Bob Avellini, who quarterbacked the Chicago Bears through some of the greatest seasons of Walter Payton’s career and helped the team make the playoffs in 1977, has died. He was 70.

Bob Avellini of the Chicago Bears drops back to pass during the game against the New Orleans Saints at Soldier Field in Chicago on Oct. 2, 1977. Avellini played for the Bears from 1975 to 1984.

CHICAGO — Bob Avellini, the former Chicago quarterback who teamed with Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton to lead the Bears to the 1977 playoffs, died Saturday. He was 70.

Bob Avellini, who quarterbacked the Chicago Bears through some of the greatest seasons of Walter Payton’s career and helped the team make the playoffs in 1977, has died. He was 70.

Bob Avellini: The quarterback, who directed the Chicago Bears to a playoff berth in 1977, died May 4. He was 70. (Focus on Sport/Getty Images) ByBob D'Angelo, Cox Media Group National Content Desk ...

CBS Sports HQ CHICAGO (AP) — Bob Avellini, the former Chicago quarterback who teamed with Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton to lead the Bears to the 1977 playoffs, died Saturday. He was 70.

Former Chicago Bears quarterback Bob Avellini passed away Saturday at the age of 70. Avellini, a former sixth-round pick in 1975, spent 10 years in Chicago. He appeared in 73 games, including 50 ...

CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 14: Bob Avellini #7 of the Chicago Bears drops back to pass against the St Louis Cardinals during an NFL football game December 14, 1975 at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois.

Quarterback Bob Avellini, who led the Chicago Bears to their first NFL playoff berth in 14 seasons in 1977 and handed off to Walter Payton during the running back’s greatest seasons, died ...