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The US Athletic Hall of Fame - Athletes 2023

George Blanda

  • Contest: The US Athletic Hall of Fame - Athletes 2023
  • Embed from Getty Images
  • Sport(s): Football
  • Statistics: 3 AFL Championships (1960, 1961 & 1967)

    1 AFL MVP (1961)

    1 Bert Bell Award (1970)

    1 First Team All-Pro (1961)

    4 AFL All-Star Selections (1961, 1962, 1963 & 1967)

    1 NFL Man of the Year Award (1974)

    2-Time Passing Yards Leader (1961 & 1963)

    1-Time Passing Touchdown Leader (1961)

    1-Time Passer Rating Leader (1961)

    All-Time AFL Team

    26,920 NFL Passing Yards

    236 NFL Passing Touchdowns

    AP Athlete of the Year (1970)

    Member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame

    Member of the Houston Oilers/Tennessee Titans Ring of Honor
  • In regards to longevity, there are few players in team sports in the United States who can light a candle to George Blanda.



    Playing in four different decades, Blanda had periods as an elite quarterback, and his durability kept him in professional football with his special team ability. Blanda played for the Chicago Bears through the 1950s as a quarterback and kicker, and when the American Football League started in 1960, he signed with the Houston Oilers.



    In the AFL, he was a three-time champion, two with Houston and one with Oakland, and he was the league MVP in 1961. When the AFL merged with the NFL, Blanda’s kicking ability kept in pro football until 1975, making his 26-year career the longest in pro football.



    We are proud to nominate George Blanda for the United States Athletic Hall of Fame.
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