Who Is George Blanda? Age, Biography, and Wiki
George Blanda was born on September 17, 1927, in Youngwood, Pennsylvania. He was an iconic quarterback and placekicker, known for his exceptional skills and remarkable longevity in professional football. With a career that spanned more than two decades, Blanda became one of the most versatile players in NFL history, showcasing talent across multiple positions. His birthday makes him 98 years old in 2025, even though he has since passed, his influence remains significant to fans of the game.
| Occupation | Football Players |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 17, 1927 |
| Age | 83 Years |
| Birth Place | Youngwood, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | U.S |
| Date of death | 27 September, 2010 |
| Died Place | Alameda, California, U.S. |
Popularity
George Blanda's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
During his playing days, George Blanda stood at 6 feet 2 inches (188 cm) tall and weighed approximately 210 pounds (95 kg). His physique contributed to his on-field versatility, which allowed him to perform various roles, including quarterback and kicker, effectively.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Blanda was married to the love of his life, Betty Blanda, for over 50 years until her passing in 2009. Together, they had four children, forming a close-knit family that supported each other through the highs and lows of his illustrious career. Although details about his dating life before and after marriage are limited, it’s clear that Blanda cherished his family and valued their support throughout his life.
Blanda was signed by the Chicago Bears for $600 in 1949, an amount owner George Halas demanded back when he made the team. Blanda was given a lucrative contract of $6000, as the $600 was just a sign on bonus. While primarily used as a quarterback and placekicker, Blanda also saw time on the defensive side of the ball at linebacker.
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. For the next four years, he was used mostly in a kicking capacity.
Later commenting on his testy relationship with Halas, Blanda noted, "he was too cheap to even buy me a kicking shoe." Blanda later reflected that by the 1950s the pro game had moved beyond Halas, who seemed to lack the interest he had earlier.
Net Worth and Salary
At the time of his passing in 2010, George Blanda had an estimated net worth of around $2 million. He earned a significant portion of his income through his football career but also engaged in various business ventures post-retirement, including roles in coaching and sports commentary. His long tenure in the NFL, coupled with endorsements and appearances, contributed substantially to his financial standing.
Career, Business & Investments
Blanda's professional football career began in 1949, primarily playing for the Chicago Bears, before transitioning to the Oakland Raiders, where he solidified his legacy. Not only did he serve as a quarterback, but he also became one of the NFL’s top kickers. Blanda retired in 1975, holding several records, including the most points scored in a career.
Post-retirement, he leveraged his fame into a successful career in coaching and commentary. He was involved with various teams and even worked on promoting youth sports. Blanda was known for his involvement in charitable activities, reflecting his passion for giving back to the community.
From 1963 to 1965, Blanda led the AFL in passing attempts and completions, and ranked in the top ten for attempts, completions, yards and touchdowns during seven consecutive seasons. The 1966 season would see Blanda's Oilers begin the season with a 3–5 record despite a statistically prolific connection with receiver Charley Frazier.
Blanda would cede playing time at quarterback to the 25-year-old Don Trull, though Blanda continued to serve as the team's primary kicker. A four-time AFL All-Star, Blanda's already-long career seemed over when he was released by the Oilers on March 18, 1967.
However, the Oakland Raiders signed him that July, seeing his potential as a contributing backup passer and a dependable kicker.
Social Network
While George Blanda did not engage with social media during his lifetime, his legacy has continued on platforms like Instagram and Twitter, where fans share memories and highlights of his illustrious career. The NFL and various sports networks regularly pay tribute to his incredible impact on the game through posts and commemorative videos.
Education
George Blanda attended the University of Kentucky, where he played college football before entering the professional leagues. His collegiate experience laid the foundation for his future success, demonstrating his leadership and commitment to the sport. Even after his football career, Blanda emphasized the importance of education and mentorship for young athletes.
He is the placekicker on the All-Time All-AFL Team, and was one of only 20 players to play all ten years of the AFL, as well as one of only three who were in every AFL game their teams played. 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.
