George Blanda, the NFL Hall of Fame quarterback and place kicker died recently. He was 83.
Blanda played until he was 48, spending his final nine out of his 26 seasons with the Oakland Raiders.
When he started his career in 1949 with the Chicago Bears in the NFL and he was paid $600. In 1950, he played a season with the Baltimore Colts.
He left the game in 1958 but came back to the AFL when it formed in 1960, landing the quarterback and place kicker spot with the Houston Oilers. In 1967, he joined the Raiders and retired in 1976. In 1981, he was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame.
Blanda holds several records including, most seasons played, oldest person to play in an NFL game, most PATs attempted (959), and most PATs made (943).
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of the great George Blanda. George was a brave Raider and a close personal friend of Raiders Owner Al Davis,” stated the Raiders press release.
Davis said, in the press release, that he was “the greatest clutch player the game of pro football has ever known.”
The Miracle of George Blanda in 1970 will live for eternity in the history of the Raiders as well as all of professional football. That year, Blanda’s last-minute heroics as a quarterback and place kicker resulted in four victories and a last-second tie for the Silver and Black.
A private funeral service will be held for his family and a memorial service will be made known at a later time.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Betty, and children.
Blanda played until he was 48, spending his final nine out of his 26 seasons with the Oakland Raiders.
When he started his career in 1949 with the Chicago Bears in the NFL and he was paid $600. In 1950, he played a season with the Baltimore Colts.
He left the game in 1958 but came back to the AFL when it formed in 1960, landing the quarterback and place kicker spot with the Houston Oilers. In 1967, he joined the Raiders and retired in 1976. In 1981, he was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame.
Blanda holds several records including, most seasons played, oldest person to play in an NFL game, most PATs attempted (959), and most PATs made (943).
“We are deeply saddened by the passing of the great George Blanda. George was a brave Raider and a close personal friend of Raiders Owner Al Davis,” stated the Raiders press release.
Davis said, in the press release, that he was “the greatest clutch player the game of pro football has ever known.”
The Miracle of George Blanda in 1970 will live for eternity in the history of the Raiders as well as all of professional football. That year, Blanda’s last-minute heroics as a quarterback and place kicker resulted in four victories and a last-second tie for the Silver and Black.
A private funeral service will be held for his family and a memorial service will be made known at a later time.
He is survived by his wife of 60 years, Betty, and children.
