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Two plays later he caught the first of his 18 pro interceptions. While no one can swear which middle guard in a five-man line first dropped back to play middle linebacker and create the classic 4-3 defense, George is the most popular choice. Certainly he was the first to star at the middle linebacker position.
Bill George, Linebacker, 1952-1965. Became the NFL's first middle linebacker when he began dropping off the line from his middle guard position in 1954. Attended Wake Forest, was all-NFL eight times in nine years and made eight straight pro bowls. Played through the 1965 season, but knew his career was over when Bears drafted his replacement ...
Find a Grave Memorial ID: 110459624. Source citation. Hall of Fame Professional Football Player. For fifteen seasons (1952 to 1966), he played at the guard and middle-linebacker positions in the National Football League with the Chicago Bears and Los Angeles Rams. Born William J. George, he attended Waynesburg High School in Pennsylvania and ...
For the coach of the Coast Guard Bears, see Bill George (American football coach). William J. George (October 27, 1929 – September 30, 1982) was an American football player. He played professionally as a linebacker for the Chicago Bears and the Los Angeles Rams of the National Football League (NFL). George was born in Waynesburg, Pennsylvania, about 50 miles south of Pittsburgh. He is among ...
1998. Skip Ad. Bio. Bill George was the first All-America football player at Wake Forest, the first middle linebacker in NFL history and a 1974 inductee into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. George earned All-America distinction as a tough, quick and extremely strong defensive tackle. He was a three-time selection to the All-Southern Conference team.
Sep 30, 2022 · Bill George is credited as the first true middle linebacker in NFL history, while starring for the Chicago Bears in the 1950s and '60s, as well as the the creator of the 4–3 defense. On the 40-year anniversary of George's passing, we celebrate his legacy.
- Sep 30, 2022
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- Pro Football Hall of Fame
William J. "Bill" George (October 27, 1929 - September 30, 1982) was a product of the Pittsburgh area town of Waynesburg, Pennsylvania. George was a professional football player, playing linebacker, for the Chicago Bears and the Los Angeles Rams. George attended college at Wake Forest University, being the Bears' second-round draft pick in 1951. He began his pro football career the following ...
