George Blanda dead at 83

[SamuelKhan]

http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/09/27/SPSE1FKCKA.DTL

Raider quarterback George Blanda, whose passing and kicking exploits during a 26-year NFL career led him to a spot in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, has died. He was 83.

Blanda was known as the Ageless Wonder because he didn't retire until he was just short of his 49th birthday.

And some of his best work came in his last decade in the NFL, with Oakland.


Read more: http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2010/09/27/SPSE1FKCKA.DTL#ixzz10lGtZ8ok

 

[kered]

Darn, I'm sorry to see this. He was one of the truly great players of the game. Rest in peace, George.

 

[RobAce]

One of the all time greats...hall of fame player and human being.

Rest in Peace.

Rob

 

[Mitchell]

I'm not a football fan, but I know who George Blanda was. Amazing player. He was to the NFL what Phil Niekro was to MLB, and he had a similar background and story. Coal Miner's Son, played for almost 25 years, retired at almost age 50.

Rarely are athletes like Blanda anymore.

R. I.P. Mr Blanda.

Mitch

 

[Backstep]

No one will ever be able to do that in pro football again. It's sad to see a legend like him pass.

R.I.P.

 

[Bugman]

Having grown up in Kansas City I hated the Raiders with a passion. That said Blanda was a fine and versatile athlete, somewhat of a throwback to the days when football players were not so specialized. Jerry Kramer of the Packers also comes to mind.

R.I.P. George.

 

[maniactickler]

A true legend.