GALLERY_Blanda

Blanda_George_2009_Enshrinement_01.jpg

George Blanda last returned to Canton for the 2009 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival.

Blanda_George_2009_Enshrinement_02.jpg

George Blanda with his former coach John Madden at the 2009 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement ceremony.

Blanda-01.jpg

George Blanda played until age 48.

Blanda-02.jpg

In all, Blanda played 26 seasons.

Blanda-Abrams.jpg

© Noah Abrams

George Blanda at the 19th Annual Legends Invitational at Pebble Beach in November 2009.

Blanda-AFL_championship.jpg

Blanda led the Houston Oilers to championships in 1960 and 1961.

Blanda-Bears.jpg

Blanda started his career with the Chicago Bears but had to wait his turn behind Hall of Fame QBs Sid Luckman and later Bobby Layne.

Blanda-bust.jpg

Blanda's bronze bust.

Blanda-Davis-Enshrinement.jpg

George Blanda with his presenter Al Davis at his Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement on Aug. 1, 1981.

Blanda-Mural.jpg

Blanda's Hall of Fame mural.

Blanda-Oilers.jpg

Blanda was named the AFL's Player of the Year in 1961 when he threw for a then-record 36 TDs.

Blanda-Raiders.jpg

Used primarily as a kicker in Oakland, Blanda came off the bench to help out at quarterback when needed.