“Bob was one-of-a-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 14 years. He will be missed.”

Former Bears quarterback Bob Avellini died on Saturday at the age of 70.

Bob Avellini, who quarterbacked the Chicago Bears through some of the greatest seasons of Walter Payton’s career, has died. He was 70.

Avellini, a native of New York City, was a standout quarterback for Maryland. The Bears drafted Avellini in the sixth round of the 1975 draft. He was known for teaming up with leg

Bob Avellini, the former Bears QB who teamed with Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton to lead the Bears to the 1977 playoffs, has died. He was 70.

Former Chicago Bears quarterback Bob Avellini died Saturday at age 70. According to the Chicago Tribune's Brad Briggs, the team said Aveilli died after battling cancer. On Sunday morning, the Bears issued a statement mourning Avellini's passing.