[brian1961]

The tears flow as I remember "The Ancient Mariner". He lived a full life, and though I may never reach 83, it is still hard and painful to say, "so long".

I was in high school in 1970 when George had his Cinderella season. Though I was not as interested in football as I once was, Blanda's heroics caught my attention for sure. My buddies and I were so impressed with this 43-year-old guy coming in to save the day for the Raiders game after game. The whole country was very proud of George Blanda. He wound up getting second in the Hickok Award Voting that year as the country's best athlete.

Of course, there was much more to George's career, but considering he began 1970 as a walk-on or something (I read about it in Wikipedia--fascinating) simply adds to the drama and sensation that he caused that year.

My sympathy and prayers go out to his family.