Crimson Tide Roll Call /FYPgkTLqm7īlanda’s numbers were okay for the time and he didn’t expect to play in the pros.

“This must be what God looks like.” _ George Blanda when first meeting Bear Bryant. He also led Kentucky in total offense in 1948.ĭuring those final two seasons, Blanda threw for 1,400 yards and 12 touchdowns. In the next three years, the Wildcats would only lose three games.īlanda worked his way up the depth chart and led the team in passing in 19. Under Bryant, Kentucky pulled out of the depths of a 1-9 record in ‘45.

“I thought this must be what God looks like,” Blanda recalled years later. When Blanda first met his new coach, he had a divine feeling about Bryant.

He played well enough for Youngwood that he was offered a scholarship to play quarterback and kick at the University of Kentucky.ĭuring his second year at the school, Paul “Bear” Bryant became the new head coach of the Wildcats.īryant had led the Maryland Terrapins in 1945 before seeking a change of scenery in 1946. He was one of seven boys and his father was a coal miner.īlanda whiled away the days of his youth playing quarterback, kicker, and linebacker for Youngwood High School. George Frederick Blanda was born on Septemin Youngwood, Pennsylvania. Growing up in Coal Country and Playing for the Bear This is the story of the career and life of George Blanda. The Raiders finally gave up trying to count in 1975 and just officially listed George Blanda’s age as “Old As Hell.” /xgX8riN4NUīlanda was around long enough to play for legendary college coach Bear Bryant at Kentucky, George Halas with the Bears, and end his career with John Madden and the Raiders.Īlong the way, Blanda was named NFL Man of the Year, AP Athlete of the Year, four-time AFL All-Star, and a three-time AFL champion. That title belongs to former quarterback/kicker George Blanda.īlanda played 26 years in the NFL and finally retired when he was 48. As impressive as 21 seasons (and counting) are in the professional football ranks, Brady still has a few more years to go to catch the all-time record for oldest player in the NFL.

Most 400 yard passing games in a row