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Discover The History Of Chicago Bears Quarterbacks By Year

Trends January 15, 2025

The Chicago Bears, a legendary franchise in the NFL, have had a long and illustrious history, with many iconic quarterbacks gracing their roster over the years. From the early days of the league to the modern era, the Bears have fielded some of the greatest signal-callers in football history.

The history of Chicago Bears quarterbacks is a rich and storied one, dating back to the team's founding in 1920. Over the years, the Bears have had some of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, including Hall of Famers Sid Luckman, Otto Graham, and Jay Cutler.

The importance of the quarterback position in football cannot be overstated. The quarterback is the leader of the offense and is responsible for making all the key decisions. A great quarterback can make all the difference for a team, and the Bears have been fortunate to have some of the best in the business.

The following table lists all of the Chicago Bears quarterbacks who have started at least one game for the team, along with their years of service:

Name	Years
Sid Luckman	1939-1950
Otto Graham	1955-1958
Jay Cutler	2009-2016

The Chicago Bears have a rich history of great quarterbacks, and the tradition continues today with Justin Fields. The future is bright for the Bears, and their fans can expect to see more great quarterbacks in the years to come.

Chicago Bears Quarterbacks by Year

The Chicago Bears, one of the most storied franchises in NFL history, have had a long line of great quarterbacks over the years. From the early days of the league to the modern era, the Bears have fielded some of the greatest signal-callers in the game.

Sid Luckman
Otto Graham
Jay Cutler
Justin Fields
Hall of Fame
NFL Championships
Super Bowl Appearances
Uniforms

These are just a few of the key aspects that make the Chicago Bears quarterbacks such an important part of the team's history and tradition. From the early days of Sid Luckman to the modern era of Jay Cutler and Justin Fields, the Bears have always had a strong tradition of quarterback play.

1. Sid Luckman

Sid Luckman was one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history and a key part of the Chicago Bears' success in the early years of the league. He led the Bears to four NFL championships and was named to the Pro Bowl seven times.

Luckman was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1916. He played college football at Columbia University, where he was a two-time All-American. He was drafted by the Bears in the first round of the 1939 NFL Draft.

Luckman made an immediate impact on the Bears, leading them to the NFL championship in his rookie season. He was a master of the T-formation offense and was known for his quick release and pinpoint accuracy.

Luckman retired from the NFL in 1950 and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1965. He died in 1998 at the age of 81.

Sid Luckman was one of the most important players in Chicago Bears history. He was a great leader and a great quarterback, and he helped the Bears to achieve great success in the early years of the NFL.

2. Otto Graham

Otto Graham was a professional American football player who played quarterback for the Cleveland Browns and Chicago Cardinals in the All-America Football Conference (AAFC) and National Football League (NFL) from 1946 to 1955. He was one of the most successful quarterbacks of his era, leading the Browns to 10 AAFC and NFL championships.

Playing Career
Otto Graham played quarterback for the Cleveland Browns from 1946 to 1955. During his time with the Browns, he led the team to 10 AAFC and NFL championships. He was named the AAFC MVP in 1947 and the NFL MVP in 1955.
Coaching Career
After retiring from playing, Otto Graham became a coach. He was the head coach of the Washington Redskins from 1966 to 1968 and the Chicago Cardinals from 1969 to 1972.
Legacy
Otto Graham is considered one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1965.

Otto Graham was a great quarterback and a great leader. He was a key part of the Chicago Bears' success in the early years of the NFL.

3. Jay Cutler

Jay Cutler is a former American football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 12 seasons, primarily with the Chicago Bears. He is widely regarded as one of the most successful quarterbacks in Bears franchise history.

Playing Style
Cutler was known for his strong arm, mobility, and leadership skills. He was a pocket passer with a quick release and a knack for making big plays.
Accomplishments
During his time with the Bears, Cutler led the team to the NFC Championship Game in 2010 and was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2008 and 2012. He also holds several Bears franchise records, including most passing yards (23,443) and most passing touchdowns (154).
Legacy
Cutler's legacy with the Bears is somewhat mixed. He was a popular figure among fans, but he was also criticized for his inconsistency and his tendency to make mistakes at. However, there is no doubt that he was one of the most talented quarterbacks in Bears history.

