Jeff George (born December 8, 1967) is a former American football quarterback who played 12 seasons in the National Football League (NFL). Known for possessing what many consider to be one of the strongest arms in league history, George was the first overall pick in the 1990 NFL Draft. Over his career, he threw for 27,602 passing yards, 154 touchdowns, and 113 interceptions. Early Life and College Career Born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana, George was a standout quarterback at Warren Central High School. He began his college career at Purdue University (1986–1987) before transferring to the University of Illinois. At Illinois, he flourished under head coach John Mackovic, winning the Sammy Baugh Trophy in 1989 as the nation’s top collegiate passer. The 1990 NFL Draft Entering the 1990 NFL Draft, George was the consensus top quarterback prospect. The Atlanta Falcons originally held the first overall pick, but because they already had a franchise quarterback in Chris Miller, the Chris Miller Indianapolis Colts (George’s hometown team) traded up to acquire the selection. The Colts sent Miller and multiple draft picks to Atlanta in exchange for the rights to draft George, making him a hometown hero. Indianapolis Colts (1990–1993) George’s tenure with the Colts featured flashes of brilliance mixed with team struggles. In 1992, he led the Colts to an AFC East division title under head coach Ted Marchibroda. However, George eventually developed a reputation for being difficult to coach and fell out with Marchibroda, leading to his benching in favor of Jim Harbaugh. In March 1994, the Colts traded George back to the Atlanta Falcons in exchange for first- and third-round draft picks. Atlanta Falcons (1994–1996) Reunited with the Falcons, George was tasked with running head coach June Jones’ “Run-and-Shoot” offense. In 1995, he enjoyed a highly productive year, throwing for 4,143 yards and leading the Falcons to their first playoff appearance in several seasons. However, his time in Atlanta is most famously remembered for a public confrontation with his coach. On September 22, 1996, during a nationally televised game, cameras caught George getting into a heated, shouting argument on the sidelines with June Jones. Following the incident, George was benched, suspended, and eventually waived by the Falcons in October 1996. Oakland Raiders (1997–1998) George signed with the Oakland Raiders in 1997 and found a new lease on his career. Working under quarterbacks coach Bill Musgrave, George had arguably the finest statistical season of his career. In 1997, he threw for 3,917 yards, a career-high 29 touchdowns, and only nine interceptions, earning a 91.2 passer rating. His yardage total led the entire NFL that season, marking the peak of his individual accolades. Minnesota Vikings (1999) In 1999, George joined the Minnesota Vikings, stepping in as the starter for a high-powered offense featuring future Hall of Famers Randy Moss and Cris Carter. He went 8-2 in 10 regular-season starts, throwing for 2,816 yards and 23 touchdowns. His deep-ball accuracy perfectly complemented the Vikings’ explosive receiving corps. In the 1999 NFC Divisional Playoff game against the St. Louis Rams’ “Greatest Show on Turf,” George threw for 423 yards and four touchdowns in a thrilling, high-scoring 49-37 loss. Washington Redskins and Retirement (2000–2004) George signed with the Washington Redskins in 2000, starting 11 games and posting a 6-5 record. He played his final NFL snaps for Washington in 2001. After leaving Washington, he attempted several comebacks, signing with the Seattle Seahawks as a backup in 2002 and with the Chicago Bears in 2004 to back up Chad Hutchinson, but he did not see regular-season action for either team. Legacy and Post-NFL Life Jeff George concluded his 12-season NFL career with a 46-78 record as a starting quarterback. While critics often pointed to his lack of sustained team success and clashes with coaches, his undeniable physical talent left a lasting impression on peers and fans, who frequently cite him as having one of the greatest pure throwing arms the league has ever seen. Since retiring, George has remained connected to the sport and his community. In 2022, he was inducted into the University of Illinois Athletics Hall of Fame. He has made occasional media appearances and engaged in charitable efforts, such as helping foster families. The football legacy continues in his family; his son, Jeff George Jr., played college football as a quarterback at institutions including the University of Pittsburgh and the University of Illinois. Views: 1
Tag: Quarterback
Colts 1st Round Draft Pick Is…..
