The “GSH” on Chicago Bears jerseys is a memorial to George S. Halas , the legendary founder, longtime owner, and coach of the franchise.

Who George Halas Was

  • George Stanley Halas Sr. founded the Bears (originally the Decatur Staleys) and became full-time owner in 1921, with the team renamed the Chicago Bears in 1922.
  • He served as player, coach, and executive for decades and is regarded as one of the key architects of the NFL’s early growth.

Why “GSH” Is On The Jerseys

  • The Bears added Halas’s initials “GSH” to their uniforms after his death in 1983 as a permanent tribute to his impact on the team and the league.
  • The letters typically appear on the sleeves of the jerseys and have remained there ever since as a symbol of the franchise’s history and tradition.

What It Symbolizes Today

  • “GSH” is meant to remind players and fans of the Bears’ roots, honoring Halas’s role in building one of the NFL’s oldest and most storied teams.
  • It functions like a constant memorial patch, connecting current seasons and throwback uniforms alike to the legacy of “Papa Bear” Halas.