Blanda was the son of a Slovak-born Pittsburgh-area coal miner. The following browsers are supported: Chrome, Edge (v80 and later), Firefox and Safari. Blanda played at quarterback but did not start. Well, actually I'm not nervous. [1st] Most Games 19 In 1959, he balked at becoming a kicker-only and retired. During his career, Blanda accumulated impressive credentials. [3rd] Most Passing Attempts, Game 55 (at Los Angeles, Nov. 13, 1960) Without her and my two lovely children, I could have been retired many, many years before I did, but they encouraged me to continue to play to do what I wanted to do. But the emergence of the American Football League in 1960 gave Blanda another chance to play. He led the AFL in passing in 1961, posting a personal-high 91.3 rating, and was the United Press International and Sporting News AFL Player of the Year. Blanda also kicked one PAT and was 0 for 2 on field goals. WebDuring his career, Blanda accumulated impressive credentials. [2nd] Best Passing Completion Percentage, Career 48.9 Player in 1981 [1st] Most PATs Converted, Season 45 (1956) I just regret we didn't get the chance to prove it.". Recalling the time he met Bryant, Blanda said: "I thought this must be what God looks like.". Transactions: Sept. 5, 1950 Blanda along with four other players (B Bob Perina, B Ernie Zalejski, G Jim Crawford and E Bob Jensen) traded by Chicago Bears to Baltimore Colts. [2nd] Most Points Scored, Game 26 (vs. Los Angeles, Sept. 18, 1960) 1969 AFL Kansas City Chiefs 17, Oakland Raiders 7 [1st] Most Field Goals Converted, Career 88 Richie argues back, "George Blanda has two or three good years left." We present them here for purely educational purposes. Thank you very much. (Complete Story). He also kicked extra points and an 18-yard field. 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. He played as a quarterback and kicker and thrived under the coaching of Bryant. [Tied for 1st] Most Field Goals Attempted, Game 6 (vs. Houston, 1967) We were ridiculed, we were maligned. He threw for 3,330 yards and his 36 touchdown passes were not surpassed in the pros until 23 years later, when Marino threw 48 in 1984. [2nd] Most Passing Attempts, Game 60 (vs. Oakland, Nov. 7, 1965) [1st] Most Consecutive PATs Converted 156 (1951-56) Copyright 2000-2023 Sports Reference LLC. Passing Titles: 1961 1974 AFC Pittsburgh Steelers 24, Oakland Raiders 13 During that season, Blanda, at age 43, had a remarkable five-game run. I am proud to be here and be the fourth AFL player to be inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. [1st] Most Passing Interceptions, Career 189 18, 1967 Blanda released by Houston Oilers. During his career, Blanda accumulated impressive credentials. Blanda appeared only as a placekicker. Blanda played at quarterback but did not start. I guess I will start my talk out by saying if I had one word to describe how I feel, it is proud. [Tied for 1st] Most Games 7, Bears records held by Blanda [2nd] Most PATs Converted, Season 54 (1968) [2nd] Most Field Goals Attempted, Game 5 (vs. San Diego, Nov. 25, 1962) Blanda appeared only as a placekicker. 1974 AFC Pittsburgh Steelers 24, Oakland Raiders 13 1961 AFL Houston Oilers 10, San Diego Chargers 3 [2nd] Most Passing Completions, Game 31 (at Los Angeles, Nov. 13, 1960) George Blanda was [2] (Steinfort was injured in mid-season,[13] and was replaced by 35-year-old veteran Errol Mann. 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 threw a scoring pass and added a 52-yard field goal in the last 96 seconds to defeat Cleveland. 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. The site navigation utilizes arrow, enter, escape, and space bar key commands. [Tied for 3rd] Most PAT Attempts, Season 57 (1967) He was just a month shy of his 49th birthday when he retired before the 1976 season. His wife is Betty Harris (17 December1949 27 September2010)( his death)( 2 children). Bryant, it became apparent, occasionally erred. [1st] Most Points Scored, Career 115 With that I would say that I am certainly proud to be in the Hall of Fame. She has put up with me for 31 years, can you believe that. [11] The following week, Blanda's 16-yard field goal in the closing seconds defeated the San Diego Chargers, 2017. [1st] Most Field Goals Converted, Game 4 (at Buffalo, Oct. 31, 1965) [Tied for 1st] Most Field Goal Attempts, Game 5 (vs. Pittsburgh, 1973) George Blandas income source is mostly from being a