George Trafton
Inducted:
1964
Player Stats
6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
230 lb (104 kg)
Born:
December 6, 1896
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Died:
September 5, 1971
Los Angeles, California, U.S.
Position:
Center
College:
Notre Dame
George Trafton was one of the NFL’s pioneering centers and a foundational figure in professional football during the league’s early years. Playing primarily for the Chicago Bears from 1920 to 1932, Trafton was known for his toughness, intelligence, and leadership on the offensive line, helping shape modern center play. He was a key part of the Bears’ early dominance, combining blocking prowess with defensive skill in an era when players often played both ways.
Trafton was also among the first to perfect techniques like the snap-to-pass and efficient line calls, setting a standard for future generations. After retiring as a player, he contributed as a coach and mentor, leaving a lasting influence on the sport. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1964, George Trafton is remembered as one of the game’s first dominant linemen and a true pioneer of professional football.
Trafton's Awards and Honors
- 2× NFL champion (1921, 1932)
- 2× First-team All-Pro (1920, 1924)
- Second-team All-Pro (1927)
- NFL 1920s All-Decade Team
- 100 greatest Bears of All-Time
NFL Records
- One of the first dominant centers in NFL history
- Innovated snap-to-pass and line-calling techniques
- Anchored Bears’ early championship teams
- Played both offense and defense at elite levels
NFL Teams
Chicago Bears (1920–1921, 1923–1932)
Number Worn:
13
NFL Stats
Seasons:
12 (1920-1921,1923–1932)
Games Played:
148
Games Started:
100
NFL champion:
2 (1921, 1932)