With the Oilers, he had three seasons of more than 3,000 yards passing, and he directed Houston to league championships in the AFL's first two years (1960-61). He spent four seasons with the Bears, where he established himself as a talented quarterback and kicker. By now he had played for 18 yearsa very long time for a football professional. [2nd] Most PATs Converted, Season 54 (1968) It was expected that this would signal his retirement. [2] (Steinfort was injured in mid-season,[13] and was replaced by 35-year-old veteran Errol Mann. I really feel proud and honored that the good Lord gave me the power and the strength, the upbringing to continue on with the game I sincerely loved and enjoyed playing. Skip to Blanda appeared only as a placekicker. [2nd] Most Field Goals Attempted, Game 5 (vs. San Diego, Nov. 25, 1962) With that I would say that I am certainly proud to be in the Hall of Fame. [1st] Most Pass Attempts, Season 505 (1964) Signing with the Houston Oilers at age 34, he became the leagues MVP in 61 and led Houston to [1st] Most PATs Converted, Career 395 His 114 postseason points were an NFL record at the time of his retirement. He also kicked one extra point and a 46-yard field goal. (Complete Story). In 1970, [1st] Most Yards Passing, Career 19,149 [1st] Longest Pass Completion 94 (to Warren Wells, at Denver, Nov. 10, 1968) 1973 AFC Miami Dolphins 27, Oakland Raiders 10 [1st] Most Passing Touchdowns, Career 7 [1st] Most Pass Interceptions, Career 14 Blanda appeared only as a placekicker. He's got no future." but Halas kept him by raising his salary to $11,600. 1970 Player of the Year (MX) [1st] Most Games Played, Career 340 The Raiders went on to compete in Super Bowl II, but lost the game to the Green Bay Packers. [1st] Most Pass Completions, Career 88 The 1966 season would see Blanda's Oilers begin the season with a 3-5 record despite a statistically prolific connection with receiver Charley Frazier. Tall and athletic, young George sought solace in football and excelled as a quarterback, kicker and blocker even as a teen. According to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Blanda died after a "short illness" on September 27, 2010. Blanda was one of the new league's many prolific passers, throwing for 19,149 yards and 165 touchdowns in seven seasons for the Oilers. He won only one race and the horse he bet on was named Rosie George, whom Blanda insisted he picked solely by superior handicapping. In 1962, he set a negative pro record when he was intercepted 42 times. In 1970, he became the oldest quarterback to play in a title game. * Selected to Pro Bowl, + First-Team AP All-Pro, Bold indicates league leader. I'm just waiting for the clock to wind down to two seconds and then I am going to start. [3rd] Most Consecutive PATs Converted 201 (1967-1971) Bryant, it became apparent, occasionally erred. His net worth has been growing significantly in 2020-2021. She has put up with me for 31 years, can you believe that. [1st] Most Passing Interceptions, Season 42 (1962) The same can be said about the best wide receiver to ever take to an NFL field. Playing as a quarterback was his passion and this move helped him tap into his hitherto hidden talents. Blanda also kicked one PAT and was 0 for 2 on field goals. Logos were compiled by the amazing SportsLogos.net. Blanda held the record for most professional football games played with 340 until September 26, 2004, when it was broken by another placekicker, Morten Andersen as well as the record for most consecutive games played[17] until September 26, 1976, by defensive end Jim Marshall. [1st] Most Pass Completions, Game 37 (vs. Buffalo, Nov. 1, 1964) I'm just waiting for the clock to wind down to two seconds and then I am going to start. [Tied for 2nd] Best Pass Completion Percentage, Career 50.6, AFL Statistical Championships: [Tied for 2nd] Best Pass Completion Percentage, Career 50.6, AFL Statistical Championships: We present them here for purely educational purposes. Aged 43, he became the oldest quarterback ever to play in a championship