Had George Halas Not Overslept In 1915, Barely Missing A Deadly Tragedy, The NFL Might Not Exist Today

A simple mistake saved a man’s life and changed American sports forever. George Halas, the future founder of the Chicago Bears, narrowly avoided one of the nation’s worst maritime disasters. His survival paved the way for the creation of the National Football League.

This year marks the anniversary of the SS Eastland tragedy. The event set in motion a series of events that would lead to the formation of America’s most popular sports league.

The Chicago River Catastrophe

The SS Eastland capsized in the Chicago River on July 24, 1915. The ship was overloaded with employees heading to a company picnic. It rolled over while still docked, resulting in 848 deaths.

According to historical accounts from the Chicago Tribune, the vessel was structurally unstable. New safety rules added heavy lifeboats after the Titanic sinking, making the ship dangerously top-heavy. The shallow water did little to prevent the massive loss of life.

George Halas, then 20, was scheduled to be on that ship. Multiple reports suggest he overslept that morning. Other theories say he was delayed by his brother or planned to take a later boat.

His business partners, the Brizzolara brothers, boarded without him. They were miraculously rescued through a port window after the ship capsized. Halas was mistakenly listed among the dead in initial newspaper reports.

Building a Football Legacy

Halas later said the close call gave him a new perspective on life. He took a job with the A.E. Staley Company and managed their football team, the Decatur Staleys. The team struggled financially, so Halas acquired full control and moved them to Chicago.

In 1920, Halas attended a historic meeting in Canton, Ohio. He joined other team owners at a car dealership to form the American Professional Football Association. This new league would later become the National Football League.

Halas was instrumental in writing the league’s first constitution. He established standard player contracts and created the first league schedules. His leadership helped the struggling league survive its early years.

He renamed his team the Chicago Bears in 1922. Halas coached the team for 40 seasons, winning six championships. His 324 victories stood as an NFL record for nearly three decades.

The Multi-Billion Dollar Outcome

Halas’s survival had profound long-term consequences. He pioneered many aspects of modern professional football. These included daily practices, game film analysis, and radio broadcasts.

He also advocated for revenue sharing between teams. Halas believed that a stronger league would benefit everyone. This philosophy helped the NFL grow into a national powerhouse.

The Chicago Bears are now valued at approximately $6.5 billion. The team remained in the Halas family for generations. His daughter Virginia inherited the team and became one of sports’ most influential women.

The NFL might look very different today if Halas had boarded the SS Eastland. His vision and leadership shaped professional football as we know it. The league owes its existence to a fateful morning oversleep.

The story of George Halas demonstrates how a single moment can alter history. His survival from the SS Eastland disaster directly led to the creation of the NFL. The league’s multi-billion dollar success began with an alarm clock that never sounded.

Dropping this nugget your way

What was the SS Eastland disaster?

The SS Eastland was a passenger ship that capsized in the Chicago River in 1915. It resulted in 848 fatalities, making it one of the worst maritime disasters in Great Lakes history. The incident occurred while the ship was still docked.

How did George Halas miss the boat?

Historical accounts suggest Halas overslept on the morning of the disaster. Other theories indicate he was delayed by family or planned to travel later. His exact reason for missing the departure remains uncertain.

What role did Halas play in creating the NFL?

Halas was a founding owner who attended the league’s first organizational meeting. He helped draft the league’s original constitution and established many foundational policies. His Chicago Bears were one of the league’s first flagship franchises.

How valuable are the Chicago Bears today?

The Chicago Bears are currently valued at approximately $6.5 billion. The team remained under Halas family control for nearly a century. This makes it one of the most valuable franchises in professional sports.

Did Halas know he was saved by oversleeping?

Halas was certainly aware of his narrow escape from the disaster. He was mistakenly listed among the casualties in initial news reports. The experience reportedly gave him a renewed appreciation for life and opportunity.