Date of Birth: September 17, 1927
Zodiac Sign: Virgo
Date of Death: September 27, 2010
Biography
George Frederick Blanda was an American football quarterback and placekicker who played in the National Football League (NFL) and American Football League (AFL). Born on September 17, 1927, in Youngwood, Pennsylvania, Blanda had an extraordinary career that spanned 26 seasons, the longest in the history of professional football at the time of his retirement. He played for the Chicago Bears, Baltimore Colts, Houston Oilers, and Oakland Raiders. Known for his durability and versatility, Blanda was a significant figure in the development of the AFL and its eventual merger with the NFL. His remarkable ability to perform under pressure earned him the nickname “The Ageless Wonder.” Blanda’s career began in 1949 when he was drafted by the Chicago Bears. After a few seasons, he briefly retired in 1958 but returned to play for the Houston Oilers in 1960, where he led the team to two AFL championships. Later, he joined the Oakland Raiders, where he cemented his legacy with numerous clutch performances, including a memorable run in the 1970 season when he scored critical points in five consecutive games, either through last-second field goals or touchdown passes. Blanda retired in 1976 at the age of 48, leaving behind a legacy of records, many of which stood for decades. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1981 and remains a beloved figure in the history of American football.
5 Interesting Facts about George Blanda
1. George Blanda played professional football for 26 seasons, the most in NFL history at the time.
2. He was the first player to score over 2,000 points in a career.
3. Blanda was named the AFL Player of the Year in 1961.
4. He is one of the few players to have played in four different decades (1940s, 1950s, 1960s, and 1970s).
5. Blanda was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1981.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from George Blanda
1. “I don’t know if I’ll ever get used to the pressure, but I’m glad I can handle it.”
2. “I always felt like I could play forever. But when it was time to go, I knew.”
3. “Playing football is like living in the fast lane. You never know what’s going to happen.”
4. “You can’t enjoy the successes without having the failures.”
5. “I never really thought about records. I just wanted to play and do my best.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, George Blanda’s net worth was estimated to be around $1 million, which was substantial for the era in which he played.
Children
George Blanda had two children, a son named George Jr. and a daughter named Mary.
Relevant Links
1. [Pro Football Hall of Fame Profile](https://www.profootballhof.com/players/george-blanda/
2. [NFL.com Player History](https://www.nfl.com/players/george-blanda/
3. [Biography on Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/biography/George-Blanda
4. [ESPN Tribute](https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/5615967/nfl-legend-george-blanda-dies-83
5. [Sports Illustrated Feature](https://www.si.com/nfl/2020/09/27/nfl-legend-george-blanda-dies
