Football History

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October 1, 1922 - The former team known as the Chicago Staleys (Decatur Staleys) suits up under the banner of the Chicago Bears and faces a new NFL franchise, the Racine Legion. This battle ended up in a Bears 6-0 victory.

The Bears, who had started as the Decatur Staleys, home of their sponsor, the A.E. Staley Manufacturing Co., moved to the Windy City in 1921 and played as the Chicago Staleys until this day, which set the standard for a new Moniker.

The Bears story begins in 1920, when, fresh out of college, he organized a football team for his then employer, A.E> Staley, in Decatur, Illinois, the Decatur Staleys. He served as both player and coach, showcasing his early leadership and passion for the game. However, the Staleys faced financial difficulties, prompting Halas to seek greener pastures.

In 1921, Halas saw an opportunity in Chicago. Partnering with Dutch Sternaman, he secured the rights to move the Staleys to Chicago and rename them the Chicago Staleys. This move was a gamble, but Halas's entrepreneurial spirit shone through. He saw the potential for a strong fan base in the Windy City. A year later, they rebranded as the Bears.

The early years in Chicago were a constant battle for financial stability. Halas wore many hats, managing the team's finances, scouting players, and selling tickets. However, his dedication and tireless work ethic started to pay off. The Bears achieved early success, winning the NFL championship in 1921.

Halas was pivotal in establishing the National Football League (NFL) in 1920, serving as an owner advisor and shaping its rules and structure. He was a shrewd businessman, securing television deals and driving the league's financial growth.

On June 24th, 1922, a new chapter unfolded in the history of American football. The Racine Legion, a team based in Racine, Wisconsin, took the field for the first time. This short-lived franchise, later known as the Racine Tornadoes, would leave its mark on the National Football League (NFL) during its brief but exciting existence from 1922 to 1926.

This post delves into the fascinating story of the Racine Legion/Tornadoes. We'll explore their rise to prominence, their battles against the league's early giants, and the factors that ultimately led to their demise. So, gear up for a journey through a forgotten era of the NFL, where a Wisconsin town witnessed the rise and fall of a team that packed a punch in its short time on the gridiron.

June 24, 1922 - Racine Legion/Tornadoes franchise forms and plays 1922 through 1926. The Racine Legion was based in Racine, Wisconsin, and played in the National Football League from 1922 to 1924. Its official name was the Horlick-Racine Legion. The franchise had one final season when then operated as the Racine Tornadoes in 1926. According to a Professional Football Researcher Association 1984 article by Paul LaRose in the group's Coffin Corner Magazine, The team was organized by American Legion Post 76 to help promote both the club's activities and the city of Racine. The squad consisted of 18 men and was coached by one George "Babe" Ruetz. The Legions finished their inaugural season in fifth place with a 6-4-1 record having an agressive schedule that included the Chicago Bears. Things did not get much better than that though. The Legions last game was in Green Bay, October 24, 1926. After absorbing a 35-0 beating at the hands of the Packers, the team folded. Its four-year record was 15-15-5.