George Halas Hall Of Fame NFL

George Halas, widely known as “Papa Bear,” stands as one of the most influential figures in football history. As a founder, player, coach, and owner of the Chicago Bears, Halas helped shape the NFL from its earliest days into the nation’s most popular sport. A tough end during his playing career, he later became a coaching innovator, introducing new formations, strategies, and an emphasis on defense that defined Chicago football.

Over 40 seasons on the sidelines, Halas guided the Bears to eight NFL championships and finished with a then-record 318 career wins. Beyond the field, he was instrumental in establishing league stability, pushing for national exposure, and ensuring financial growth that allowed the NFL to thrive. His leadership, vision, and competitive fire made him a cornerstone of professional football’s development.

Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s inaugural class in 1963, Halas remains an enduring symbol of toughness, innovation, and the rise of the modern NFL.

Halas' Awards and Honors

• 8× NFL champion (1921, 1932, 1933, 1940, 1941, 1943, 1946, 1963)
• 2× AP NFL Coach of the Year (1963, 1965)
• NFL 1920s All-Decade Team
• NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
• 100 greatest Bears of All-Time
• Second-team All-Service (1918)

NFL Records

• Most career wins by a head coach at retirement (318)
• First coach to win NFL championships in four different decades
• Only figure to serve over 60 years in NFL history as player, coach, and owner

NFL Teams

As a player:
Hammond All-Stars (1919)
Decatur / Chicago Staleys / Bears (1920–1929)
Chicago Stayms (1920)
As a coach:
Decatur / Chicago Staleys / Bears (1920–1929, 1933–1942, 1946–1955, 1958–1967)
Head coach
As a staff member / executive (Owner):
Decatur / Chicago Staleys / Bears (1921–1983)
Newark Bears / Bombers (1939–1941)
Akron Bears (1946)