Joe Fortunato, member of Chicago Bears' 1963 title team, dies at 87

A member of the Chicago Bears' 1963 NFL championship team has died.

Joe Fortunato, a linebacker who played on a defense that included Pro Football Hall of Famers Doug Atkins and Bill George, was 87. He died at his home in Mississippi on Monday. A cause of death has not been released.

“Joe Fortunato was not only a great player for the Chicago Bears, including being a part of our 1963 championship at Wrigley Field, he was a key figure in one of the greatest linebacker trios in Bears history alongside Hall of Famer Bill George and Larry Morris,” Bears Chairman George H. McCaskey said in a statement Thursday.

“The Chicago Bears family extends our condolences to the Fortunato family on the passing of Joe.”

Fortunato came to the Bears in 1955 from Mississippi State, where he played linebacker and fullback. He starred for the Bears during 12 seasons, was named All-Pro three times and to the Pro Bowl five times. Fortunato won the 1963 NFL championship with the Bears, who defeated the New York Giants in the title game under the guidance of coach George Halas. That 1963 title represented the Bears' last championship until the team won Super Bowl XX in the 1985 season. 

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After his pro career, Fortunato continued with the Bears as an assistant coach in 1967-68. 

Just last month, he became a member of the Mississippi State football Ring of Honor.

Contributing: Associated Press

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