Minnesota acquired Bill Brown from Chicago for a 1964…
Minnesota acquired Bill Brown from Chicago for a 1964 fourth-round pick that became linebacker Mike Reilly. Brown developed into one of the foundational players of the early Vikings, spending 13 seasons in Minnesota, making four Pro Bowls, rushing for 5,757 yards, and entering the team's Ring of Honor. Reilly had a respectable six-year NFL career, but his value never approached Brown's franchise impact.
Chicago Bears Received
- pick 1964 fourth round pick (#47-Mike Reilly)
Minnesota Vikings Received
- player Bill Brown
Trade Analysis
What the Trade Did
Chicago traded running back Bill Brown to Minnesota in September 1962 for the Vikings' fourth-round choice in the 1964 draft. The Bears eventually used that pick, No. 47 overall, on linebacker Mike Reilly. The deal looked modest at the time: a young back who had spent one season in Chicago for a future mid-round selection. It became one of the foundational personnel wins of Minnesota's early years.
Why Brown Became a Vikings Fixture
Brown stayed with Minnesota from 1962 through 1974. He rushed for 5,757 yards, scored 52 rushing touchdowns, played 180 games for the franchise, and made four Pro Bowls. He also appeared in three Super Bowls and eventually entered the Vikings Ring of Honor. Those numbers turn the transaction from a simple depth move into a long-term acquisition of a core offensive player.
What Chicago Received
The Bears did not come away empty. Reilly played five seasons for Chicago and one for Minnesota, appearing in 74 NFL games. That makes the return much more respectable than a failed draft choice. Still, he started only three games in his career and functioned mainly as depth. Chicago converted the fourth-rounder into a real professional player, just not one with anything close to Brown's longevity or impact.
Final Verdict
Minnesota wins with an A because one future fourth-round pick produced 13 seasons from a four-time Pro Bowl back and Ring of Honor member. Chicago earns a C for turning the selection into a multi-year NFL contributor. The Bears received useful value, so this is not a disaster, but the scale of Brown's career makes the Vikings' advantage unmistakable.