Ex-Bears great Sprinkle passes away

Former Bears defensive end Ed Sprinkle, who was once described by George Halas as “the greatest pass rusher I’ve ever seen,” passed away Monday at the age of 90.

A fierce competitor, Sprinkle played his entire 12-year NFL career with the Bears from 1944-55. He was voted to four Pro Bowls and was named to the NFL’s All-Decade Team for the 1940s.

“Ed Sprinkle wore the No. 7 with distinction as did George Halas before him,” said Bears chairman George H. McCaskey. “He was a real rough-and-tumble guy who made a name for himself around the league with just how competitive a player he was.

“He was also a great Bears alum who was very active and a frequent attendee at our annual homecoming events. It’s just a sad day at the Bears. He will be missed.”