Ed Healey
Inducted:
1964
Player Stats
6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
207 lb (94 kg)
Born:
December 28, 1894
Indian Orchard, Springfield, Massachusetts, U.S.
Died:
December 9, 1978
South Bend, Indiana, U.S.
Position:
Offensive Tackle
Guard
End
College:
Dartmouth
Ed Healey was one of the NFL’s earliest standout linemen, known for his toughness, consistency, and leadership during the league’s formative years. Playing primarily as a tackle, he began his professional career with the Rock Island Independents before being traded to the Chicago Bears, where he became a cornerstone of their offensive and defensive lines. Healey’s size and strength made him a dominant force against opponents, and his durability allowed him to excel in an era when players often played both ways.
He was a key contributor to multiple successful Bears teams in the 1920s, helping solidify their reputation as one of the NFL’s powerhouses. Regarded by teammates and rivals as one of the best linemen of his time, Healey’s career set a standard for the position. His contributions to the sport were recognized with his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1964, honoring his lasting impact on the game’s early development.
Healey's Awards and Honors
- 5× First-team All-Pro (1922–1926)
- NFL 1920s All-Decade Team
- 100 greatest Bears of All-Time
- Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1964)
NFL Records
- Key player for multiple early Chicago Bears championship contenders
- Recognized as one of the premier two-way linemen of the 1920s
NFL Teams
Rock Island Independents (1920–1922)
Chicago Bears (1923–1927)
Number Worn:
13, 16
NFL Stats
Seasons:
8 (1920–1927)
Games Played:
88
Games Started:
72
Fumble Touchdown:
1