NFL Hall of Famer Charley Trippi dies 100

**pwaldo** · 10-20-2022, 11:46 AM

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/art...-dies-100.html

NFL Hall of Famer Charley Trippi has died aged 100.

The legendary figure of the game led the Chicago Cardinals (now the Arizona Cardinals) to an NFL championship back in 1947.

He is the only player inducted into the Hall of Fame with over 1,000 rushing, receiving and passing yards in his career.

The versatile star, who played at quarterback, halfback, defensive back and kick returner, was part of the Cardinals' famed 'Million Dollar Backfield' assembled by owner Charles Bidwill.

His career was even interrupted by war between winning a national championship in 1942 and returning to the game years later.

Prior to his time in the NFL, Trippi had a legendary career at Georgia, where he led the Bulldogs to an undefeated season in 1946 and finished as a runner-up for the Heisman Trophy.

That same year he won the Maxwell Award as the nation's most outstanding player.

He missed the 1943 and 1944 seasons due to the war, and also missed most of the 1945 season.

During his time in the military, Trippi was drafted first overall by the Cardinals in the 1945 NFL Draft as a future pick.

Trippi also played baseball, and a number of major league teams wanted to sign him, including the New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox and Philadelphia Phillies.

Trippi was one of two Hall of Famers to turn 100 years old, with the other being Clarence 'Ace' Parker, who lived to be 101.

He was named in the NFL's 1940s All-Decade Team and made the Pro Bowl twice in nine seasons with the Cardinals.

His first wife Virginia died in 1971 and he is survived by his second wife Peggy, two children, three stepchildren, 15 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren.