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Bill Wade, QB who led Chicago Bears to NFL championship, dies at 85 Bill Wade, QB who led Chicago Bears to NFL championship, dies at 85
(5 days later)
Bill Wade, a star college quarterback at Vanderbilt who played 13 seasons in the NFL and led the Chicago Bears to the 1963 league championship, died March 9 at a retirement facility in Nashville. He was 85. Bill Wade, a star quarterback at Vanderbilt University who played 13 seasons in the NFL and led the Chicago Bears to the 1963 league championship, died March 9 at a retirement facility in Nashville. He was 85.
His daughter Sharon Wade Kinser confirmed the death. The cause was not disclosed.His daughter Sharon Wade Kinser confirmed the death. The cause was not disclosed.
Mr. Wade was selected as the top overall pick in the 1952 pro football draft by the Los Angeles Rams. After serving two years in the Navy, he joined the Rams in 1954 and threw for 124 touchdowns and 18,530 yards during a 13-year NFL career. He was traded to the Bears in 1961 and retired after the 1966 season.Mr. Wade was selected as the top overall pick in the 1952 pro football draft by the Los Angeles Rams. After serving two years in the Navy, he joined the Rams in 1954 and threw for 124 touchdowns and 18,530 yards during a 13-year NFL career. He was traded to the Bears in 1961 and retired after the 1966 season.
During his playing days, Mr. Wade — who was often called “Billy” — wore black high-top football shoes and was never considered a flashy player. He was known instead for his steady leadership durability, particularly after joining coach George Halas’s Chicago Bears in 1961. He was an All Pro in 1962 and 1963. During his playing days, Mr. Wade — who was often called “Billy” — wore black high-top football shoes and was never considered a flashy player. He was known instead for his steady leadership durability, particularly after joining coach George Halas’s Chicago Bears in 1961. He was an all-pro in 1962 and 1963.
In 1963, Mr. Wade threw for 2,301 yards and 15 touchdowns as the Bears’ field general. Under coach George Halas, the Bears were a defensive-minded team, highlighted by the stellar play of defensive end Doug Atkins, who died in December. In 1963, Mr. Wade threw for 2,301 yards and 15 touchdowns as the Bears’ field general. Under Halas, the Bears were a defensive-minded team, highlighted by the stellar play of defensive end Doug Atkins, who died in December.
In the NFL championship game against the New York Giants, played in 10-degree weather in Chicago on Dec. 29, 1963, Mr. Wade scored both of his team’s touchdowns on quarterback sneaks as the Bears won the title, 14-10.In the NFL championship game against the New York Giants, played in 10-degree weather in Chicago on Dec. 29, 1963, Mr. Wade scored both of his team’s touchdowns on quarterback sneaks as the Bears won the title, 14-10.
William James Wade Jr. was born Oct. 4, 1930, in Nashville. His father, W.J. Wade, had captained Vanderbilt’s football team in the 1920s.William James Wade Jr. was born Oct. 4, 1930, in Nashville. His father, W.J. Wade, had captained Vanderbilt’s football team in the 1920s.
As Vanderbilt’s quarterback, Mr. Wade broke almost every school passing record. His 16 touchdown passes for the Commodores in 1950 stood as a school record for more than 30 years. He threw for 3,397 yards and 31 touchdowns during his college career and was named the Souteastern Conference’s most valuable player and a second-team All-American in 1951. As Vanderbilt’s quarterback, Mr. Wade broke almost every school passing record. His 16 touchdown passes for the Commodores in 1950 stood as a school record for more than 30 years. He threw for 3,397 yards and 31 touchdowns during his college career and was named the Southeastern Conference’s most valuable player and a second-team All-American in 1951.
After his football career, Mr. Wade moved to Nashville and entered the banking business.After his football career, Mr. Wade moved to Nashville and entered the banking business.
In later years, he lost his eyesight from glaucoma. In later years, he lost his eyesight because of glaucoma.
A complete list of survivors could not be confirmed.A complete list of survivors could not be confirmed.
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