[1st] Most Passing Interceptions, Season 42 (1962) George, known for his never-ending career and the ability to keep going when other athletes simply ran out of energy, passed away today, 11 days . Many celebrities exceeded away these days due to various motives. George Blanda (NFL Quarterback and Placekicker) - On This Day (Jeff Feagles, a recently retired punter, is the other.) Next came a winning touchdown toss against Denver and a last-instant field goal to upend San Diego. He held the pro scoring record when he retired, with 2,002 points. [3] During his career, he played under head coaches Bear Bryant, George Halas, Clem Crowe, Lou Rymkus, Wally Lemm, Pop Ivy, Sammy Baugh, Hugh Taylor, John Rauch, and John Madden. George Blanda | Biography, Stats, Hall of Fame, & Facts Later that season, Blanda became the oldest quarterback to play in a championship game, throwing two touchdown passes and kicking a field goal in Oakland's 27-17 loss to Baltimore in the AFC title game. I'm just waiting for the clock to wind down to two seconds and then I am going to start. Blanda was given a lucrative contract of $6000, as the $600 was just a sign on bonus. Following the death facts, humans wonder what George Blandas purpose of death turned into. Neither the Raiders nor the N.F.L. . Uniform Number: 16 (also wore #22 and #64). I am proud to be here and be the fourth AFL player to be inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. During his career, Blanda accumulated impressive credentials. It's official: Jamal Murray, Nuggets are in Phoenix's heads now. During 1962, he had two 400-yard passing days for the Oilers: a 464-yard effort against the Buffalo Bills on October 29, with four touchdown passes (winning 2816); and 418 yards three weeks later against the Titans of New York, this time with seven touchdown passes in a 4913 victory. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Born: 17-Sep-1927 Birthplace: Youngwood, PA Died: 27-Sep-2010 Location of death: Alameda, CA Cause of death: unspecified Gender: Male Race or Ethnicity: White Sexual orientation: Straight Occupation: Football Nationality: United States Executive summary: Football hall-of-famer played 340 games Longest career of any NFL player, at 26 years. Five straight weeks he saved the game; he was 43 at the time. [1st] Most Points Scored, Season 117 (1968) [1st] Most Pass Completions, Game 23 (vs. Dallas, 1962) He was famous for being a Football Player. [1st] Most Pass Interceptions, Career 15, AFL/AFC Championship Game Records But he didnt sit around long. Blanda entered the NFL out of Kentucky as a 12th-round draft pick (119th overall) of the Chicago Bears in 1949. In 1961 he won AFL Player of the Year honors. He was 83. [1st] Most Pass Completions, Career 88 Tab will move on to the next part of the site rather than go through menu items. Date Of Death: September 27, 2010 Cause Of Death: N/A Ethnicity: White Nationality: American George Blanda was born on the 17th of September, 1927. [2nd] Most Plays in One Game, Rushing and Passing 60 (vs. Oakland, Nov. 7, 1965) Press question mark to learn the rest of the keyboard shortcuts Kicked a 48-yard field goal in the final seconds to forge a 17-17 tie at Kansas City. Most of the time net deceives the target audience by using passing news about a wholesome man or woman as if theyre useless. The browser you are using is no longer supported on this site. George Blanda Cause of Death, How did George Blanda Die? Blanda, who split time between homes in Chicago and La Quinta, is survived by his wife, Betty, and two children. This article paves the way for readers to know more about George Blanda's Cause of Death. It was not until 1953 that Blanda emerged as the Bears' top quarterback, but an injury the following year effectively ended his first-string status. [1st] Most PATs Converted, Career 247 If you put him in a group of most-competitive, biggest-clutch players, I think hed have to be the guy who would win it all, his Raiders coach, John Madden, said in a phone interview Monday. I also want to say in closing that the way I feel today and that this is family. Jim Otto and I who played in every game of the AFL in its 10 years. 