game, and was one of the few remaining straight-ahead kickers in the NFL. He threw for 15 touchdowns in eight games the next season before he suffered a separated shoulder against the Cleveland Browns and missed the last four games. But the emergence of the American Football League in 1960 gave Blanda another chance to play. We werent recognized. [3rd] Most Passing Completions, Game 29 (at San Diego, Sept. 12, 1964) We tried hard and we played hard. During that season, he led the AFL in passing yards (3,330) and touchdown passes (36). All logos are the trademark & property of their owners and not Sports Reference LLC. We recommend you to check the complete list of Famous People born on 17 September. He completed 17 of 32 attempts for 271 yards and two touchdowns and three interceptions. 1968 AFL New York Jets 27, Oakland Raiders 23 I am proud to be here and be the fourth AFL player to be inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. 1973 AFC Miami Dolphins 27, Oakland Raiders 10 Blanda did not become a fulltime starter until his fifth season with the Bears and in 1954 he was shelved by an injury. [2nd] Most Field Goals Attempted, Season 34 (1968) [3rd] Most Passing Touchdowns, Game 5 (at Oakland, Dec. 22, 1963; vs. Kansas City, Oct. 24, 1965; at Denver, Oct. 2, 1966) "I concentrate on looking at the spot where the ball will be put and watching the spotter's hands.". In 1959, weary of his difficult dealings with Bears' management, Blanda retired, only to emerge a year later with Houston of the new AFL. Blanda retired from pro football in 1976 at the age of 48. [3rd] Most Passing Attempts, Game 55 (at Los Angeles, Nov. 13, 1960) [1st] Most Pass Completions, Career 76 [Tied for 2nd] Most Seasons, 3,000 or More Passing Yards 3 (1961, 1963-64) [1st] Most Passing Touchdowns, Career 7 I am proud that my wife, Betty, married 31 years. [1st] Most Pass Interceptions, Career 15, AFL/AFC Championship Game Records He signed with the Houston Oilers as both a quarterback and kicker. Over his career spanning 26 seasons, he had scored 236 touchdowns, 277 interceptions, and earned a total of 2002 points. [1st] Most Pass Completions, Season 262 (1964) [1st] Most Yards Passing, Season 3,330 (1961) [3] During his career, he played under head coaches Bear Bryant, George Halas, Clem Crowe, Lou Rymkus, Wally Lemm, Pop Ivy, Sammy Baugh, Hugh Taylor, John Rauch, and John Madden. He helped me, he also coached my brother at Army at quarterback coach. [1st] Most Field Goal Attempts, Career 27 After college he signed a contract with the Chicago Bears where he was used mostly as a kicker. And when Al called me up in July of 1967 to come back and try out my third season, my third career with the Oakland Raiders, I was supposed to jump at it. In the last five years, I have tried to take the time to fulfill some of the things I didn't do in those days. George Blanda: [1st] Most Rushing Touchdowns Rushing, Game 3 (vs. Los Angeles, Sept. 18, 1960) [1st] Most Points Scored, Career 63 One time he'll drill it, the next time he'll loft it a little, then he'll float it.". Learn How rich is He in this year and how He spends money? [Tied for 1st] Most Games 7, Bears records held by Blanda I received my education and my degree and never really aspired to be a professional player but it happened and I was drafted by the great Chicago Bears and the great George Halas. I am so proud that my family will always be remembered in that Hall when they come through and see my bust along with Willie, Red & Jim and the other greats there and they will take pride and say that their After Ed Brown's pass to Harlon Hill is intercepted by the Cardinals, Richie wants "the other quarterback" put in. 1970 AFC Player of the Year (UPI, SN), Elected to Pro Football Hall of Fame: January 24, 1981, Enshrined into Pro Football Hall of Fame: August 1, 1981, Presenter: Al Davis, Managing Partner, Oakland Raiders, Other Members of Class of 1981: Morris "Red" Badgro, Willie Davis, Jim Ringo. 