William James Wade was an American professional football player who was a quarterback in the National Football League.
13 Facts About Bill Wade
2.
Bill Wade is considered one of the greatest athletes in Nashville and Vanderbilt University history.
3.
Bill Wade is a member of the Tennessee Sports Hall of Fame.
4.
Bill Wade is best known for being the starting quarterback on the Chicago Bears' 1963 NFL championship team.
5.
Bill Wade was named the Southeastern Conference's Most Valuable Player and a second-team All-American.
6.
Bill Wade played in the Senior Bowl of 1952 and was selected to play in the College All-Star Game in Chicago.
7.
Bill Wade was the first player selected in the 1952 NFL draft, by the Los Angeles Rams, but did not join the team until 1954 because of military service.
8.
Bill Wade asked to be traded to the Bears in 1961 and was sent with teammates Del Shofner and John Guzik for two players and a draft pick.
9.
Bill Wade topped the league in 1962 in pass completions and attempts, and threw for 466 yards on Nov 11 in Dallas, second in franchise history to Johnny Lujack.
10.
Bill Wade was the first Bear to record four games with 300+ passing yards in a season.
11.
Bill Wade held the position for one year, before being offered to replace George Halas as the team head coach.
12.
Bill Wade declined the opportunity at his father's advice, and the position was filled by Jim Dooley.
13.
Bill Wade was named to the Vanderbilt Athletics Hall of Fame as part of its inaugural class.