Bob Avellini, the former Bears quarterback who collaborated with Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton to guide the Bears to the playoffs in 1977, has passed away at the age of 70.
The Bears announced on Saturday that Avellini succumbed to cancer, although the exact date of his passing was not disclosed.
In 1977, Avellini and Payton both enjoyed stellar seasons, leading the Bears alongside the Minnesota Vikings to a 9-5 record in the NFC North. While the Vikings claimed the division title, the Bears secured a wild-card playoff berth.
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Despite their postseason berth, the Bears suffered a defeat at the hands of Dallas, losing 37-7 in the playoffs that year. Avellini amassed 11 touchdown passes and a career-best 2,004 yards, albeit with 18 interceptions. Payton, on the other hand, amassed over 1,800 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns.
Over the course of his nine-season career spanning from 1975 to 1984, Avellini accumulated 7,111 passing yards, throwing 33 touchdowns and 69 interceptions across 73 games.
Hailing from New York, Avellini was drafted by the Bears in the same class as Payton, selected in the sixth round out of Maryland in 1975, while Payton was the fourth overall pick.