With the professional football season over, for the INDIANAPOLIS COLTS. We have seen the end of the POLIAN ERA. The man who guided the COLTS, to the selection of PEYTON MANNING. The man who the past decade the COLTS have built their machine. But this year with the injured MANNING sitting OUT the season we saw the total collapse of the Indianapolis FRANCHISE and it was thunderous. I still think the nucleus of the team is intact; however some of that nucleus is beginning to become long in the tooth. (OLD). So there has to be some changes made throughout the team. The big mistake Polian made during those earlier years, to my way of thinking, was the signing of EDGERIN JAMES. Not that he was a terrible choice, BUT the BEST running back for the colts would have been Wisconsin’s RON DAYNE. It was too bad for all of professional football, when Dayne went to a team which did not like to run the ball. And the Great Dayne, was left rusting on the shelf. But why did the Colts falter so badly. Bill Polian and Jim Irsay, (yes he has to take some of the blame too. After all he is “THE BOSS”), failed to recognize the fact Manning, as he ages, and continues to play every snap, hurt or otherwise; could possibly miss some games. Therefore there was no backup plan. And who would want to be Manning’s backup? You never get to play. Maybe if you are lucky you might get to take 5-10 snaps a year. Now the COLTS have a new leader. Will he be able to right the ship? Will Mr. Irsay give him the power to do his job? Time will tell. Now to the matter of the FIRST ROUND PICK. With so many holes to be plugged, one must first determine, WHICH HOLE, is most needed to plug. At first glance it would appear the QB spot is of prime importance. Next we need to know, are we going with MANNING, or are we going to be seeking someone to take over the reins. Then what is our time line for the switch. I believe MANNING is a great leader, a masterful student of the game and of imparting his knowledge to his fellow teammates. I would not want him to leave the team. NOR, do I think he wants to leave the COLTS. But he knows what he can and can not do. Who would you draft if you decide to go for a QB? First you must look for the best fit for the team you have. (You can’t replace a whole team in one year. Oh I suppose you could if you can buy out everyone’s contract. But that is a bit unrealistic. I feel we have three quality candidates. STANFORD’S ANDREW LUCK. BAYLOR’S ROBERT GRIFFIN III. And WISCONSIN’S RUSSELL WILSON. Luck, of course is the nations choice. But is he the right man for the team. It all depends. What is the NEW GUARD of the COLTS looking for. Luck has the pedigree, but can he fit in and lead the team next year if necessary. Will he be satisfied to sit behind Manning. I personally don’t think so. I don’t know the boy, all I know about him is what the press says. (and we all know how the press can hype a player). Stanford is no pro team. (maybe). But when you move to the pro ranks it is a new game. CAN HE HANDLE THE CHANGE. Griffin III, winner of the Heisman Trophy, has shown his leadership skills, by leading a NON-POWER team to new heights. Again you have the same questions as with Luck. Wilson. We know he already has a professional contract to play baseball. He came to a new team and did an outstanding job of leading them in his first and only year with the BADGERS. For what it is worth this is my pick. Want someone who can come in and take over immediately? You must opt for Russell Wilson. If he can/or wants to opt out of his baseball contract. For Wilson, he can play baseball for 4-5 years for little pay. OR become an instant millionaire thru his quarterbacking skills. Want someone who is willing to follow MANNING, and learn from the master, with gradually increasing playing time. Then Robert Griffin III is your man. I think the COLTS need someone who can come in and take immediate charge. So there you have it. My number one pick would be Russell Wilson (if available) because I think the Colts need someone who is ready to take charge first game of the season. Given the same conditions, as above, if Wilson is not available then I would take Andrew Luck. Wanting some one to backup Manning and learn, and get gradual increasing snap, then Robert Griffin III is your man. That Is The Way I See It. UPDATE !!!!! January 13, About 6 hours ago from the time I am writing this; RUSSELL WILSON of the WISCONSIN BADGERS has announced he will forgo his baseball career with the COLORADO ROCKIES, in favor of a career in the NFL. Views: 235
Brett Favre to Retire??
Like many other Football fans I am wondering. Will Brett Favre retire? I am of the opinion he will. I think the one thing that kept him going was the most consecutive starts record. With Peyton Manning breathing down his neck, he had to keep going. But now after having to sit out a game or so, he doesn’t have time to start over. By retiring this year, (really retiring), Favre will go out on top of the heap in all categories. I think he has passed Jim Marshall for most regular season starts. Marshall played 20 seasons and started 282 regular season games. Favre had, (I think), 269 before this season started, thus needed to start 14 regular season games this year to take that title. I know how hard it is to give up something you love doing. But I believe the time is right for Brett Favre. I think Favre will retire from playing. However he has a wealth of knowledge to pass on. Will he just walk away from Football or will he find a new niche, a different job with another record to set. We can only wait and see That Is How I See It. Views: 91
