H96.1.1170

Clipping on the back, "Aug. 2, 1981- Geo. Blanda." Handwritten on the back, "Blanda kicks winning point" taken Dec. 8, 1970. Photo shows Blanda with his foot still up in the air from kicking the ball. Number 3, his holder, is still kneeling on the ground. A player, from the Colts, is laying on the ground in front of Blanda turned to watch where the ball went. A large crowd is in the background watching the game. From exhibition label: "LET GEORGE DO IT. Few players have ever had a more amazing season than the one enjoyed by George Blanda in 1970. Blanda at the time was 43 years old and in his 21st season of professional football, but what he accomplished made fans wonder if he were a geriatric deity. His five week run began against Pittsburgh when quarterback Lamonica was injured and Blanda came off the bench to throw two touchdown passes to lead the Raiders to a 31-14 win. A week later he kicked a 48-yard field goal with three seconds left to tie Kansas City 17-7. Next he booted a 52-yard field goal with three seconds on the clock to defeat Cleveland 23-20. Then against Denver he came off the bench to replace Lamonica and directed the Raiders to a winning touchdown in a 24-19 victory. Against San Diego he booted a game- winning field goal with seven seconds left in a 20-17 victory. Blanda is seen here kicking a field goal in the 1970 AFC title game against Baltimore, won by the Colt 27-17. For his heroics, George was named AFC Player of the Year."

Used: Oakland Tribune