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View Full Version : George Blanda dies at 83


Dzone
09-27-2010, 02:34 PM
Just came on foxsports radio. Anyone remember watching him kick? I remember him being a backup QB and getting into some games...I dont remember how old he was when he retired.
OrangeHoof
09-27-2010, 03:40 PM
I saw Blanda play as both an Oiler and a Raider. QBs were different then. Passes were often long throws designed to get big yards. There were far fewer dump offs and screens than we see today. Blanda was not the most accurate thrower but he had a strong, durable arm that could stand up to a long day of 40-50 passes.

He was a straight-on kicker who predated the soccer style you see almost exclusively today. He was a lunch-pail hard-drinker type who played back when you weren't in football because the money was great but because you just wanted to play football.

His 1970 season for the Raiders was magical and I remember watching him rescue a win for Oakland at Mile High with his arm after the Raiders had lost Darryl Lamonica as QB.

He was the winning QB for the Oilers in the first two years of the American Football League with the Houston Oilers and set passing records that lasted 20 years.

One of my favorite memories was the time in the early 60s when, as a placekicker, Blanda's extra-point attempt was blocked and one of the defenders decided to taunt Blanda after the play. Blanda waited until the player started to head for the sidelines when he ran up behind the player and kicked him square in the ass.

Back in those days, that might have caused a $25 fine.
broncophan
09-27-2010, 04:11 PM
Just saw where he played 26 years!!!!........WOW.....
kcvet
09-27-2010, 06:44 PM
confirmed by ESPN here (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=5622590)
Devilspawn
09-27-2010, 09:59 PM
Blanda was 4-0-1 as a starter at the age of 43. And this wasn't some type of ride a great team while cautiously managing the game stuff. I mean Raiders down by whatever, here comes Blanda, Raiders win. You won't see that again in today's era. Not just a Raider legend but an NFL legend.
CrazyHorse
09-29-2010, 09:23 AM
Blanda was 4-0-1 as a starter at the age of 43. And this wasn't some type of ride a great team while cautiously managing the game stuff. I mean Raiders down by whatever, here comes Blanda, Raiders win. You won't see that again in today's era. Not just a Raider legend but an NFL legend.

Hell if Blanda can play until he's 43 then so can Brett Favre.