George Blanda: My Tribute To an NFL Legend

He had the career that never ended.

He was coached by legends.

He's the NFL's leading scorer.

And he had a biting sense of humor.

Monday, football lost one of its all-time brightest stars.

He began his career at the University of Kentucky where he was coached by Bear Bryant. At the time, he was heard saying after seeing Bryant, "That must be what God looks like."

He was a quarterback and a kicker in college, something he always had a hard time coming to terms with in the NFL...wanting to play both positions, and at times excelling at both.

Blanda was signed by the Bears in 1949 for $600. Summarizing his 10 years with Chicago, he said, "I didn't have much fun." He battled with Halas constantly.

George retired in 1958, then returned to newly formed AFL and joined the Houston Oilers where he played mostly quarterback, and at times, lead the league in completions and pass attempts.

In July of '67, he signed with Raiders.

He played nine seasons with Oakland and John Madden, retiring one month shy of his 49th birthday in August, 1976. In his 26-year career, he threw for 26,920 yards, completing 1,911-of-4,007 attempts with 236 touchdown passes.

He had a career that spanned 26 seasons. Can you imagine that? Can you imagine any player today playing 26 seasons?

Sometimes I wonder on days like these if there is a section of heaven where the football immortals look down.

Rest in peace, George. You never rested on earth.

By Deb: Jabberhead, SJ Contributing Author, Owner: Sports Jabber

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