The Bears' commitment to honoring their players is a testament to their greatness. The relatively small but highly esteemed group of retired jerseys is a symbol of the team's respect and appreciation for the contributions of these players. These numbers are more than just digits; they symbolize an era of dominance, innovation, and unwavering dedication to the game.

From the gridiron's early days to the modern era, the Bears have produced a roster of Hall of Famers whose impact on the franchise is immeasurable. Their jerseys, permanently removed from circulation, serve as a constant reminder of the team's illustrious past and the high standards set by these iconic figures.  

The Bears' retired numbers are a treasure trove of football lore, each a chapter in the team's captivating history. These jerseys represent the pinnacle of achievement in the NFL and the enduring impact of the players who earned this ultimate honor. Whether it's the bruising power of Walter Payton, the defensive genius of Mike Singletary, or the legendary coaching of George Halas, their influence on the Chicago Bears and the sport as a whole is undeniable.

Jersey Number 3

Bronko Nagurski 1930–1937, 1943

Jersey Number 5

George McAfee 1940–1941, 1945–1950

Jersey Number 7

George Halas 1920- 1928

Jersey Number 28

Willie Galimore 1957 -1963

Jersey Number 34

Walter Payton 1975–1987

Jersey Number 40

Gale Sayers 1965–1971

Jersey Number 41

Brian Piccolo 1965–1969

Jersey Number 42

Sid Luckman 1939–1950

Jersey Number 51

Dick Butkus 1965–1973

Jersey Number 56

Bill Hewitt 1932–1936

Jersey Number 61

Bill George 1952–1965

Jersey Number 66

Bulldog Turner 1940–1952

Jersey Number 77

Red Grange 1925–1934

Jersey Number 89

Mike Ditka 1961-1966

If you love football jersey designs and evolution, wait until you check out the History of American Football Jersey.

Football Jersey Frequently Asked Questions

✦ Who is the most famous player that wore the jersey number 26 in NFL history? As you can see from our post above, there is plenty to choose from, but we will narrow it down to two great DBs, Herb Adderly of the Packers and Rod Woodson, best known for his time as a Steeler, both wore the number 26. You can learn more about this legend in our post about him here: Herb Adderly and Rod Woodson.

✦ What are American football jerseys made of? Modern jerseys are made of synthetic fibers such as polyester or a blend of different materials such as spandex. For more, check out our in-depth study of The Makeup and Materials of Football Jerseys.

✦ What are some of the most unique football jerseys in history? Gridiron jerseys with logos on the front were once a fad. Check out this story titled Football Jerseys with Emblems.

✦ Whose college football jersey was the first to be retired? Red Grange's Number 77 Ilinois Illini jersey was the first college uni shelved in 1925. There were a couple more about the same time, and we chatted with a college football expert historian to help divulge College Football and its First Retired Jerseys.