How Much Did George Halas Pay For The Bears

So, there I was, digging through some old newspapers at a flea market, when I stumbled upon a headline that made my eyes pop out: "Halas Buys Bears for $100 and a Handshake." I mean, come on! A hundred bucks and a handshake? For one of the most iconic NFL teams? I had to find out more. So, grab a cup of coffee, let's dive into the tale of how much George Halas really paid for the Chicago Bears.

Meet George Halas, the Original Bear

George Halas, the legendary coach and owner of the Chicago Bears, was a true character. He was a tough guy, a World War I veteran, and a football player himself. He started the Decatur Staleys, which later became the Chicago Bears. But how did he become the owner? Let's rewind to 1920.

In those days, the American Professional Football Association (APFA) was just getting started. It was the precursor to the NFL, and it was a bit of a wild west. Teams were popping up and folding faster than you could say "touchdown."

The Decatur Staleys: A Factory Team

The Decatur Staleys were a factory team, sponsored by the A.E. Staley food company. They were one of the more successful teams in the APFA, but the company wasn't too keen on keeping up the sponsorship. That's where Halas comes in.

Halas was the player-coach of the Staleys. He was a charismatic guy, and he had a vision for the team. He saw potential in pro football, even if others didn't. So, when the Staley company decided to pull out, Halas saw his chance. He was ready to roll up his sleeves and make a deal.

The Deal: $100 and a Handshake

According to legend, Halas walked into the office of A.E. Staley's president, Charles Staley. He laid out his vision for the team, his passion for football, and his plan to keep the team in Decatur. Then, he made his offer: $100 and a handshake.

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Now, I don't know about you, but I've seen some pretty shady handshakes in my life. But this one? This one was different. It was the start of something big. Charles Staley agreed, and just like that, George Halas became the owner of the Decatur Staleys.

But Wait, There's More

Here's where things get a bit tricky. That $100 and a handshake story? It's a great tale, but it's not entirely accurate. You see, Halas actually paid $5,000 for the team. But where's the fun in that? A hundred bucks and a handshake makes for a much better story.

So, why the discrepancy? Well, Halas himself liked to tell the $100 and a handshake story. It was a fun anecdote, and it played up his underdog status. But the truth is, he paid a bit more. Not that it matters much. After all, he turned that $5,000 into one of the most iconic franchises in sports history.

Chicago Bears founder George Halas played a part in everything for NFL

The Legacy of George Halas

Halas went on to coach the Bears for 40 seasons, winning eight NFL championships. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1963, and the Bears' stadium is named after him. Not bad for a hundred bucks and a handshake, huh?

So, the next time you're watching the Bears on TV, remember this story. Remember that it all started with a passionate man, a vision, and a deal that might have been a bit more complicated than it seemed. But hey, that's football for you. It's not always about the money. Sometimes, it's about the heart.

And there you have it, folks. The tale of how much George Halas paid for the Chicago Bears. It's a story of passion, vision, and a touch of legend. Just like the game itself.