Overall, Jay Cutler was a successful quarterback who made a significant contribution to the Chicago Bears. He was a talented player with a strong arm and leadership skills. While his legacy is somewhat mixed, there is no doubt that he was one of the most important players in Bears history.

4. Justin Fields

Justin Fields is an American football quarterback for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football at Ohio State, where he won the Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year award in 2019 and finished third in the Heisman Trophy voting. Fields was selected by the Bears with the 11th overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Fields is a dynamic quarterback who can make plays with his arm and his legs. He has a strong arm and can make all the throws, and he is also a very good runner. Fields is still developing as a passer, but he has shown a lot of potential in his first two seasons in the NFL.

Fields is the future of the Chicago Bears. He is a talented quarterback with a lot of upside. The Bears are hoping that Fields can lead them to their first Super Bowl title since 1985.

The connection between Justin Fields and Chicago Bears quarterbacks by year is significant because Fields is the latest in a long line of great quarterbacks to play for the Bears. He is a talented player who has the potential to be one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL.

Fields is still developing as a player, but he has shown a lot of potential in his first two seasons in the NFL. He is a dynamic quarterback who can make plays with his arm and his legs. The Bears are hoping that Fields can lead them to their first Super Bowl title since 1985.

5. Hall of Fame

The Pro Football Hall of Fame is a museum and hall of fame dedicated to professional American football, located in Canton, Ohio. The Hall of Fame honors the best players, coaches, and contributors to the game of professional football. Several Chicago Bears quarterbacks have been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, including:

Sid Luckman
Otto Graham
Gale Sayers
Dick Butkus
Walter Payton

These players were all outstanding performers who made significant contributions to the game of football. They are all members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame because they represent the highest level of achievement in the sport.

The connection between the Hall of Fame and Chicago Bears quarterbacks by year is significant because it shows that the Bears have a long and storied history of producing great quarterbacks. The Hall of Fame is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a football player, and the fact that so many Bears quarterbacks have been inducted into the Hall of Fame is a testament to the team's rich tradition of quarterback play.

6. NFL Championships

The Chicago Bears are one of the most successful teams in NFL history, having won nine NFL Championships. Many great quarterbacks have played for the Bears over the years, and they have been a key part of the team's success.

Sid Luckman
Sid Luckman led the Bears to four NFL Championships in the 1940s. He was one of the greatest quarterbacks of his era, and he is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Otto Graham
Otto Graham led the Bears to three NFL Championships in the 1950s. He was one of the most successful quarterbacks of his era, and he is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Jay Cutler
Jay Cutler led the Bears to the NFC Championship Game in 2010. He was a Pro Bowl quarterback, and he is one of the most popular players in Bears history.
Justin Fields
Justin Fields is the current quarterback for the Bears. He is a rising star, and he has the potential to be one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL.

The connection between NFL Championships and Chicago Bears quarterbacks by year is clear. The Bears have had some of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, and they have been a key part of the team's success. The Bears are hoping that Justin Fields can continue the tradition of great quarterback play and lead the team to more NFL Championships.

7. Super Bowl Appearances

The Chicago Bears have appeared in the Super Bowl twice, in 1985 and 2006. While they lost both games, their appearances are a testament to the great quarterbacks who have played for the team over the years.

Sid Luckman
Sid Luckman led the Bears to the NFL Championship in 1940, but the team did not play in the Super Bowl until after he retired.
Otto Graham
Otto Graham led the Bears to the NFL Championship in 1954, but the team did not play in the Super Bowl until after he retired.
Jim McMahon
Jim McMahon led the Bears to the Super Bowl in 1985, but the team lost to the New England Patriots.
Rex Grossman
Rex Grossman led the Bears to the Super Bowl in 2006, but the team lost to the Indianapolis Colts.

8. Uniforms

Uniforms play a significant role in the history of Chicago Bears quarterbacks by year, as they reflect the changing styles and traditions of the team. The Bears have worn a variety of uniforms throughout their history, each with its own unique design and significance.

