Luckman was twice chosen as an All-American and was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame. Upon graduating, he announced his retirement from football, but George Halas, owner of the Chicago Bears, succeeded in recruiting him. After a mediocre rookie season, Luckman blossomed into what sportswriter Ira Berkow called “the first great T-formation quarterback.” Number 43 for the Bears for twelve seasons, Luckman led his team to four NFL championships and made MVP in 1943. He was inducted into the Football Hall of Fame in 1965. After retiring from football, Luckman became a successful Chicago businessman and tutored quarterbacks and college coaches.