"We are deeply saddened by the passing of the great George Blanda," the Raiders said this morning in response to the news.
Blanda played an NFL-record 26 seasons from 1949-1975. During that span, he played the rare combination of both quarterback and kicker and racked up the most points in football history with 3,418.
Moreover, he was a three-time AFL Champion and his former Raiders' coach John Madden had high remarks regarding his former player.
"If you put him in a group of most-competitive, biggest-clutch players, I think he'd have to be the guy who would win it all. He was the most competitive guy that I never knew."
The aspect of Blanda's game that I admired most was how he continued to perform at a high level regardless of his age.
As a 43-year old, he led the Raiders to the AFC title game and earned AP Male Athlete of the Year honors.
"George Blanda will always be remembered as a legend of our game," NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell released in a statement. "George's multi-talented flair for the dramatic highlighted the excitement of pro football during an important period of growth for our sport."
Blanda was elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1981, during his first year of eligibility.
"A seemingly ageless wonder, George inspired legions of fans over a 26-year career, with his clutch performances as a quarterback and place kicker. He will be truly missed," said Steve Perry, executive director of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Even though I never had the golden opportunity to watch him play, Blanda leaves behind a wife and I send out my thoughts and best wishes to his family. May his memories rest in the place it most deserves, our hear...
Article Source: Bleacher Report - Oakland Raiders
