Professional Football Player. For seven seasons (1946 to 1952), he played at the offensive-end and defensive-back positions in the National Football League with the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers. Born James Patrick Keane, he was raised in West Virginia where he attended Linsly Military Institute and played collegiate football at the University of Iowa before transferring to Northwestern University (his studies were interrupted while he served with the US Military during World War II). Selected by the Bears during the 18th round of the 1945 NFL Draft, he appeared in 81 career regular season games. While a rookie, Keane enjoyed a championship season as the Bears captured the 1946 NFL Title. His most productive year was in 1947, when he lead the league in receptions with 64, while amassing 910 yards and 10 touchdowns. He concluded his career in 1952 with Green Bay, compiling 224 receptions with 3,222 yards and 24 touchdowns, while earning All-Pro honors twice (1947 and 1949). At the time of his death, he remained among the Bears' all-time leaders in career receptions and yardage. Following his football career, he worked as a sales manager in the insurance, construction and mortgage industries. His younger brother Tom Keane played in the NFL from 1948 to 1955.
Professional Football Player. For seven seasons (1946 to 1952), he played at the offensive-end and defensive-back positions in the National Football League with the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers. Born James Patrick Keane, he was raised in West Virginia where he attended Linsly Military Institute and played collegiate football at the University of Iowa before transferring to Northwestern University (his studies were interrupted while he served with the US Military during World War II). Selected by the Bears during the 18th round of the 1945 NFL Draft, he appeared in 81 career regular season games. While a rookie, Keane enjoyed a championship season as the Bears captured the 1946 NFL Title. His most productive year was in 1947, when he lead the league in receptions with 64, while amassing 910 yards and 10 touchdowns. He concluded his career in 1952 with Green Bay, compiling 224 receptions with 3,222 yards and 24 touchdowns, while earning All-Pro honors twice (1947 and 1949). At the time of his death, he remained among the Bears' all-time leaders in career receptions and yardage. Following his football career, he worked as a sales manager in the insurance, construction and mortgage industries. His younger brother Tom Keane played in the NFL from 1948 to 1955.
Bio by: C.S.
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