REPORT: Former Dallas Cowboys Quarterback Died From Cancer.

A former quarterback for the Chicago Bears, New York Jets, and Dallas Cowboys died at 70. He had been battling cancer.

A former Dallas Cowboys quarterback died

Oct 17, 1976; Los Angeles, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears quarterback Bob Avellini (7) in action against the Los Angeles Rams at the Coliseum. The Rams defeated the Bears 20-12. Mandatory Credit: Darryl Norenberg-USA TODAY Sports

According to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, Bob Avellini died:

Bob Avellini, who quarterbacked the Chicago Bears through some of the greatest seasons of Walter Payton’s career and helped the team make the playoffs in 1977, has died. He was 70.

A team official confirmed Avellini’s death and said he had been battling cancer.

Bob Avellini was known for teaming with Walter Payton

Unknown Date 1976; Chicago, IL, USA; FILE PHOTO; Chicago Bears running back Walter Payton (34) take the handoff from Bob Avellini (7) during the 1976 season at Solider Field. Mandatory Credit: Malcolm Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Avellini, a native of New York City, was a standout quarterback for Maryland. The Bears drafted Avellini in the sixth round of the 1975 draft. Avellini was known for teaming up with legendary running back Walton Payton and leading the Bears to the playoffs in 1977.

Avellini played with the Bears through the early part of the 1984 season, mainly as a backup quarterback in the early 1980s. He signed with the Jets in November of 1984 season. He missed the 1985 season but returned to play for the Dallas Cowboys in 1986. He played in three preseason games for the College before they cut him.

By today’s standards, Avellini would have had a dismal career. He threw more than twice as many interceptions as touchdowns. He finished his career with 7,111 passing yards, 33 touchdowns, and 69 interceptions.

Avellini had a complicated life following his retirement from the league. He helped with local Chicago charities. He was sentenced to 18 months in prison for aggravated DUI in 2014, his third DUI.