Former Chicago Bears quarterback Bob Avellini died Saturday at age 70.
According to the Chicago Tribune‘s Brad Briggs, the team said Aveilli died after battling cancer. On Sunday morning, the Bears issued a statement mourning Avellini’s passing.
“Bob was one-of-kind, a fierce and tough competitor,” the team said. “He’s perhaps best remembered for leading the Bears on an improbable run in 1977 to our first postseason appearance in fourteen years. He will be missed.”
Avellini spent his entire NFL career with the Bears from 1975 to 1984. He made 40 of his 50 career starts from 1976 to 1978.
Although he threw more interceptions (18) than touchdowns (11) in 1977, Avellini led three fourth-quarter comebacks and four game-winning drives. A team fueled by MVP running back Walter Payton won their final six games to finish 9-5 and snap a lengthy playoff drought.
Avellini started that winning streak by throwing a 37-yard touchdown to Greg Latta in the closing seconds of a 28-27 triumph over the Kansas City Chiefs. That run ended with a first-round loss to the Dallas Cowboys.
Avellini played three seasons at Maryland before the Bears drafted the New York native in the sixth round. He finished his NFL career with 33 touchdown passes.
Our condolences go out to Avellini’s loved ones.