George Blanda

The only player to have played 26 seasons of professional football in the history of American football, George Blanda was rightfully called ‘The Grand Old Man’. Professional football is no doubt one of the most competitive sports in America, and it takes a very special sportsman to continue playing even ten seasons, leave alone 26! He began his football career as a quarterback and kicker at the University of Kentucky where he had the good fortune of having the legendary Bear Bryant as his coach. After college he signed a contract with the Chicago Bears where he was used mostly as a kicker. Tired of being a kicker he changed his team after the contract ended. Once he joined the Houstan Oilers, he got the chance to play as both a quarterback and a kicker—an opportunity that helped bring out the best in him and he went on to be adjudged the AFL Player of the Year. He was a highly talented player, blessed with an uncanny sense of football techniques and a high energy level. Over the course of his long career he set numerous records, many of which might never be broken.