Former Chicago Bears quarterback, Bob Avellini, known for his time leading the team during some of Walter Payton's career highlights, has sadly passed away at the age of 70. A team official confirmed Avellini's death, revealing that he had been battling cancer.

Avellini's football journey began when the Bears selected him in the sixth round of the 1975 NFL draft. He joined the same class as the legendary Walter Payton and started four games in his rookie season. In a memorable victory over the New Orleans Saints, Avellini impressed by throwing for 268 yards and three touchdowns.

His performance at the end of the season earned him the starting quarterback position in 1976. Avellini helped the team achieve a 7-7 record while passing for 1,580 yards, eight touchdowns, and 15 interceptions. However, it was in 1977 that Avellini experienced his most successful season. The Bears tied with the Minnesota Vikings at the top of the NFC Central with a 9-5 record. Avellini threw for a career-high 2,004 yards with 11 touchdowns and 18 interceptions, while Payton also had the best season of his career.

Unfortunately, the Bears' playoff run was cut short as they were defeated by the Dallas Cowboys in a disappointing 37-7 loss. By the start of the 1978 season, Avellini found himself replaced by Mike Phipps, whom the Bears had traded a first-round pick to acquire. Avellini remained with the Bears until the 1984 season, making three more starts in a total of 24 games played.

Avellini's relationship with Bears coach Mike Ditka was not without tension. Avellini publicly criticized Ditka's coaching style, mentioning that he felt threatened with being cut on a weekly basis. Despite the differences between them, Avellini acknowledged that he tried to do everything asked of him and expressed disappointment with not being able to contribute to the team.

Following his time with the Bears, Avellini had a brief stint with the New York Jets before retiring from football. He also spent some time with the Dallas Cowboys during the 1986 preseason.

Bob Avellini's passing marks the end of an era for the Chicago Bears and its fans. His contributions to the team during Walter Payton's remarkable years will forever be remembered. Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family, friends, and the entire football community as they mourn the loss of a talented quarterback who left his mark on the sport.

Dates: 1975-1984, Sept. 16, 1984
Numbers: 70, sixth round, 268 yards, three touchdowns, 42-17 victory, 1,580 yards, eight touchdowns, 15 interceptions, 2,004 yards, 11 touchdowns, 18 interceptions, 37-7 loss, 24 games, 9-7 record, 1,852 rushing yards, 14 touchdowns, 5.5 per-carry average, 7-7 record, 38-9 loss.