Date of Birth: September 17, 1927
Zodiac Sign: Virgo
Date of Death: September 27, 2010
Biography
George Blanda was an American football quarterback and placekicker who had one of the most storied careers in the history of the National Football League (NFL). Born on September 17, 1927, in Youngwood, Pennsylvania, Blanda played a staggering 26 seasons of professional football, an NFL record that still stands today. His career spanned four decades, from 1949 to 1975. Blanda was known for his incredible longevity and versatility, playing for the Chicago Bears, Baltimore Colts, Houston Oilers, and Oakland Raiders. Blanda began his career with the Chicago Bears, where he was utilized primarily as a quarterback and kicker. After a brief stint with the Baltimore Colts, he found his stride with the Houston Oilers in the American Football League (AFL), leading them to two AFL championships in 1960 and 1961. Later, he joined the Oakland Raiders, where he became a fan favorite for his clutch performances, particularly during the 1970 season when he led the team to several last-minute victories. Blanda retired from professional football in 1975 at the age of 48. Over his career, he threw for 26,920 yards and scored 2,002 points, making him one of the most prolific scorers in NFL history. After retiring, Blanda was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1981.
5 Interesting Facts about George Blanda
1. George Blanda played in 340 games, the most ever by a professional football player at the time of his retirement.
2. He is the oldest player to have played in an NFL game, retiring at the age of 48.
3. Blanda was the first player in NFL history to score over 2,000 points.
4. He won the Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year award in 1970.
5. Blanda’s 26-season career spanned four different decades, a record in professional football.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from George Blanda
1. “I didn’t have any choice but to play football. It’s what I did best.”
2. “You have to be tough to play this game. It’s not for the faint of heart.”
3. “The key to longevity in football is to stay healthy and keep your skills sharp.”
4. “Football is a game of inches, and those inches make the difference between winning and losing.”
5. “I always believed that if you work hard and stay focused, anything is possible.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, George Blanda’s net worth was estimated to be around $2 million.
Children
George Blanda had two children with his wife Betty Harris Blanda. Their names are George Blanda, Jr. and Mary Blanda.
Relevant Links
1. [Pro Football Hall of Fame Profile](https://www.profootballhof.com/players/george-blanda/
2. [NFL.com George Blanda Bio](https://www.nfl.com/players/george-blanda/
5. [Biography on Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/biography/George-Blanda