2023 Pro Football Hall of Fame All Rights Reserved. I never aspired to being a professional football player. [1st] Most Passing Touchdowns, Career 165 At any rate, Rosie George loped home 2 lengths ahead of a rather scruffy field: he paid only $4.80, probably having been bet down by Raider fans. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1981 and was also elected to the University of Kentucky Hall of Fame. [1st] Most PAT Attempts, Game 8 (vs. New York, Oct. 14, 1962) He was derided by the sports media as an "NFL Reject", but he went on to lead the Oilers to the first two league titles in AFL history, and he was the All-AFL quarterback and won AFL Player of the Year honors in 1961. George Blanda was 2023 NFL Enterprises LLC. he said. During his career, he played under head coaches Bear Bryant, George Halas, and John Madden. [citation needed] He was married to Betty Harris from December 17, 1949, until his death on September 27, 2010, ten days after his 83rd birthday. [1st] Most Field Goals Converted, Game 4 (vs. Houston, 1967) He fell in love with Betty Harris and married her in 1949. He passed for 236 touchdowns and scored an incredible 2,002 points. In 1967, when Blanda was almost 40, the Oilers decided he was through but the Raiders saw George as a contributing backup passer and a dependable kicker so they picked him up. [1st] Most Points Scored, Career 115 Blanda appeared only as a placekicker. [1st] Most Pass Interceptions, Career 14 [1st] Most PAT Attempts, Career 304 All I wanted to be was to go to college, get an education and better my life and I had the good fortune to attend the University of Kentucky and had the great pleasure of playing under the great legendary Coach Bear Bryant who was still coaching at the University of Alabama. George Blanda played pro football for 26 seasons longer than any other person. [1st] Most Field Goals Converted, Game 4 (at Buffalo, Oct. 31, 1965) [1st] Most Yards Passing, Career 19,149 [1st] Most Field Goals Converted, Season 23 (1973) WebGeorge Blanda, 43, sub quarterback and kicking specialist of the Oakland raiders, Jan. 11, 1971, has been named male athlete of the year by the associated press. [18], U.S. Route 119 in Blanda's hometown of Youngwood, Pennsylvania, was renamed George Blanda Boulevard in 1985. For your privacy and protection, when applying to a job online, never give your social security number to a prospective employer, provide credit card or bank account information, or perform any sort of monetary transaction. He also kicked two PATs and a 31-yard field goal. [1st] Most Points Scored, Career 115 All I wanted to be was to go to college, get an education and better my life and I had the good fortune to attend the University of Kentucky and had the great pleasure of playing under the great legendary Coach Bear Bryant who was still coaching at the University of Alabama. George Blanda finished his NFL [23] A moment of silence was held in Blanda's honor prior to the start of the September 27, 2010, game between the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears on Monday Night Football, from Soldier Field. [2nd] Best Average Gain Per Pass Completion, Season 17.8 (1961) The string started with a three-touchdown passing and one field goal outburst against Pittsburgh and continued with a 48-yard field goal with three seconds left to tie Kansas City. [1st] Most Field Goals Attempted, Season 37 (1969) Summarizing his 10 years with Chicago, he said, "I didn't have much fun.". (Records through the 1966 season, Blandas final season with Houston), [1st] Longest Pass Completion 95 (to Dick Compton, vs. Buffalo, Dec. 5, 1965) During that season, Blanda, at age 43, had a remarkable five-game run. [1st] Most Plays in One Game, Rushing and Passing 68 (at Buffalo, Nov. 1, 1964) I also want to thank John Madden, who is here, who put on a great show yesterday and without John and his leadership, I might not have been there for the seven years I played for John. 1967 AFL Oakland Raiders 40, Houston Oilers 7 | Aug. 25, 1976 Blanda waived by Oakland Raiders. But the emergence of the American Football League in 1960 gave Blanda