Halas, << HAL uhs, >> George Stanley (1895-1983), was a pioneer of professional football. He owned, coached, and played for the Chicago Bears, one of the original teams of the National Football League (NFL). Halas helped develop a wide-open offensive style of play that increased the popularity of the NFL. His other innovations include using film sessions and daily practices to prepare for games.
Halas was born on Feb. 2, 1895, in Chicago. In 1920, he organized and played end for the Decatur (Illinois) Staleys. In 1922, the Staleys became the Chicago Bears. Halas ended his playing career in 1929. He coached the Bears from 1920 to 1929, from 1933 to 1942, from 1946 to 1955, and from 1958 to 1967. Halas won 324 games, an NFL record until it was broken by Don Shula. Halas won NFL championships in 1933, 1940, 1941, 1946, and 1963. In 1963, he was made a charter member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Halas died on Oct. 31, 1983.