1968 AFL New York Jets 27, Oakland Raiders 23 Scoring Titles: 1952Chi, 1953Chi, 1957Chi, 1960Hou, 1961Hou, 1962Hou, 1963Hou, 1964Hou, 1965Hou, 1966Hou, 1967Oak, 1968Oak, 1969Oak, 1970Oak, 1971Oak, 1972Oak, 1973Oak, All-Time AFL Team ALAMEDA, Calif. George Blanda, who played longer than anyone in pro football history and racked up the most points in a career that spanned four decades, mostly with the Bears and Raiders,. Hall of Fame Quarterback, Kicker George Blanda Dies at Age 83 He was the AFL Player of the Year in 1961, set the AFL single-game passing record of 464 yards on Oct. 29, 1961, against the Buffalo Bills and was chosen the league's all-time kicker. George Blanda's cause of death George Blanda took the last inhale of his life on September 27, 2010, in Alameda, California. He helped his team secure 19-7 victory against his former team, Houston Oilers. George Blanda | Pro Football Hall of Fame - pfhof We want Blanda. Halas looked down the bench and barked, Blanda. George jumped to his feet and ran over to his coach, buckling his helmet. Blanda finished his career with the Raiders, playing for them from 1967 until his retirement, at 48, just before the 1976 season. "He was the perfect fit for the start of the AFL, joining our league from the NFL and displaying the ability to lead a high flying offense," Adams said in a statement. He started as a quarterback for one season, 1953, but lost the job because of an injury. George Blanda - Football Players, Family and Family - Famousbio This article paves the manner for readers to recognise greater approximately George Blandas Cause of Death. George Blanda was born as one of the several children of Michael and Mary Blanda. After nabbing both QB C.J. When they were finished, Blanda proudly showed him a homemade Christmas card drawn by his wife, who had been an art major in college. [Tied for 3rd] Most Pass Attempts, Game 60 (vs. Oakland, Nov. 7, 1965), Post Season Records [1st] Most Pass Attempts, Game 68 (vs. Buffalo, Nov. 1, 1964) He kicked one PAT. Blanda played in the National Football League, the American Football League and, after the leagues merged in 1970, the unified N.F.L. He also kicked two extra points and a 48-yard field goal had three passes intercepted. Little did the football fans know that he was yet to give his best ever performance! "George Blanda will always be remembered as a legend of our game," NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement, "including his amazing career longevity of 26 seasons in four different decades. Left and right arrows move across top level links and expand / close menus in sub levels. George Blanda drops back to pass during a circa mid 1960s game. Kiszla: One-hit wonders? Death date: September 27, 2010. A cause of death was not immediately known. I really believe that George Blanda is the greatest clutch player I have ever seen in the history of pro football.. [1st] Most Field Goals Attempted, Season 37 (1969) He finished playing for Al Davis, the Raiders legendary owner (and one-time coach) who helped shape the contemporary professional game. [Tied for 1st] Most Passing Touchdowns, Game 3 (vs. Los Angeles, 1960) [19], In 1999, Blanda was ranked number 98 on The Sporting News' list of the 100 Greatest Football Players. George Blanda - Who's Alive and Who's Dead This article paves the manner for readers to recognise greater approximately George Blanda's Cause of Death. George Blanda. He was 83 years old. Devin Booker sulked. Website design & development by americaneagle.com copyright 2021 Pro Football hall of fame all rights reserved, Enshrinement Week Powered by Johnson Controls, Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic, AFL/AFC-NFL/NFC Championship Game Records, *Blanda played one game with the Baltimore Colts. Chiefs' owner Lamar Hunt said, "Why, this George Blanda is as good as his father, who used to play for Houston." Theyre calling for you.. [3rd] Most Passing Touchdowns, Game 5 (at Oakland, Dec. 22, 1963; vs. Kansas City, Oct. 24, 1965; at Denver, Oct. 2, 1966) Passing of a legend: Hall of Famer Blanda dies at 83 - NFL "I never say 'This is my biggest thrill. Its what you can do tomorrow thats important.. He led the Oilers to the first two AFL titles, beating the Chargers for the championship following the 1960 and '61 seasons. Profession: NFL Quarterback and Placekicker . George gave me the opportunity to play 10 years and gave me 10 good years of training in what I called the minor leagues at that time so I could stay out one year and get prepared for the great AFL that was coming into existence in the 1960s. [1st] Most Passing Completions, Game 37 (at Buffalo, Nov. 1, 1964) Blanda played 26 seasons of professional football, the most in the sport's history, and had scored more points than anyone in history at the time of his retirement. "The game that I remember the most was playing against Cleveland in 1970," Blanda once said. George Blanda - Bio, Personal Life, Family & Cause Of Death - CelebsAges He was an athletically built young man and could blast long field goals. He began his career in 1949 with the Chicago Bears, playing for George Halas, the