Bob Avellini dies at 70
Bob Avellini Dies at the age of 70 on Saturday. Avellini succumbed to cancer, according to the Bears., the ex-Chicago quarterback who, alongside Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton, guided the Bears to the playoffs in 1977.
Former Bears QB Bob Avellini has died at age 70 https://t.co/3admaJt0fM pic.twitter.com/um8QmdwHsw
— Bears Wire (@TheBearsWire) May 6, 2024
Source: Twitter/Bear Wire
1977 marked the pinnacle of Avellini and Payton's careers, with both players delivering standout performances as the Bears and the Minnesota Vikings finished with identical 9-5 records in the NFC North. While the Vikings clinched the division title, Chicago secured a wild-card playoff spot.
In the playoffs that year, the Bears suffered a 37-7 defeat to Dallas. Avellini had a season with 11 touchdown passes and a career-best 2,004 yards, alongside 18 interceptions. Meanwhile, Payton excelled with over 1,800 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns.
Over a span of nine seasons from 1975 to 1984, Avellini amassed 7,111 passing yards, throwing 33 touchdowns and 69 interceptions across 73 games.
Hailing from New York, Avellini and Payton were part of the same draft class, both chosen by Chicago in 1975—Payton as the fourth overall pick and Avellini in the sixth round out of Maryland.
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