Former Chicago Bears quarterback Bob Avellini, who helped lead the team to the 1977 NFL playoffs after a 14-year drought, died at age 70, the team announced. Avellini died Saturday, per the Bears. The team confirmed to the Chicago Tribune that the cause of death was cancer. Avellini shared the backfield and the 1975 draft class with Pro Football Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton. The Bears selected Jackson State's Payton fourth overall while Maryland's Avellini was the 135th pick, coming in the sixth round. The starter in 1976 after four starts as a rookie, Avellini played with the Bears until he was released in the 1984 season.
Former Bears QB Bob Avellini dies at age 70
