Former Chicago Bears, Dallas Cowboys Quarterback Dies Of Cancer At 70

Bob Avellini, who spent time in the National Football League as a quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys and an even longer stint with the Chicago Bears, has reportedly died at the age of 70.

His official cause of death is being listed as cancer. The former Maryland Terrapin, who was drafted originally by the Chicago Bears, was a sixth round draft choice.

The quarterback had a career completion percentage of 50.5%, throwing for 33 touchdowns and 69 interceptions during his career. His record was 23-27 as a starter. He also threw for over 7000 yards during his career.

The Chicago Bears released the following statement on the death of their former quarterback, saying, “Bob was one-of-kind, a fierce and tough competitor. 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.”

The longtime Bear played for Chicago from 1975 to 1984. It was Avellini who was eventually replaced by Super Bowl champion quarterback Jim McMahon. McMahon took Avellini’s place after the 1984 NFL season.

After departing the only team he had ever known in Chicago, Avellini would move on to the Jets, and eventually sign a contract to play for the Dallas Cowboys.

In 1986, Avellini started three preseason games for the Dallas Cowboys under legendary head coach Tom Landry. Landry would have a change of heart, releasing Avellini prior to the beginning of the season.

Landry was amongst the winningest coaches in NFL history, and coached the Cowboys for 29 years before being fired by then-incoming Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. Jones would hire Hall of Fame coach Jimmy Johnson to replace him. Johnson and Jones would go on to win two Super Bowls together in 1992 and 1993 before parting ways.

Though he never found success after leaving Chicago, the Bears community surely remembers Avellini for his contributions to their franchise.

We pray for his loved ones during this difficult time. Rest in peace, Bob Avellini!