Chicago Bears: 5 draft picks they gave up on too soon
By Erik Lambert
03. Bobby Layne
The 1950s was somewhat of a lost decade for the Bears after so much glory in the 1940s. The reason for this can be traced back to one ill-fated decision at the quarterback spot. In 1948 they selected a young man out of Texas named Bobby Layne. This gave them a depth chart of Sid Luckman, Johnny Lujack, and Layne. That’s two future Hall of Famers and a multi-time Pro Bowler. Something that is absolutely unfathomable today.
It seemed clear at the time that Lujack was the heir apparent to the aging Luckman. Layne realized this and requested a trade to another team that might give him a chance to play. George Halas, either through lack of foresight or simple accommodation, granted it. Layne was dealt to the New York Yankees in 1949 and then found his way to the Detroit Lions where he would forge his superstar career, winning three NFL championships.
Lujack did become the starter but left pro football at just 27-years old to pursue a coaching job at Notre Dame. One he didn’t even end up getting.