Description
Book Synopsis This thorough examination of the 1963 NFL Championship chronicles the trials and triumphs of Chicago''s historically most neglected champions against the economic, social, legal and human-interest backdrop of professional football in the 1960s. The Bears and their legendary owner/coach George Halas adjusted to the increased revenue of the television era and the behind-the-scenes drama of a gambling scandal, while developing into one of the greatest teams of the pre-Super Bowl era. Their tumultuous rise and tragic deterioration are covered in detail.
Trade ReviewBillington is a tireless researcher…. As fine as [he] is at writing about games, he is equally adept at providing historical and societal perspectives."—
Chicago TribuneTable of Contents
- Acknowledgments
- Preface
- Introduction
- 1. January: He Who Gambles Lives in Shambles
- 2. February and March: Rozelle Takes His Time and Papa Bear's Youth Movement
- 3. April and May: Hornung and Karras, Welcome to Shambles
- 4. June and July: Mugs Halas, Your Table Is Ready, and Papa Bear's White Whale
- 5. August: Back Home Again, in Indiana
- 6. September: Best Start in 15 Years!
- 7. October: The NFL Takes Notice
- 8. November: Declaring Their Dominance, Surviving a Tragedy
- 9. December: Earning It the Hard Way
- 10. December: The Irrepressible Force Meets the Immovable Object
- 11. December: The Nation Witnesses a Classic
Afterword: Trouble, Sadness, and Fleeting Success
- Epilogue: The Price They Paid
- Chapter Notes
- Bibliography
- Index
