September 24, 1973 – Eddie George was a halfback from Ohio State University.
Out of high school, George was heavily recruited by top programs to be a linebacker in college. Eddie later told the press that he chose Ohio State mainly so that he could continue to play running back. He made the right choice as demonstrated in his senior season as the Buckeye’s Bell Cow running back, as George rushed for 100 yards in 12 straight games! It was from numbers like that that Eddie George won the 1995 Walter Camp Player of the Year, the Doak Walker Award, the Maxwell Award, the Jim Brown Award, and the Heisman Trophy! Ohio State retired his number 27 in 1995, and the College Football Hall of Fame inducted him into their lineup of legends in the 2011 entry class.
The Houston Oilers drafted Eddie in the 1996 NFL Draft. A year later, the Oilers moved to Tennessee and later became the Titans, and Eddie George still owns most of the franchise’s rushing records. He stayed with his original franchise for 8 seasons and then played a final year for the Dallas Cowboys. He ranks 23rd in NFL rushing yards and has the distinction of being only one of two players to have rushed for over 10,000 yards and to have never missed a start, the Great Jim Brown being the other. Pretty good company to be with!
Football Legacy
Eddie George’s legacy is one of unwavering dependability and power. He was the anchor of the Titans’ offense for years, a punishing runner who consistently delivered. He holds numerous franchise records and was the driving force behind the team’s run to Super Bowl XXXIV. Beyond his stats, George is remembered for his physical style of play and his status as a role model. He remains one of the most beloved figures in Titans franchise history and is a celebrated member of the Ohio State football community. His influence is felt in his post-playing career as a coach, actor, and motivational speaker.
Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats
- Heisman Trophy (1995)
- Maxwell Award (1995)
- Doak Walker Award (1995)
- NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year (1996)
- 4x Pro Bowl Selection (1997-2000)
- First-Team All-Pro (2000)
- Titans/Oilers Ring of Honor
- Career Rushing Yards: 10,441
- Career Rushing Touchdowns: 68
- Games Started: 130
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