Bears great George McAfee dies

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CHICAGO, March 6 (UPI) -- NFL Hall of Fame Chicago Bears running back George McAfee has died from undisclosed causes in Durham, N.C., at the age of 90.

He died Wednesday, The New York Times reported.

MaAfee was an All-American at Duke University when was signed by Bears founder George Halas after being taken with the No. 2 overall pick in the 1940 draft. His pro football career lasted just eight years because of his service time in the U.S. Navy.

The versatile McAfee averaged 12.8 yards per punt return, scored a combined 33 touchdowns (22 rushing, 11 receiving), and in his first regular-season game, ran back a kickoff 93 yards and threw a touchdown pass in a 41-10 win over Green Bay, the Times said.

"George McAfee helped establish the proud tradition of the Chicago Bears," the team said in a statement. "His versatility led to his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame."

Also, he returned an interception for a touchdown in the Bears' 73-0 rout of the Washington Redskins in the 1940 NFL championship game.