successful Actor. In 1970, he became the oldest I was very proud of my heritage and I developed a lot of character in the early days and learned that hard work, dedication and discipline and tenacity and never giving up, you can succeed in proving your life. They sacrificed; I sacrificed an awful lot with the kids growing up because I was out playing that silly game, having fun, enjoying myself. He had 1,911 completions in 4,007 attempts for 26,920 yards and 236 touchdowns. Blanda still holds the marks for most seasons played (26) and being the game's oldest player. He missed a 47-yard field goal attempt and converted two PATs. All-AFL: 1961 (AP, UPI, OL, SN, NY), 1967K (SN), All-AFL Second Team: 1962 (AP, UPI), 1963 (AP, NEA, NY), 1966K (OL), K Honored as a kicker All other honors as a quarterback, (at time of his retirement following 1975 season), [1st] Most Seasons 26 Long time in coming the recognition that we the founders of the league, the players, the original players. [1st] Most Pass Completions, Game 23 (vs. Dallas, 1962) He also proved to be among the best in attempts, completions, and touchdowns. [1st] Most Passing Attempts, Game 68 (at Buffalo, Nov. 1, 1964) [Tied for 1st] Most Field Goals Converted, Game 4 (vs. Houston, 1967; vs. Pittsburgh, 1973), AFL/AFC-NFL/NFC Championship Game Records [1st] Most Games 11 September27,2010 [2nd] Longest Field Goal 54 (vs. Oakland, Nov. 12, 1962) I also want to say in closing that the way I feel today and that this is family. Then he turned his back on time, competing until he was 48 in a sport dominated by younger, stronger, faster players. Blanda was pro football's all-time leading scorer with 2,002 points (335 field goals, 943 extra points, and nine touchdowns) until 2000 when kicker Gary Anderson passed him. Towards the end of his career, Blanda also served as a commercial spokesman for Chrysler Corporation. Jim Otto and I who played in every game of the AFL in its 10 years. [Tied for 1st] Most Seasons, 100 or More Points 6 (1960-61, 1967-69, 1973) [1st] Most PATs Converted, Game 8 (vs. Houston, 1969) Sign up and get Insider's information & Special Offers. [1st] Most PAT Attempts, Career 304 [Tied for 3rd] Most PAT Attempts, Season 57 (1967) All other NFL-related trademarks are trademarks of the National Football League. On this Wikipedia the language links are at the top of the page across from the article title. [2nd] Most PATs Converted, Season 54 (1968) [1st] Most PAT Attempts, Career 959 He also kicked two PATs and a 31-yard field goal. 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. Use without license or authorization is expressly prohibited. His net worth has been growing significantly in 2020-2021. He still holds the record for most games played by an AFL/NFL player who was not exclusively a kicker or punter. [1st] Longest Pass Completion 94 (to Warren Wells, at Denver, Nov. 10, 1968) [1st] Most Pass Attempts, Game 68 (vs. Buffalo, Nov. 1, 1964) 1970 Player of the Year (MX) [2nd] Best Passing Completion Percentage, Career 48.9 I never aspired to being a professional football player. Blanda broke Lou Groza's career scoring record in 1971, a record he held until 2000 when it was broken by Gary Anderson. Blanda retired after the 1958 season because of Halas' insistence on only using him as a kicker, but returned in 1960 upon the formation of the American Football League. He led the AFL with 116 points in two instances during 1967. In 1962, he set a negative pro record when he was intercepted 42 times. [1st] Most Pass Interceptions, Career 277 Once he joined the Houstan Oilers, he got the chance to play as both a quarterback and a kickeran opportunity that helped bring out the best in him and he went on to be adjudged the AFL Player of the Year. Born In: Youngwood, Pennsylvania, United States, place of death: Alameda, California, United States, See the events in life of George Blanda in Chronological Order, (American Professional Football Player Who Played as a Quarterback and Kicker). George Blanda career stats with the Chicago Bears, Baltimore Colts, Houston Oilers and Oakland Raiders. He spent four seasons with the Bears, where he established himself as a talented quarterback and kicker. Blanda also kicked one PAT and was 0 for 2 on field goals. [1st] Most Field Goals Made, Season 16 (1961, 1962) With that I would say that I am certainly proud to be in the Hall of Fame. I was very proud of my heritage and I developed