Bob Avellini, the former Chicago Bears quarterback who helped lead the team to the 1977 playoffs alongside Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton, has died at the age of 70. The Bears confirmed that Avellini passed away on Saturday after a battle with cancer, marking the loss of a key figure in the team’s history.
Avellini’s Career and Partnership with Payton
Avellini and Payton formed a dynamic duo during the 1977 NFL season, with both players having career-defining performances. Chicago and the Minnesota Vikings each finished with a 9-5 record in the NFC North, with Minnesota taking the division title and Chicago earning a wild-card playoff berth. Despite their success, the Bears were eliminated in the playoffs by the Dallas Cowboys, with a 37-7 loss.
Avellini’s 1977 season saw him throw for 2,004 yards with 11 touchdown passes and 18 interceptions, his best statistical performance in his career. Payton, on the other hand, rushed for over 1,800 yards and scored 14 touchdowns, further solidifying his status as one of the greatest running backs in NFL history.
A Journey in the NFL
Bob Avellini’s NFL career spanned nine seasons, from 1975 to 1984, during which he played 73 games and amassed 7,111 passing yards with 33 touchdowns and 69 interceptions. Although his career statistics were modest, his partnership with Payton during the Bears’ playoff run in 1977 remains a memorable moment in the team’s history.
Avellini was part of the same draft class as Payton, selected by the Chicago Bears in the sixth round out of the University of Maryland in 1975. Payton was the Bears’ first-round pick, going fourth overall, and would go on to become a Hall of Fame inductee.
Former Bears quarterback Bob Avellini passes away at age 70https://t.co/4E67phWwbN
— BearsNationCP (@CpBears) May 6, 2024
Legacy and Impact on the Bears
Bob Avellini’s legacy with the Bears is tied to his role in the 1977 playoff team and his partnership with Walter Payton. His contributions during that season were instrumental in leading Chicago to the playoffs, showcasing his skill as a quarterback and his ability to lead the team.
Avellini’s death marks the end of an era for the Bears and the NFL, as fans and former teammates reflect on his impact on the field. The Bears have expressed their condolences to Avellini’s family and acknowledged his role in the team’s history.
Final Thoughts and Funeral Arrangements
As the NFL community remembers Bob Avellini, his partnership with Walter Payton and his role in leading the Bears to the playoffs in 1977 stand out as significant moments in his career. Avellini’s journey from being a sixth-round pick to a key player in the Bears’ playoff run serves as a testament to his talent and determination.
Further details about Avellini’s funeral arrangements have not yet been announced. The Bears and the broader NFL community will continue to honor his memory and contributions to the sport.
