DURHAM, N.C. -- George McAfee, a College and Pro Football Hall of Famer who was a star at Duke University and for the Chicago Bears, has died. He was 90.
St. Stephen's Episcopal Church in Durham, where McAfee attended church, confirmed Thursday that McAfee died Wednesday night.
McAfee helped the Blue Devils to a 24-4-1 record and two Southern Conference titles between 1937 and 1939. He led Duke in rushing, receiving, scoring, kickoff returns, punt returns, interceptions and punting during his senior season. He earned first-team All-America honors, and Duke went 8-1.
In eight seasons with Chicago, McAfee gained more than 5,000 all-purpose yards and had 21 interceptions. His 35-yard interception return for a touchdown helped the Bears take a 73-0 victory over the Washington Redskins in the 1940 NFL Championship Game.
"George McAfee helped establish the proud tradition of the Chicago Bears," the team said in a statement. "His versatility led to his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as he played offense, defense and special teams on three championship teams (1940, 1941 and 1946). George also served his country in the Navy during WWII. We are proud to have him as an integral part of our history and are saddened by his passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family."
Copyright 2009 by The Associated Press