legendary coach and team owner who helped shape pro football in its early years. Blanda played college ball at the University of Kentucky, where his coach was Bear Bryant, who went on to win six national championships at the University of Alabama. [Tied for 1st] Most Pass Completions, Game 29 (vs. San Francisco, Nov. 1, 1953) George Blanda, Hall of Fame Football Player, Dies at 83 [1st] Most Consecutive Games Played, Career 224 (1960-1975) [1st] Most Pass Interceptions, Season 42 (1962) [1st] Most Pass Attempts, Career 2,789 Stroud and edge Will Anderson Jr., the Houston Texans get plenty of love but they're not No. George Blanda turns to hand the ball off to running back Marvin Hubbard against the Baltimore Colts during the AFC Conference Championship game January 3, 1971 at Memorial Stadium in Baltimore, Maryland. [1st] Most PATs Converted, Career 395 George Blanda biography timelines. The joke was that Blanda, 19 years after the date depicted in the show, was still playing.[25]. [1st] Most PAT Attempts, Season 65 (1961) Yes, as per the facts we gained from the wikipedia, George Blanda passed away on 27 September 2010. We gave it 110%. [1st] Longest Pass Completion 88 (to Billy Cannon, vs. Los Angeles, 1960) George was a brave Raider and a close personal friend of . Tittle, Adrian Burk and Luckman. Although the Baltimore Colts won 27-17, Blanda accounted for all of the Raiders' points off two touchdown passes and one field goal. He spent 10 seasons with the Bears, part of one with the Baltimore Colts, seven with the Houston Oilers and his final nine with the Raiders. He's 30. According to the report, Floyd's death had been caused by the "combined effects of Mr Floyd's being restrained by police, underlying health conditions and any potential intoxicants in his system . Unsung Nuggets heroes Bruce Brown, Aaron Gordon both X-factors vs. Phoenix. "[3] Blanda later reflected that by the 1950s the pro game had moved beyond Halas, who seemed to lack the interest he had earlier. Blanda said further: "I think the AFL was capable of beating the NFL in a Super Bowl game as far back as 1960 or '61. The following week, Blanda kicked a 48-yard field goal in the final seconds to give the Raiders a 17-17 tie against the Kansas City Chiefs. Tired of being a kicker he changed his team after the contract ended. In any case, he and Halas never got along. During that season, Blanda, at age 43, had a remarkable five-game run. He completed 18 of 40 passes for 160 yards, one touchdown and five interceptions. NFL legend Blanda dies at 83 after brief illness - The Denver Post Blanda nearly won a third consecutive title when he led the Oilers back from a 17-0 halftime deficit to the Dallas Texans in the 1962 title game before losing in double overtime. After that game, Stabler got . [1st] Most Field Goals Converted, Career 15 Were going to do it now, Madden said. [2nd] Most Passing Attempts, Game 60 (vs. Oakland, Nov. 7, 1965) That remarkable stretch began Oct. 25, 1970, when Blanda replaced an injured Daryle Lamonica and threw three touchdown passes in a 31-14 victory over Pittsburgh. [11] The following week, Blanda's 16-yard field goal in the closing seconds defeated the San Diego Chargers, 2017. Cause of Death; Top 100 Search; George Blanda. He died of a short illness. At the time of his death, he was 83 years old. "Today, the coaches call all the plays, so all the quarterbacks have to do is perform. Fresh off the 2023 NFL Draft, Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach's checklist has plenty of to-dos and one high atop the agenda is working out a new deal with defensive lineman extraordinaire Chris Jones. George Blanda Obituary (2010) - Toledo, OH - The Blade - Legacy.com Never was that more evident than during a five-game stretch in 1970 when the 43-year-old Blanda, his chiseled jaw framed by salt-and-pepper sideburns, led the Raiders to four victories and one tie with late touchdown throws or field goals. A. Tittle of the NFL New York Giants two years later in 1963. Quarterback/Kicker George Blanda standing on the field before a circa 1970 game at the Oakland, Coliseum in Oakland, California. could provide information about other survivors. He signed with the Houston Oilers as both a quarterback and kicker. In 1967, when Blanda was almost 40, the Oilers decided he was through but the Raiders saw George as a contributing backup passer and a dependable kicker so they picked him up. George Blanda was born on September 17, 1927 (age 82) in Youngwood, Pennsylvania, United States. Blanda retired from pro football in 1976, holds the NFL record for most extra points made, and is the . "We were down 20-13 and I came in and we got a touchdown and then we got a field goal in the last three seconds.". Below you could test the George Blanda biography for a quick get-thru about the American soccer placekicker. Immediately after the winning field goal, Raiders radio announcer Bill King excitedly declared, "George Blanda has just been elected King of the World! [4], Blanda was the starting quarterback his last two seasons at Kentucky (19471948), compiling 120 completions in 242 passes (49.6 percent completions), 1,451 yards and 12 touchdowns.