another chance to play. George Blanda career stats with the Chicago Bears, Baltimore Colts, Houston Oilers and Oakland Raiders. Draft: Chicago Bears in the 12th round (119th overall) of the 1949 NFL Draft. He kicked a 41-yard field goal and one PAT. I'm also proud of the fact that I grew up in a very, very small town with a great morn and dad who raised 11 kids and part of that tradition of playing football in Western Pennsylvania. [1st] Most PAT Attempts, Season 65 (1961) Blanda said further: "I think the AFL was capable of beating the NFL in a Super Bowl game as far back as 1960 or '61. [1st] Most Consecutive PATs Converted 156 (1951-56) [1st] Most PATs Converted, Career 943 [Tied for 1st] Most Field Goals Converted, Game 4 (vs. Pittsburgh, 1973) Although the Baltimore Colts won 27-17, Blanda accounted for all of the Raiders' points off two touchdown passes and one field goal. [1st] Most Pass Completions, Career 1,347 Blanda was the son of a Slovak-born Pittsburgh-area coal miner. 1961 AFL Player of the Year (UPI, SN) [Tied for 1st] Most Field Goal Attempts, Game 5 (vs. Pittsburgh, 1973) And without Al Davis and without this guidance at the top managing that club, I would not be here today. The Raiders qualified to compete in the Super Bowl II but lost the final matches. WebDuring his career, Blanda accumulated impressive credentials. [1st] Most Field Goal Attempts, Career 638 | Mar. He replaced the injured Darryl Lamonica and completed two of six passes for 24 yards and one interception. [3rd] Most Total Yards Rushing and Passing, Game 418 (vs. New York, Nov. 19, 1961), Raiders records held by Blanda The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. He had 1,911 completions in 4,007 attempts for 26,920 yards and 236 touchdowns. Blanda was given a lucrative contract of $6000, as the $600 was just a sign on bonus. [1st] Most Field Goals Converted, Career 335 The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. [1st] Most Field Goals Converted, Season 14 (1957) We have estimated George Blandas net worth, money, salary, income, and assets. Blanda played at quarterback but did not start. WebAfter drafting Blanda, Bears owner and coach George Halas signed him to a contract of $6,000 per year along with a $600 signing bonus. Hall of Fame: Inducted as Blanda was the starting quarterback his last two seasons at Kentucky (1947-48), compiling rather ordinary numbers: 120 completions in 242 passes (.496 percentage), 1,451 yards, 12 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. The Wildcats only lost three games in each of the next three years. He was named American Football League Most Valuable Player in 1961 for scoring 187 of 362 passes for 3,330 yards and 36 touchdowns, for 216 points. He kicked a 21-yard field goal and one PAT. (Sept. 7, 1950 Bears receive G Dick Barwegan and rights to retired T Dub Garrett.) We gave it 110%. Recalling the time he met Bryant, Blanda said: "I thought this must be what God looks like.". Also selected in 2nd round (9th player overall) in 1949 AAFC Draft by Chicago Hornets. [Tied for 1st] Most Games, Winning Team 6 All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League. [1st] Longest Field Goal 55 (vs. San Diego, Dec. 3, 1961) For the next four years, he was used mostly in a kicking capacity. [1st] Most Points Scored, Career 2,002 NFL and the NFL shield design are registered trademarks of the National Football League.The team names, logos and uniform designs are registered trademarks of the teams indicated. Son of a Slovak-born Pittsburgh-area coal miner apparent, occasionally erred two seconds and then i going... By Chicago Hornets Football player Season 54 ( 1968 ) It was expected that this would signal retirement! Blanda 's hometown of Youngwood, Pennsylvania, was renamed George Blanda Boulevard in 1985 the injured Darryl and! Receive G Dick Barwegan and Rights to retired T Dub Garrett., Winning 6... 119 in Blanda 's hometown of Youngwood, Pennsylvania, was renamed George Blanda played Pro Hall. 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