U.S. #3150
32¢ George Halas
Football Coaches
Issue Date: August 16, 1997
City: Chicago, IL
Quantity: 10,000,000
Printed By: Ashton-Potter (USA) Ltd
Printing Method: Lithographed
Perforations: 11.2
Color: Multicolored
George Halas’ contributions to the game of football are truly legendary. A major force in the development of the professional football league, he helped transform the modern game. In fact, his 1942 team is considered by some to be the greatest team in the history of U.S. professional football.
Born in Chicago, Halas began his professional football career in 1920 with the Decatur Staleys – a team he formed under the American Professional Football Association. An exceptional defensive end, he played for the team, as well as coached it. In 1921 he moved the team to Chicago, and the following year they were renamed the Chicago Bears.
During the 1930s Halas revolutionized football strategy with his wide-open offensive style. Not only did he revive the T-formation, but he also added a man in motion that allowed for a quick-opening attack and placed a tremendous burden on the defense. He was also one of the first coaches to use film sessions and daily practices to prepare the team for games.
On several occasions he left coaching, but later returned. When he finally retired in 1968, he had coached the Chicago Bears for 40 seasons and had led them to seven league championships.
The Legendary Football Coaches se-tenant stamps honoring Bear Bryant, George Halas, Vince Lombardi, and Pop Warner, were dedicated July 25, 1997, at the Pro Football Hall of Fame. On various dates in August, separate stamps for each coach, with one design per pane, were issued. These stamps can be distinguished by the red bar over the coach's name.