The George Halas Era (1920-1968)
During the George Halas era, the Bears wore a variety of uniforms, but the most iconic was the navy and orange "Monsters of the Midway" uniform. This uniform featured a navy blue jersey with orange stripes on the sleeves and pants, and a white helmet with a navy blue stripe and orange "C" logo. The Monsters of the Midway uniform was worn by some of the greatest Bears quarterbacks of all time, including Sid Luckman and Otto Graham.
The Ditka Era (1982-1992)
The Ditka era was a time of great success for the Bears, and the team's uniforms reflected that success. The Bears wore a navy blue and orange uniform with white stripes on the sleeves and pants, and a white helmet with a navy blue stripe and orange "C" logo. This uniform was worn by some of the greatest Bears quarterbacks of all time, including Jim McMahon and Mike Ditka.
The Modern Era (1993-Present)
The modern era has seen the Bears wear a variety of uniforms, but the most iconic is the navy and orange "Bear Down" uniform. This uniform features a navy blue jersey with orange stripes on the sleeves and pants, and a white helmet with a navy blue stripe and orange "C" logo. The Bear Down uniform is worn by the current Bears quarterbacks, including Justin Fields.

The uniforms of the Chicago Bears have changed over the years, but the team's commitment to excellence has remained the same. The Bears have a long and storied history, and their uniforms are a reflection of that history.

FAQs about Chicago Bears Quarterbacks by Year

This section provides answers to frequently asked questions about Chicago Bears quarterbacks by year. These questions and answers are intended to provide a deeper understanding of the topic and address common misconceptions.

Question 1: Who is the greatest Chicago Bears quarterback of all time?

There is no definitive answer to this question, as there have been many great quarterbacks in Bears history. However, some of the most commonly mentioned names include Sid Luckman, Otto Graham, Jim McMahon, and Jay Cutler.

Question 2: What is the most successful era for Chicago Bears quarterbacks?

The most successful era for Chicago Bears quarterbacks was arguably the 1940s and 1950s, when the team won six NFL championships. During this era, the Bears were led by Sid Luckman and Otto Graham, two of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history.

Question 3: Who is the current starting quarterback for the Chicago Bears?

The current starting quarterback for the Chicago Bears is Justin Fields.

Question 4: What is the future outlook for Chicago Bears quarterbacks?

The future outlook for Chicago Bears quarterbacks is bright. Justin Fields is a young and talented quarterback with a lot of potential. He has shown flashes of brilliance in his first two seasons in the NFL, and the Bears are hoping that he can develop into a franchise quarterback.

Question 5: What are some of the challenges facing Chicago Bears quarterbacks?

One of the biggest challenges facing Chicago Bears quarterbacks is the team's offensive line. The Bears have struggled to protect their quarterbacks in recent years, and this has led to a lot of sacks and turnovers. Another challenge facing Bears quarterbacks is the team's lack of offensive weapons. The Bears have not had a true number one wide receiver since Brandon Marshall, and this has made it difficult for quarterbacks to succeed.

Summary: Chicago Bears quarterbacks have a long and storied history. The team has been led by some of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history, and the future looks bright with Justin Fields at the helm. However, there are some challenges that Bears quarterbacks must overcome, such as the team's offensive line and lack of offensive weapons.

Transition: The next section of this article will provide a more in-depth look at the history of Chicago Bears quarterbacks.

Conclusion

The Chicago Bears have a long and storied history at the quarterback position. From the early days of Sid Luckman to the modern era of Justin Fields, the Bears have fielded some of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history.

The Bears' quarterbacks have been a key part of the team's success over the years. They have led the team to nine NFL Championships and two Super Bowl appearances. The Bears' quarterbacks have also been recognized for their individual accomplishments, with several being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The future looks bright for the Bears at the quarterback position. Justin Fields is a young and talented player with a lot of potential. He has shown flashes of brilliance in his first two seasons in the NFL, and the Bears are hoping that he can develop into a franchise quarterback.

The Chicago Bears have a rich tradition of quarterback play. The team's quarterbacks have been a key part of the team's success over the years, and the future looks bright with Justin Fields at the helm.