Chicago Bears road numbers 1971-72

Anyone know why the Bears inexplicably changed from their signature rounded font on their road jerseys circa 1971-72 to a block style? The only good thing about this is that when you see a photo featuring this style, you know what year(s) the photo was taken!

During the late 60s and early 70s many teams employed mesh jerseys mainly for the preseason and early season hot weather games rather than the heavy durene jerseys better suited for cooler weather. Both styles were still worn throughout the season by the Bears so it's not like they gave up on their trademark rounded numbers.
I'm not sure why the mesh jerseys couldn't get the normal font but I'm sure glad they didn't b/c it definitely makes it easier to tell which jerseys were being worn.

gregger63 wrote:Anyone know why the Bears inexplicably changed from their signature rounded font on their road jerseys circa 1971-72 to a block style? The only good thing about this is that when you see a photo featuring this style, you know what year(s) the photo was taken!

Sadly, it's pretty clear when that photo was taken: 10/24/71. At first glance, I thought it was Chuck Hughes literally dying on the ground, but that didn't occur near the end zone, considering the goal post can be seen. Not sure who that player is for the Lions.

That is Chuck Hughes...

Dick Butkus claims for years people interpreted this photo as if he had just hit Hughes.