Red Grange
Inducted:
1963
Player Stats
6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
180 lb (82 kg)
Born:
June 13, 1903
Forksville, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Died:
January 28, 1991
Lake Wales, Florida, U.S.
Position:
Halfback
Coach
Executive
College:
University of Illinois
Red Grange, known as "The Galloping Ghost," was one of the most important figures in early football history. A college superstar at Illinois, he brought instant credibility and national attention to the NFL when he joined the Chicago Bears in 1925. Grange’s electrifying speed, elusive running, and ability to dominate on both offense and defense made him a phenomenon. His barnstorming tour with the Bears helped legitimize professional football during a time when the college game reigned supreme.
Though injuries shortened his NFL career, his impact was enormous—on the field and in the league’s growth. Grange was known for his integrity, athleticism, and unmatched popularity. He later served as a coach, broadcaster, and ambassador for the sport. His legacy as a founding icon of pro football earned him a place as a charter member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1963.
Grange's Awards and Honors
- 2× NFL champion (1932, 1933)
- 2× First-team All-Pro (1930, 1931)
- Chicago Bears No. 77 retired
- 100 greatest Bears of All-Time
- National champion (1923)
- 2× Consensus All-American (1923, 1925)
- Big Ten Most Valuable Player (1924)
- 3× First-team All-Big Ten (1923–1925)
NFL Records
- NFL 1920s All-Decade Team
- Among the first players to bridge college and pro football
- Considered the first true national football superstar
- Named to the NFL’s 100 Greatest Players list in 2019
NFL Teams
As a player:
Chicago Bears (1925)
New York Yankees (1926–1927)
Chicago Bears (1929–1934)
As a coach:
Chicago Bears (1935–1937)
As executive:
New York Yankees (1926–1927)
Number Worn:
77
NFL Stats
Seasons:
1925–1927, 1929–1934
Rushing yards:
569
Rushing average:
3.3
Rushing touchdowns:
21
Receptions:
16
Receiving yards:
288
Receiving touchdowns:
10
