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:
June 1
In 1949, former Bears safety Craig Clemons was born. Selected by the Bears with the 12th pick in the first round of the 1972 draft, he spent his entire six-year NFL career in Chicago, appearing in 82 games with 58 starts and recording nine interceptions and seven fumble recoveries.
In 1970, former Bears quarterback Shane Matthews was born. Matthews spent four seasons with the Bears, appearing in 31 games with 22 starts and passing for 3,461 yards with 19 touchdowns, 18 interceptions and a 75.1 passer rating.
June 2
In 1994, offensive lineman Germain Ifedi was born. Ifedi signed with the Bears April 1 after spending his first four NFL seasons with the Seahawks. Selected by Seattle with the 31st pick in the first round of the 2016 draft out of Texas A&M, he started all 60 games he appeared in over the past four seasons, helping the Seahawks earn three playoff berths.
June 3
In 1941, former Bears linebacker Lee Roy Caffey was born. Caffey played one season for the Bears, starting all 14 games in 1970. He was acquired in a trade with the Green Bay Packers along with running back Elijah Pitts and guard Bob Hyland in exchange for the second overall pick in the 1970 draft which the Packers used to choose defensive tackle Mike McCoy.
June 4
In 1979, former Bears defensive end Alex Brown was born. Brown appeared in 127 games with 107 starts over eight seasons with the Bears from 2002-09 and ranks fourth in franchise history with 43.5 sacks. He also recorded 382 tackles, 79 tackles-for-loss, 16 forced fumbles, 11 fumble recoveries, 39 pass breakups and five interceptions.
June 5
In 1956, the Bears announced the signing of defensive back J.C. Caroline. The Illinois product played his entire 10-year NFL career with the Bears from 1956-65 and was part of the 1963 championship team. He was voted to the Pro Bowl as a rookie in 1956 after compiling six interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns.
June 6
In 1938, former Bears running back and return specialist Billy Martin was born. Selected by the Bears in the fourth round of the 1960 draft out of Minnesota, he spent his entire three-year career with the team, appearing in 32 games with one start. The Chicago native averaged 5.2 yards on 30 punt returns and 21.7 yards on 53 kickoff returns. Martin was a member of the Bears' 1963 NFL championship team.
June 7
In 1997, running back David Montgomery was born. Selected by the Bears in the third round of the 2019 draft from Iowa State, Montgomery rushed for 889 yards and six touchdowns on 242 carries and caught 25 passes for 185 yards and one TD as a rookie.
