Bob Avellini
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Bob Avellini Legacy
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Bob Avellini Career Stats via Wikipedia
Bob Avellini Career Timeline
HEYTC AI1984 1
Released by Jets
After one season with the New York Jets, Avellini was released, effectively ending his NFL career as a starting quarterback.
1983 1
Traded to New York Jets
Bob Avellini was traded to the New York Jets, ending his nine-year tenure with the Chicago Bears. This marked a significant transition in his career.
1982 1
Strike-Shortened Season
Competed in the strike-shortened 1982 NFL season with the Bears during a period of labor disputes in professional football.
1980 1
Shoulder Injury
Avellini suffered a significant shoulder injury that affected his performance and availability, marking the beginning of injury troubles that would impact his career.
1979 1
Playoff Appearance
Led the Chicago Bears to the NFC Central division title and a playoff appearance, demonstrating the team's competitive improvement during his tenure.
1978 1
Pro Bowl Selection
Avellini earned his first and only Pro Bowl selection after a strong season with the Bears, establishing himself as a capable NFL starter.
1977 1
Named Bears Starting Quarterback
Avellini took over as the primary starting quarterback for the Chicago Bears, beginning a significant tenure with the franchise.
1975 1
Drafted by Chicago Bears
Bob Avellini was selected by the Chicago Bears in the 1975 NFL Draft as a second-round pick (#51 overall). He came to the Bears from the University of Maryland.
Frequently Asked Questions About Bob Avellini
How does Caleb Williams compare to Bob Avellini?
Caleb Williams, the Bears' shiny new No. 1 pick, has a long way to go before sniffing Bob Avellini's turf—Avellini went 35-38 as starter, slinging 7,111 yards and 33 TDs alongside Walter Payton in the gritty '70s, even dragging Chicago to a '77 playoff win over Minnesota before Dallas spanked 'em. Williams? Still auditioning in this pass-happy era, but Avellini's the bar for Bears grit.
Is Bob Avellini in the Pro Football Hall of Fame?
Nah, Bob Avellini never made it to Canton—no bust waiting for him in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Guy threw for 7,111 yards and 33 TDs over nine Bears seasons, teamed with Payton for that wild '77 playoff push, but 69 picks and a 54.8 completion rate kept the gold jacket off his shelf. Solid soldier, not a shrine guy.
How would Bob Avellini perform in today's NFL?
Avellini's gunslinger arm—7,111 yards, 33 TDs in the stone ages—might feast under today's no-touch passing rules, where QBs live forever behind monster lines. But those 69 picks scream turnover machine in a league that punishes mistakes like a ref with a whistle fetish. He'd post big numbers, sure, but probably still bench candy behind a mobile wizard.
How does Bob Avellini compare to Jim McMahon?
Avellini's 27.5 passer rating looks like amateur hour next to Jim McMahon's 45.04—McMahon was the punk-rock wizard who torched defenses in '85, while Bob was the steady hand going 35-38 with Payton, no Super Bowl chaos. Both Bears lifers, but McMahon's flair won rings; Avellini handed off to greatness without the spotlight steal. Classic '70s vs. '80s vibe.