George Blanda dies at 83

[kenobi 65]

Hall of Fame quarterback and kicker George Blanda has passed away.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2010/football/nfl/09/27/raiders.blanda.ap/index.html?eref=sihp

He had a 10-year career as a QB and kicker with the Bears in the 1950s, but left when they told him they wanted him to be a full-time kicker. He then joined the brand-new AFL, and played for another 16 (!) seasons. He became the quarterback for the Oilers' pass-happy offense, and won the AFL's first two championships.

He's likely best remembered for coming off the bench as a 43-year-old backup quarterback for the Raiders in 1970, and leading them to several comeback victories.

[Airman Doors, USAF]

He's better right now, at this very moment, than JaWalrus ever was, and easily one of the best ever.

RIP.

[Ruby]

RIP George. I'm surprised that they haven't said anything during the Bears/Packers game tonight.

[blondebear]

I don't know the real stats, but it seemed to me any time George showed up in the 4th quarter, Oakland was bound to win. As a (recovering) Chargers fan, I can't tell you how many games he ruined for me!

Truly one of the greats. RIP, George.

[Frank]

He's likely best remembered for coming off the bench as a 43-year-old backup quarterback for the Raiders in 1970, and leading them to several comeback victories.
He got me into being a football fan as a 13-year-old that year. I have fond memories of him.

[Nightfall1]

My favorite memories of him are from his Houston years. RIP George.

[RealityChuck]

I used to love in the late 69s how the other teams would get a lift when the knocked out the Raiders' quarterback and they put that old man in.

And he'd proceed to shred their defenses.

RIP.

[Frank]

I used to love in the late 69s how the other teams would get a lift when the knocked out the Raiders' quarterback ...
Daryle Lamonica, who was no slouch. It's not like Blanda was relieving JaMarcus Russell or anything. :)

[RealityChuck]

Not at all -- but once Lamonica was injured, the other team would think they had victory in their grasp and that the old guy wasn't going to burn them.

[Chefguy]

Man, I remember watching that game against arch rivals Kansas City, when Blanda not only threw the tying touchdown, but then came out and kicked a 53-yard field goal to win the game. 53 fucking yards! I didn't root for Oakland, as I didn't like Lamonica and really hated John Madden (and still do), but one couldn't help but admire ol' George as someone who gave his all to the game.

[Mozart1220]

RIP George. I'm surprised that they haven't said anything during the Bears/Packers game tonight.
They only cut away from the game three times to mention it, what do you want?