UK Legend George Blanda Passes Away

by:Matt Jones09/27/10
blanda Potentially the greatest UK football player in the history of the program, George Blanda passed away today at the age of 83. Blanda played for UK in the Bear Bryant era and was the QB of the 1947 and 1948 team. He set a number of school records and was one of the most famous college football players of his era. He then went on to the NFL where he played a record 26 seasons as a Quarterback and kicker, a dual-threat that you will likely never again see in the sport. Blanda still holds the record for the oldest player to ever compete in an NFL game, kicking at the age of 48. He began his career in Houston in 1949 and finished it kicking in Oakland in 1975, a staggering career that set the gold standard for longevity. His feat was so impressive than an owner in 1975 saw Blanda kick and said, "I remember that Blanda, he is almost as good as his father was back in Houston." Blanda is a UK and NFL legend, who is in the Football Hall of a Fame and one of the storied men to ever wear the Blue and White. We celebrate his life here on KSR and wish the best to his family and friends.

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