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unusual facts about George Blanda



1960 Oakland Raiders season

The Oilers took an early lead after a 43-yard pass from George Blanda to Charlie Hennigan.

1962 American Football League Championship Game

Houston, coached by Frank "Pop" Ivy featured a host of offensive talent with veteran George Blanda, Charlie Tolar, the fleet-footed but ill-fated4 Billy Cannon, Charley Hennigan, and unheralded Willard Dewveall.

Charlie Hennigan

On the 2009 Showtime series Full Color Football: The History of the American Football League, George Blanda tells this story: "Willie couldn't cover Charley Hennigan in practice, so he was let go, and the Broncos picked him up. The next year we played Denver, and Charley needed nine catches to break Lionel Taylor's record of 100 receptions in a season. Charley got the nine he needed, with Willie covering him. Willie's in the Hall of Fame. Charley Hennigan should be, too."

Super Bowl II

Raiders returner Rodger Bird gave them great field position with a 12-yard return to Green Bay's 40-yard line, but Oakland could only gain 1 yard with their next 3 plays and came up empty when George Blanda's 47-yard field goal attempt fell short of the goal posts.


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