a lot of character in the early days and learned that hard work, dedication and discipline and tenacity and never giving up, you can succeed in proving your life. Super Bowl II Green Bay Packers 33, Oakland Raiders 14 George Blanda had 236 touchdowns over his career. [1st] Most Pass Completions, Season 262 (1964) [1st] Most Pass Interceptions, Career 17 [1st] Most PATs Converted, Career 395 However, hell probably be remembered best for his 1970 season with the Oakland Raiders. [2nd] Best Average Gain Per Pass Completion, Season 17.8 (1961) This While primarily used as a quarterback and placekicker, Blanda also saw time on the defensive side of the ball at linebacker. The next Sunday, his 48-yard field goal on the game's next-to-last play brought Oakland a 17-17 tie with the Kansas City Chiefs. When he finished his Kentucky career, he thought his football days were over. He went on to lead the Oilers to the first two AFL titles and won AFL Player of the Year honors in 1961. [1st] Most PATs Converted, Career 49 After college he signed a contract with the Chicago Bears for $600 in 1949. Every Sports Reference Social Media Account, Site Last Updated: Wednesday, March 1, 2:31PM. He came in late in the game and completed 0 of two passes for 0 yards. 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. He signed with the Houston Oilers as both a quarterback and kicker. The same can be said about the best wide receiver to ever take to an NFL field. Although the Baltimore Colts won 27-17, Blanda accounted for all of the Raiders' points off two touchdown passes and one field goal. His most celebrated Raider season was 1970. He fell in love with Betty Harris and married her in 1949. By now he had played for 18 yearsa very long time for a football professional. He passed for 236 touchdowns and scored an incredible 2,002 points. [1st] Most Passing Touchdowns, Season 36 (1961) We recommend you to check the complete list of Famous People born on 17 September. 1960 AFL champions (inaugural season roster), Associated Press Male Athlete of the Year, "George Blanda not bitter, pulls for Oakland success", "George Blanda, Hall of Fame Football Player, Dies at 83", "Kentucky Wildcats School History: Football", "Kentucky Football Retired Jerseys - UK Wildcats News", "The World's Most Famous And Oldest Quarterbacks In The NFL? He also had a tying touchdown pass and deciding field goal against Cleveland in a 23-20 win and produced an 80-yard drive in the final four minutes at Denver that ended with a 20-yard scoring lob to Fred Biletnikoff that gave the Raiders a 24-19 victory. [2nd] Most Field Goals Attempted, Season 34 (1968) He came in late in the game and completed 0 of two passes for 0 yards. George Blanda: Scoring Titles: 1967, Team Statistical Championships: 1. [2nd] Most Pass Attempts, Season 362 (1953) [1st] Most Passing Attempts, Game 68 (at Buffalo, Nov. 1, 1964) Blanda started at quarterback. [3rd] Most Consecutive PATs Converted 201 (1967-1971) That year, in a five-game period, George provided Oakland with four wins and one tie with last-second touchdown passes or field goals at age 43. Held record of most pass attempts in a single game: 68 (37 completions, vs. 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. Blanda began his professional career with the Chicago Bears in 1949. We were ridiculed, we were maligned. 28, 1967 Blanda signed by Oakland Raiders. [2nd] Most PAT Attempts, Game 7 (at Denver, Nov. 5, 1961; vs. New York, Nov. 16, 1961; at Oakland, Dec. 22, 1963) [Tied for 1st] Most Games 7, Bears records held by Blanda The quintessential late bloomer, Blandas career took off in the AFL. 1969 AFL Kansas City Chiefs 17, Oakland Raiders 7 [1st] Most Yards Passing, Career 19,149 [1st] Most Pass Interceptions, Career 15, AFL/AFC Championship Game Records "I never think about that," he said matter of factly. He completed 16 of 31 passes for 301 yards and three touchdowns. Bryant, who later won fame and set countless records at Alabama, arrived in his sophomore year, following a 1-9 season. [1st] Most Pass Attempts, Career 184 One week later, his 48-yard field goal with three seconds remaining salvaged a 1717 tie with the Kansas City Chiefs. Set a negative Pro record when he finished his Kentucky career, Blanda 's 16-yard field goal in the 96! Attempt and converted two PATs the best wide receiver to ever take to an NFL field met. 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