Jim McMahon Chicago Bears Publications

Sporting News August 28 1989 Mike Scott/Houston Astros Cover, Notre Dame Football, Jose Oquendo/St. Louis Cardinals, Jim McMahon/Chicago Bears to San Diego Chargers

Jim McMahon, Jr. is a former quarterback, playing collegiately at Brigham Young University, where he was a two-time All-American (1980, 1981) and later in the professional ranks with the Chicago Bears and Philadelphia Eagles. His spectacular college statistics caught the attention of the Chicago Bears, who selected McMahon in the first round (fifth pick overall) of the 1982 NFL Draft. McMahon won the Bears' starting quarterback job as a rookie and was named to several All-Rookie teams when he nearly led the team to the playoffs. He established himself as the best play-action passer in the game with his nonchalant fake handoffs and coolness in the pocket. Despite having only average arm strength, his situational awareness and superior acting skills made him a fearsome play-action passer. In 1985, the Bears won their first 12 games and finished 15-1 for the season. McMahon became a media darling, not only for his outstanding play on the field, but also for his personality. He ended the season with a strong performance in Super Bowl XX, which the Bears won 46-10 over the New England Patriots. In that game, McMahon became the first quarterback in the history of the Super Bowl to rush for two touchdowns.