bears
  

  Grange was a key member of the Bears' 1921 and 1933 NFL Championship teams. He was one of the most dominant running backs in the NFL during his era, and he helped the Bears achieve great success on the field.

• Grange's popularity
  

  Grange was one of the most popular players in the NFL during his era. He was known for his exciting running style and his ability to score touchdowns. Grange helped to make the Bears one of the most popular teams in the NFL.

• Grange's legacy
  

  Grange is considered one of the greatest running backs in NFL history. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1963, and he is a member of the NFL's 100th Anniversary All-Time Team.

Red Grange is an important part of the legacy of the Chicago Bears. He is one of the most iconic players to ever wear the number 17, and he helped the team achieve great success on the field. Grange's impact on the Bears is still felt today, and he remains one of the most popular players in team history.

3. Bronko Nagurski

Bronko Nagurski is one of the most iconic players in Chicago Bears history. He was a fullback who played for the team from 1930 to 1937. Nagurski was one of the most dominant players in the NFL during his era, and he was a key member of the Bears' 1932 NFL Championship team.

• Nagurski's impact on the Bears
  

  Nagurski was a key member of the Bears' 1932 NFL Championship team. He was one of the most dominant players in the NFL during his era, and he helped the Bears achieve great success on the field.

• Nagurski's popularity
  

  Nagurski was one of the most popular players in the NFL during his era. He was known for his bruising running style and his ability to score touchdowns. Nagurski helped to make the Bears one of the most popular teams in the NFL.

• Nagurski's legacy
  

  Nagurski is considered one of the greatest players in NFL history. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1963, and he is a member of the NFL's 100th Anniversary All-Time Team.

Bronko Nagurski is an important part of the legacy of the Chicago Bears. He is one of the most iconic players to ever wear the number 17, and he helped the team achieve great success on the field. Nagurski's impact on the Bears is still felt today, and he remains one of the most popular players in team history.

4. George McAfee

George McAfee was a key member of the Chicago Bears' 1933 NFL Championship team. He was one of the most versatile players in the NFL during his era, and he played a major role in the Bears' success.

McAfee was a running back, but he could also play defense and kick. He was a dangerous runner, and he was also a very good passer. He was a key part of the Bears' offense, and he helped the team to win the NFL Championship in 1933.

McAfee's versatility was a major asset to the Bears. He was able to play multiple positions, and he was always willing to do whatever it took to help the team win. He was a valuable member of the Bears, and he helped the team to achieve great success.

McAfee's connection to the number 17 is that he was one of the most iconic players to wear the number for the Bears. He was a key member of the team's 1933 NFL Championship team, and he helped the Bears to achieve great success during his career.

McAfee's legacy is still felt today. He is considered one of the greatest players in Bears history, and he is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He is an inspiration to players and fans alike, and he is a reminder of the great tradition of the Chicago Bears.

5. Paddy Driscoll

The connection between Paddy Driscoll and the number 17 Chicago Bears is that Driscoll was one of the most iconic players to wear the number for the Bears. He was a key member of the team's 1921 NFL Championship team, and he helped the Bears to achieve great success during his career.

Driscoll was a dominant lineman, and he was a key part of the Bears' success. He helped to protect the quarterback and running backs, and he also helped to create holes for the running game. Driscoll was a valuable member of the Bears, and he helped the team to win the NFL Championship in 1921.

Driscoll's legacy is still felt today. He is considered one of the greatest players in Bears history, and he is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He is an inspiration to players and fans alike, and he is a reminder of the great tradition of the Chicago Bears.

The number 17 has not been worn by any Bears player since Driscoll retired. It is a retired number in honor of one of the greatest players in team history.

6. Bill Hewitt

Bill Hewitt and the number 17 Chicago Bears are connected in a few ways. First, Hewitt was one of the most iconic players to wear the number 17 for the Bears. He was a key member of the team's 1940 NFL Championship team, and he helped the Bears to achieve great success during his career.

• Hewitt's impact on the Bears
  

  Hewitt was a key member of the Bears' 1940 NFL Championship team. He was one of the best centers in the NFL during his era, and he helped the Bears to achieve great success on the field.

• Hewitt's popularity
  

  Hewitt was one of the most popular players in the NFL during his era. He was known for his tough play and his leadership on the field. Hewitt helped to make the Bears one of the most popular teams in the NFL.

• Hewitt's legacy
  

  Hewitt is considered one of the greatest players in Bears history. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1963, and he is a member of the NFL's 100th Anniversary All-Time Team.

Hewitt's legacy is still felt today. He is considered one of the greatest players in Bears history, and he is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. He is an inspiration to players and fans alike, and he is a reminder of the great tradition of the Chicago Bears.

FAQs about Number 17 Chicago Bears

This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about the iconic number 17 in Chicago Bears history.

Question 1: Who is the most famous player to wear number 17 for the Chicago Bears?

Answer: Gale Sayers, a legendary running back renowned for his exceptional speed, agility, and impact on the Bears' 1963 NFL Championship victory, is widely regarded as the most iconic player to don the number 17 jersey.

Question 2: What other notable players have worn number 17 for the Bears?

Answer: Besides Gale Sayers, several other prominent players have worn number 17 for the Bears, including Red Grange, Bronko Nagurski, George McAfee, Paddy Driscoll, and Bill Hewitt. Each of these individuals left a significant mark on the team's history, contributing to its legacy of success.

Question 3: Why is the number 17 significant in Chicago Bears history?

Answer: The number 17 holds great significance in Chicago Bears history due to its association with some of the team's most celebrated players. These individuals' exceptional performances and contributions to the team's achievements have made number 17 a cherished and respected symbol within the Bears organization and among its loyal fan base.

Question 4: Is the number 17 retired by the Chicago Bears?

Answer: Yes, the number 17 has been retired by the Chicago Bears in honor of Gale Sayers, the iconic running back who wore it with distinction during his remarkable career. This gesture serves as a lasting tribute to Sayers' extraordinary impact on the Bears and the enduring legacy he left behind.

Question 5: What is the significance of retiring a player's number?

Answer: Retiring a player's number is a prestigious honor bestowed upon athletes who have made exceptional contributions to their respective teams. It is a way of recognizing their outstanding achievements, commemorating their lasting legacy, and inspiring future generations of players to strive for greatness.

These FAQs provide concise and informative answers to common queries regarding the number 17 in Chicago Bears history, highlighting its significance and the legendary players who have worn it with pride.

Transition to the next article section:

To delve deeper into the captivating stories and achievements of these iconic players, explore the following sections, where each individual's remarkable contributions to the Chicago Bears' legacy are celebrated.

Number 17 Chicago Bears

The exploration of "number 17 Chicago Bears" has unveiled a rich history of iconic players who have worn this jersey with distinction. From the legendary Gale Sayers to the formidable Paddy Driscoll, each individual has left an indelible mark on the team's legacy.

These players represent the very essence of what it means to be a Chicago Bear: determination, resilience, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Their exceptional performances and remarkable contributions have not only shaped the team's history but also inspired generations of players and fans alike.

The number 17 has become synonymous with greatness in Chicago Bears lore. It serves as a constant reminder of the indomitable spirit that has always been at the heart of the organization. As the Bears continue to strive for success, the number 17 will undoubtedly remain a symbol of the team's proud heritage and the enduring legacy of its iconic players.