[5]. [1st] Most Field Goal Attempts, Career 249 But how did George Blanda die has been the most searched time period with the aid of his fans? In the Season 3 episode "Football Frolics", first aired January 20, 1976, Richie Cunningham (played by Ron Howard) and Ralph Malph (Donny Most) are watching the December 9, 1956, Chicago Bears Chicago Cardinals televised game. And he was a guileful, gutsy quarterback, a pocket passer who was never known for his arm strength or accuracy, his agility or his foot speed but who stood up to rushing linemen, saw the whole field and often delivered his best performances when the most was at stake. Blanda was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1981, his first year of eligibility, and also was inducted into the University of Kentucky Hall of Fame. Growing up in a large family as a coal miner's son, George was no stranger to poverty. 2 hr. I want to thank two great coaches I had at Oakland, Johnny Rausch who was my coach in 1967 and 1968. [1st] Most Points Scored, Career 2,002 His father worked as a coal miner and often found himself out of work when coal mines were closed. NFL and the NFL shield design are registered trademarks of the National Football League.The team names, logos and uniform designs are registered trademarks of the teams indicated. The one record I was happy to get rid of was the one for the most interceptions, when Brett Favre got that one., Said former Raiders coach John Madden: If you put him in a group of most-competitive, biggest-clutch players, I think hed have to be the guy who would win it all. (Records through the 1975 season, Blandas final season with Oakland), [1st] Most Points Scored, Career 863 I am so proud that my family will always be remembered in that Hall when they come through and see my bust along with Willie, Red & Jim and the other greats there and they will take pride and say that their He still holds the record for most games played by an AFL/NFL player who was not exclusively a kicker or punter. George Blanda, Hall of Fame quarterback who played for the Oakland Raiders, dies on Monday. The Raiders confirmed the death Monday and issued a statement saying "we are deeply saddened by the passing of the great George Blanda. George Blanda's Cause of Death- George Blanda turned into an American soccer placekicker who surpassed away at 83 years. George Frederick Blanda (September 17, 1927 September 27, 2010) was an American professional football player who was a placekicker and quarterback in the American Football League (AFL) and National Football League (NFL). Both cause of death and quality of life throughout life are very important to the study of the hazards associated with football. On November 8, he again came off the bench to throw a touchdown pass to tie the Cleveland Browns with 1:34 remaining, then kicked a 53-yard field goal with 0:03 left for the 2320 win. On 13 occasions, he connected on four or more touchdown passes during a game, and on November 1, 1964, unleashed 68 passes for Houston against the eventual champion Buffalo Bills. [1st] Most Pass Completions, Game 37 (vs. Buffalo, Nov. 1, 1964) George Blanda Wikipedia. [Tied for 1st] Most Field Goals Converted, Game 4 (vs. Houston, 1967; vs. Pittsburgh, 1973), AFL/AFC-NFL/NFC Championship Game Records [1st] Most Games 11 [1st] Most Games Played, Career 340 The Colts won the game 27 -17. 1. Fact Check: Did George Floyd Die of a Drug Overdose, as - Newsweek 27 September 2010) (his death) (2 children) Trivia (9) Quarterback/Kicker for the Chicago Bears (1949 and 1950-1959), Baltimore Colts (1950), Houston Oilers (1960 . [1st] Most PATs Converted, Career 18 He also kicked extra points and an 18-yard field. George Blanda of the Houston Oilers watches the action from the bench circa mid 1960s. 1956 NFL New York Giants 47, Chicago Bears 7 George Blanda, who played professional football for a record 26 seasons and helped win three championships in the American Football League, has died at age 83. . Blanda appeared only as a placekicker. You won't want to miss a moment of the 2023 season! He spent four seasons with the Bears, where he established himself as a talented quarterback and kicker. 