Jim McMahon, the former BYU quarterback who led the Chicago Bears to a Super Bowl victory, has passed away today. He was 65 years old.
Born on August 21, 1959, in Jersey City, New Jersey, McMahon’s football journey began at Brigham Young University (BYU), where he played from 1978 to 1981. At BYU, he set several school records and was known for his strong arm and leadership on the field.
In 1982, McMahon was selected by the Chicago Bears as the fifth overall pick in the NFL Draft. He quickly became the team’s starting quarterback, leading the Bears to a Super Bowl victory in 1985. His performance in Super Bowl XX was particularly notable, as he became the first quarterback in Super Bowl history to rush for two touchdowns.
Throughout his 15-season NFL career, McMahon played for several teams, including the San Diego Chargers, Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings, Arizona Cardinals, and Green Bay Packers. He retired after the 1996 season, having earned a reputation as a resilient and competitive quarterback.
Off the field, McMahon faced numerous health challenges, including multiple surgeries and a battle with early-onset dementia, which he publicly discussed in 2012.
Despite these challenges, he remained active in the football community and was known for his candidness and sense of humor.
Jim McMahon’s legacy as a pioneering quarterback and his contributions to the sport will be remembered by fans and players alike.
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