The Chicago Bears, a cornerstone franchise of the National Football League, boast a rich and captivating history stretching back over a century. While their iconic navy and orange uniforms are instantly recognizable, a particular detail often sparks curiosity among both seasoned fans and newcomers alike: the “GSH” patch. This article delves into the significance of this patch, exploring its meaning and the legendary figure it commemorates.
The “GSH” lettering is proudly displayed on every Chicago Bears uniform, a constant presence even evolving with the team’s uniform iterations, including its classic 1936 throwbacks reintroduced in 2024. This enduring emblem is a tribute to George Stanley Halas Sr., the visionary founder and original owner of the Bears. Upon his passing in 1983, the team permanently added this patch to their jerseys, ensuring his indelible legacy remains woven into the very fabric of the franchise.
But who was George Halas, and why does he merit such a prominent and lasting honor on the Chicago Bears uniforms?
George Halas was more than just an owner; he was the embodiment of the Chicago Bears for over six decades. Born in Chicago, Halas excelled in multiple sports, showcasing his athletic prowess early on. He played both football and baseball at the University of Illinois, contributing to their Big Ten football title in 1918. His athletic journey continued during his service as a U.S. Navy ensign in World War I, where he played for the Great Lakes Navy Bluejackets, earning the MVP title at the 1919 Rose Bowl – an achievement that later led to his induction into the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame.
Halas’s diverse sporting career included a brief stint in Major League Baseball as an outfielder for the New York Yankees. He recounted later that baseball legend Babe Ruth ultimately replaced him in right field for the Yankees. A hip injury curtailed his baseball ambitions, leading him to a pivotal role in the nascent world of professional football.
He joined the A. E. Staley Company and played for their company-sponsored football team, the Decatur Staleys. Significantly, Halas represented the Staleys at the foundational 1920 meeting that established the American Professional Football Association, which would evolve into the NFL two years later.
A turning point arrived after the 1921 season’s inaugural game. Augustus E. Staley entrusted full control of the team to Halas, paving the way for the franchise’s relocation to Chicago. Maintaining the “Staleys” name for the 1921 season, the team, now the Chicago Staleys, played at the venue that would become Wrigley Field and clinched their first NFL championship that very year.
Halas’s influence extended beyond ownership; he was also the team’s coach, and even played wide receiver and defensive end while managing the entire franchise. His exceptional contributions during the league’s early years earned him a place on the NFL’s 1920s All-Decade Team. After briefly retiring from playing and coaching in 1930, he resumed coaching duties in 1933, leading the Bears to further championships in 1933, 1940, and 1941.
His commitment to service saw him serve again in World War II. Returning to the Bears in 1946, he continued coaching until 1955, adding another championship in 1946 to his impressive record. Following a short hiatus, he returned to the sidelines from 1958 to 1967, during which the Bears secured the 1963 NFL championship. His coaching excellence was recognized with AP Coach of the Year awards in 1963 and 1965.
After retiring from coaching for good, Halas remained the Bears’ owner until his death in 1983 at the age of 88. His coaching legacy is staggering: a 318-148-31 record, a .671 winning percentage, and six NFL championships. Remarkably, in his 40 seasons as head coach, he only experienced six losing seasons.
George Halas’s impact on football is immeasurable. The NFC Championship trophy bears his name, and he was a charter inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1963, cementing his status as a true legend of the game.
Even today, the Chicago Bears remain a family-owned franchise. Upon George Halas’s death, his eldest daughter, Virginia Halas McCaskey, inherited ownership. At 101 years old, she remains the owner, with her son, George Halas McCaskey, serving as the team’s current chairman. This enduring family connection underscores the profound and lasting legacy of George Stanley Halas Sr., forever honored by the GSH patch on the Bears uniforms, a constant reminder of the man who built the franchise.
