Oldest Former Chicago Bears Player Dies

The oldest former Chicago Bears player died this week at his Pennsylvania home.

John Siegal, an end who helped the Bears win three NFL titles in the 1940s was 97, according to the team’s official website. The Bears confirmed from their offices in Lake Forest he died this week at his home in Harveys Lake, Pennsylvania.

Siegal played for the Bears from 1939 to 1943, winning titles in 1940, 1941 and 1943 alongside Sid Luckman - still known to this day as the best quarterback in team history. Siegal and Luckman also played together collegiately at Columbia University in New York City.

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During his career, Siegal caught 31 passes for 637 yards and six touchdowns while appearing in 43 games with 16 starts. He was a part of the team’s historic 73-0 victory over the Washington Redskins in the 1940 NFL Championship Game.

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Siegal also earned a dental degree from Northwestern University and served in the Navy during World War II. He later became a dentist in Pennsylvania.

Among his survivors is granddaughter Ann Rabjohns of Lake Forest.

Photo: Siegal (No. 6) during the Bears’ 73-0 win over the Washington Redskins in the 1940 NFL Championship Game.