With the NFL set to celebrate its 100th birthday on Sept. 17, 2020, here's a look at what transpired this week in Bears history:
April 27
In 1919, Ed McCaskey was born. The husband of Virginia McCaskey and father of 11 children worked for the Bears from 1967-2003 as a vice president, treasurer, chairman and chairman emeritus. Mr. McCaskey was also a decorated World War II veteran and accomplished singer. He passed away on April 8, 2003 at the age of 83.
April 28
In 1968, former safety Mark Carrier was born. Selected by the Bears with the sixth pick in the 1990 draft out of USC, he spent his first seven NFL seasons in Chicago, appearing in 109 games with 105 starts and recording 20 interceptions and 10 forced fumbles. Carrier was named NFL defensive rookie of the year in 1990 after registering an NFL rookie record and Bears franchise record 10 interceptions. He was named to the Pro Bowl in three of his first four seasons and voted first-team All-Pro in 1991.
April 29
In 1983, both former quarterback Jay Cutler and defensive tackle Tommie Harris were born. In eight seasons with the Bears from 2009-16, Cutler became the franchise's all-time leading passer in attempts (3,271), completions (2,020), yards (23,443), touchdowns (154), completion percentage (61.8), passer rating (85.2) and 300-yard games (16). Chosen by the Bears with the 14th pick in the first round of the 2004 draft out of Oklahoma, Harris was voted to three Pro Bowls in seven seasons in Chicago.
April 30
In 2016, the Bears selected running back Jordan Howard in the fifth round of the draft out of Indiana. Howard played three seasons in Chicago and ranks seventh on the franchise's all-time rushing list with 3,370 yards. Howard began his first season third on the depth chart but ultimately was voted to the Pro Bowl after ranking second in the NFL in rushing and setting a Bears rookie record with 1,313 yards.
May 1
In 1984, the Bears selected linebackers Wilber Marshall and Ron Rivera in the first two rounds of the NFL Draft. Both players were members of the 1985 Super Bowl championship team. Marshall spent his first four NFL seasons in Chicago, appearing in 59 games with 43 starts and recording 16.5 sacks, nine interceptions and eight forced fumbles. He was voted to the Pro Bowl in 1986 and 1987. Rivera played his entire nine-year NFL career with the Bears. A valuable reserve early in his career, Rivera served as a regular starter from 1988-90.
May 2
In 1908, former guard and end Joe Zeller was born. Zeller spent six seasons with the Bears from 1933-38, appearing in 67 games with 10 starts. The Indiana University product was a member of the Bears' NFL championship team in 1933. Zeller passed away on Sept. 23, 1983 at the age of 75.
May 3
In 1956, former linebacker Cliff Thrift was born. Thrift played one season with the Bears, appearing in all 16 games in 1985 when the team went 15-1 and won its first Super Bowl championship. Thrift also played with the Chargers (1979-84) and Rams (1986).
