On July 1, 1964, the Chicago Bears sent defensive back Tommy…
On July 1, 1964, the Chicago Bears sent defensive back Tommy Neck to the Washington Redskins for exactly $1. Neck had appeared in one NFL game for Chicago in 1962 and did not record another NFL appearance after the deal. Washington bought a virtually cost-free look, while Chicago received only nominal consideration, leaving little hindsight separation between the clubs.
Chicago Bears Received
- other $1 cash
Washington Commanders Received
- player Tommy Neck
Trade Analysis
The Exchange
Chicago sent defensive back Tommy Neck to Washington on July 1, 1964, and the Bears' official all-time trade ledger lists the return as exactly $1.00. That record replaces the previously attached July 8 date and removes the unsupported draft-pick component. The trade was real, but the consideration was deliberately nominal.
Washington Redskins Return
Washington acquired the rights to Neck for essentially no financial cost. Neck had been Chicago's 18th-round pick in 1962 and appeared in one NFL game for the Bears that season. The available professional record does not show a later Washington regular-season NFL appearance, and he surfaced with Ottawa in the CFL during 1964. Washington therefore gained an inexpensive opportunity rather than lasting on-field production.
Chicago Bears Return
Chicago received only $1, so the Bears did not create meaningful financial or roster value from the return itself. The positive is that the club gave up a player who did not go on to produce additional NFL value after leaving Chicago. That keeps the move from becoming costly in hindsight, even though the compensation was effectively symbolic.
Value in Hindsight
Neither side extracted a durable football advantage. Washington risked almost nothing to take a look at a former Bears draft choice, but the move did not produce regular-season NFL value for the Redskins. Chicago received almost nothing in exchange, yet it also did not surrender a player who later became productive elsewhere in the NFL. The result is closer to neutral than to a clear victory.
Final Verdict
This lands as an Even Trade with C grades for both teams. Washington's $1 acquisition was a sensible, nearly free flyer, but there is no documented NFL payoff to justify a winning grade. Chicago's return was nominal, but Neck's lack of later NFL production means the Bears did not give away meaningful value.