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George Halas (D 1983), nicknamed "Papa Bear" and "Mr. Everything", was a player, coach, owner, and pioneer in professional American football. He was the iconic longtime leader of the NFL's Chicago Bears. He was also lesser known as an inventor, jurist, producer, philanthropist, philatelist, and professional baseball player. What a lot of fans don’t realize that if it weren’t for Babe Ruth replacing Halas in the Yankees outfield, there may have never been Da Bears.
Bob Swisher (D. 1979) played College football for Northwestern and then spent five seasons with the Bears from 1938-41 with a long absence to serve in World War II. He also played for the Iowa Seahawks (a powerful Naval Pre-Flight School that had a powerhouse football program) where he was a teammate of Heisman Trophy winner, Tom Harmon. He returned to play for the Bears for one final season in 1945. He later went into coaching at Loyola University (Los Angeles) and at the Naval Air Station in Millington, TN.
Offered is an 8.5” x 11” typed letter signed from 1968 on Chicago Bears letterhead thanking former Bears player, Bob Swisher for his happy Birthday wishes. Halas writes, “I never indulge in idle comment, as you very well know, so when I tell you that you are high on my list of favorite Bears players, you will have to accept it as the trust. You were a great competitor and I am sure you have carried this trait into your business career.”
Halas goes on to talk about being hopeful for their 1968 season and that they had a satisfactory draft with great football operations content.
Signed in blue ink, “George”
Full JSA LOA
Item: 13169
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