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95. Joe Fortunato

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95. Joe Fortunato

Joe Fortunato played his entire career with the Chicago Bears, the team that drafted him in the 7th Round in 1952. 

While the Linebacker was chosen for the 1950's All-Decade Team, many of his accolades took place in the 1960s.  Four of his five Pro Bowls came in the '60s as did all three of his First Team All-Pro Selections.  In regards to his team accomplishments, Fortunato was a vital component of the 1963 Bears Championship Team.  He would record 16 Interceptions and recovered 22 Fumbles over his career.

The Bullet Points

  • Country of Origin: Mingo Junction, Ohio, U.S.A.
  • Eligible Since: Saturday, 01 January 1972
  • Position: Linebacker
  • Games Played: 155
  • Notable Statistics: 16 Interceptions
    156 Interception Return Yards
    1 Interception Return Touchdown
    22 Fumble Recoveries
    43 Fumble Recovery Yards
    1 Fumble Recovery Touchdown
    21.0 Quarterback Sacks*
    2 Rushing Attemtps
    -9 Rushing Yards
    1 Rushing Touchdown
    80 Approximate Value

    2 Playoff Games

    *Quarterback Sacks were unofficiallly calculated by Pro Football Reference from 1960 to 1981.
  • Played For: Chicago Bears
  • College: Arkansas Tech
  • Drafted: 7th Round, 80th Overall in 1952
  • Major Accolades and Awards:

    NFL Champion (Chicago Bears 1963)
    NFL 1950s All-Decade Team
    First Team All-Pro (3) (1963, 1964 & 1965)
    Second Team All-Pro (1) (1962)
    Pro Bowl (5) (1958, 1962, 1963, 1964 & 1965)

  • Other Points of Note:

    Top Ten Finishes: Approximate Value (1) (1963)
    Top Ten Finishes: Fumble Recoveries (1) (1959)
    Top Ten Finishes: Fumble Recovery Yards (1) (1966)

  • Notable All Time Rankings: 88. Fumble Recoveries: 22

Should Joe Fortunato be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 86.4%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 13.6%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 0%
No opinion. - 0%
No way! - 0%
Last modified on Thursday, 23 March 2023 21:56

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