1969 AFL Kansas City Chiefs 17, Oakland Raiders 7 Mr. Mousalimas had the first pick in the first GOPPL draft, using it to select future Raiders Hall of Famer George Blanda - not bad, but not as . He threw a touchdown pass, kicked the extra point, drove the team into position for the winning field goal and kicked it that 52-yarder with three seconds on the clock. Former Chicago Bears, Houston Oilers, and Oakland Raiders quarterback/kicker George Blanda, at the NFL Alumni at Pebble Beach event on December 5, 1991, at Pebble Beach, California. He spent 10 seasons with the Chicago Bears, part of one with the Baltimore Colts, seven with the Houston Oilers and his final nine with the Raiders. There he primarily played as a quarterback and place kicker; he also sometimes played as a linebacker. Halas jerked his thumb toward the stands and said, Get up there. George Blanda: He changed into born in 17 September 1927; he became a a success character who gained more fame in his profession. George Blanda--who played both Chicago and Oakland--presents Bears running back Walter Payton with a portrait before Paytons last regular-season game, a 6-3 Bears victory over the Los Angeles Raiders on December 27, 1987, at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California. Keeler: Avs fans, could we please skip Valeri Nichushkin, Nazem Kadri revisionist history? Today, football fans around the world are mourning the loss of Mr. Blanda, who died Monday after a brief illness. 1961 AFL Player of the Year (UPI, SN) Blanda scored 2,002 points in his career, a pro football record at the time of his retirement, kicking 335 field goals and 943 extra points, running for nine touchdowns and throwing for 236 more. Also in 1961, Blanda tied a pro football record with seven touchdown passes in a game, a mark he now shares with Joe Kapp, Y.A. [1st] Most Field Goals Converted, Career 335 [1st] Most Plays in One Game, Rushing and Passing 68 (at Buffalo, Nov. 1, 1964) It got to the point where when hed come in [the game], the whole team would go, Here comes George. George Frederick Blanda ("The Grand Old Man") (September 17, 1927 - September 27, 2010) was a former American football quarterback and placekicker. 1975 AFC Pittsburgh Steelers 16, Oakland Raiders 10 But how George Blanda died is unclear to some people, so here you can check George Blanda's Cause of Death. George Blanda Dies at Age 83: Oakland Raiders Lose Another Hall of This indeed was a somber, yet happy occasion, to not mourn George Blanda's death, but celebrate his life." George Blanda Memorial Attendees. They are more or less programmed. Oilers owner Bud Adams said Blanda's flair was a reason the AFL attracted so much attention. During that season, he led the AFL in passing yards (3,330) and touchdown passes (36). They had two children. After college he signed a contract with the Chicago Bears for $600 in 1949. Kiszla vs. Durando: Who gets blame for Avalanches flameout from Stanley Cup Playoffs? Without Al and without the Raiders, without that team spirit out there with the pride and poise the winning attitude and playing about 85% of the games in the nine years we won with the Raiders, certainly that attitude was very, very helpful to me. Blanda held the record for most professional football games played with 340 until September 26, 2004, when it was broken by another placekicker, Morten Andersen as well as the record for most consecutive games played[17] until September 26, 1976, by defensive end Jim Marshall. He kicked a 41-yard field goal and one PAT. 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. He started his pro football career with the Chicago Bears in 1949. It was a short-lived break because Blanda then joined the AFL's Oilers the nest season. George Blanda, the seemingly ageless Hall of Fame quarterback and kicker whose 26-year career was best remembered for a remarkable run of late-game theatrics with the Oakland Raiders, has died.. Blandas career record showed 1,911 completions out of 4,007 passes for 26,920 yards, 236 touchdowns and 277 interceptions (including 42 in 1962, a record). George Blanda, Hall of Fame Football Player, Dies at 83, https://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/28/sports/football/28blanda.html. Kevin Durant moped. Houston Oilers quarterback George Blanda talks with NBC-TV announcer George Ratterman following a game on December 20, 1964. 1970 AFC Player of the Year (UPI, SN), Elected to Pro Football Hall of Fame: Jan. 24, 1981, Enshrined into Pro Football Hall of Fame: Aug. 1, 1981, Presenter: Al Davis, Managing Partner, Oakland Raiders, Other Members of Class of 1981: Morris "Red" Badgro, Willie Davis, Jim Ringo. 