In honor of Black History Month, ChicagoBears.com is introducing you to African-American pioneers in Bears history.
Willie Thrower had the perfect name to play quarterback, but that's not why it's inscribed in NFL history books.
As a member of the Bears, Thrower became the first African-American quarterback in NFL history on Oct. 18, 1953 when he replaced an ineffective George Blanda in a loss to the 49ers at Wrigley Field.
Thrower completed 3 of 8 passes for 27 yards before Blanda was reinserted and played in only one more game for the Bears in 1953 before being released.