George Blanda dies at 83

The Game Room
1

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.

2

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

RIP.

3

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

4

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.

5

He got me into being a football fan as a 13-year-old that year. I have fond memories of him.

6

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

7

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.

8

Daryle Lamonica, who was no slouch. It’s not like Blanda was relieving JaMarcus Russell or anything. :slight_smile:

9

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.

10

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.

11

They only cut away from the game three times to mention it, what do you want?