1970 Player of the Year (MX) Blanda played 26 seasons of professional football, the most in the sport's history, and had scored more points than anyone in history at the time of his retirement. He was 83. I'm also proud of the fact that I grew up in a very, very small town with a great morn and dad who raised 11 kids and part of that tradition of playing football in Western Pennsylvania. Raiders Hall Of Fame QB George Blanda Dies At 83 George Blanda, in full George Frederick Blanda, (born September 17, 1927, Youngwood, Pennsylvania, U.S.died September 27, 2010, Alameda, California), American professional gridiron football player who first as a quarterback and later as a kicker established records for most seasons played (26), most games played (340; broken in 2004), most points scored (2,002; broken in 2000), most points . The 46-year-old suffered a cardiac arrest. He never got older, The Sporting News once wrote of Blanda. Stabler's sole role for several years was as placeholder for the team's kicker, George Blanda, then in his mid-40s. All-AFL: 1961 (AP, UPI, OL, SN, NY), 1967K (SN), All-AFL Second Team: 1962 (AP, UPI), 1963 (AP, NEA, NY), 1966K (OL), K Honored as a kicker All other honors as a quarterback, (at time of his retirement following 1975 season), [1st] Most Seasons 26 The next Sunday, he beat Denver with a late touchdown pass; the Sunday after that, he beat San Diego with a last-minute field goal. The actual cause of death was not revealed, but he had been suffering from various diseases. . The Wildcats only lost three games in each of the next three years. )[14] George Blanda - Biography - IMDb He connected on three of four field goal attempts (26, 9 and 20 yards) and two PATs. [Tied for 1st] Most Field Goal Attempts, Game 5 (vs. Pittsburgh, 1973) George Blanda handed away at 83 years. [1st] Most Passing Touchdowns, Career 7 He was derided by the sports media as an "NFL Reject", but he went on to lead the Oilers to the first two league titles in AFL history, and he was the All-AFL quarterback and won AFL Player of the Year honors in 1961. He kicked a 48-yard field goal against Kansas City Chief. [20], Blanda was the first-ever recorded fantasy football draft pick when the game was first created in 1962 by The Greater Oakland Professional Pigskin Prognosticators League.[21]. George Blanda was an awesome player who created many records, but the performance that makes him immortal is his 1970-71 season with the Oakland Raiders during which he played amazingly well and even kicked a 53-yard field goalthis at the age of 43! 2023 NFL Enterprises LLC. [2nd] Most Pass Interceptions, Game 5 (at San Diego, Dec. 24, 1961; vs. Denver, Dec. 2, 1962; vs. Dallas, Dec. 23, 1962; at Kansas City, Oct. 4, 1964; at Denver, Oct. 17, 1965) Both Blanda and Payton are members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. [1st] Most Field Goals Made, Season 16 (1961, 1962) [1st] Most Field Goals Converted, Season 23 (1973) Over his career spanning 26 seasons, he had scored 236 touchdowns, 277 interceptions, and earned a total of 2002 points. Three weeks later, the Raiders met the Oilers again in the AFL Championship Game and won 407. 1962 AFL Dallas Texans 20, Houston Oilers 17 (Double OT) // 17th Sep 1927. He was 83. Said Davis in an interview with NFL Films: Whenever we were in trouble, John just went to the bullpen, waved his hand, and George came in and started throwing those miraculous touchdown passes and kicking those miraculous field goals., In looking at that incredible streak, NFL Films called Blanda footballs King Tut exhibit, noting that even though people initially thought the quarterback was too old to be a player, he was just the right age to become a legend.. [1st] Most PATs Converted, Season 64 (1961) Sabol remembers going to Blandas home and interviewing the recently retired quarterback. Long time in coming the recognition that we the founders of the league, the players, the original players. And when Al called me up in July of 1967 to come back and try out my third season, my third career with the Oakland Raiders, I was supposed to jump at it. He was voted the A.F.L player of the year in 1961. The Raidersconfirmed the death Monday and issued a statement saying "we are deeply saddened by the passing of the great George Blanda. [citation needed] He was married to Betty Harris from December 17, 1949, until his death on September 27, 2010, ten days after his 83rd birthday. (AP) George Blanda played every game for his team in the AFL's 10-year history, put together one . The badass life of young Ken Stabler and the play that created the