The American Football League (AFL) was a brash, bold, and an innovative league that challenged the established National Football League (NFL) during the 1960s. Founded by Lamar Hunt in 1959, the AFL featured pass-oriented offenses, west coast teams, broadcasting innovations, and offered more opportunities to black players. The AFL successfully merged all their teams with the NFL in 1966, creating the league we know and love today. The following series of weekly articles will shine a light on the AFL’s influential people and critical moments that propelled football into popular culture, making it America’s game. 

What if I told you that one man rejected aging, performing at a high level against top-tier competition. That one man’s achievements have stood the test of time but inevitably paved the way for others. That one man excelled at two positions for 26 seasons when the play was brutal, and sports medicine was not as advanced as today. What if I told you about George Blanda, best known for quarterbacking and kicking for the AFL’s Houston Oilers and Oakland Raiders. 

In 1949, George Halas and the Chicago Bears drafted George Blanda. His relationship with the Bears was shaky, plagued by money issues and doubt. Blanda did not officially start at quarterback until 1953. Unfortunately, an injury the following season ended his time as the Bear’s quarterback. Still, he continued to kick for them until 1958. He retired in protest because coach Halas refused to give him any chance at quarterback. Two years later, the AFL formed, and Blanda signed with Bud Adams’ Houston Oilers as a quarterback and kicker. The press dubbed him an “NFL reject,” like many other players on AFL squads.

Blanda led the Houston Oilers to the first AFL title in 1960, defeating the Los Angeles Chargers 24-16. He completed 16 of 31 passes for 301 yards and three touchdowns in the championship game. He also tallied an extra point and an 18-yard field goal. Blanda played in every game during the regular season, throwing for 2,413 yards and 24 touchdowns. Blanda also led the league in PATs attempted and converted (64/65). In 1961, he threw for over 3,000 yards, 26 touchdowns, and compiled a 91.3 quarterback rating. The press acknowledged his success. Blanda was named first-team All-AFL and AFL MVP. More importantly, Blanda won the AFL title again, defeating the San Diego Chargers 10-3. He completed 18 of 40 passes for 160 yards, one touchdown, and five interceptions. He also kicked one extra point and a 46-yard field goal. 

The following year, Blanda and his Oilers returned to the AFL title game but lost to the Dallas Texans 20-17 (OT). In 1962, Blanda made the All-AFL second team throwing 36 touchdowns. Blanda also set the record for the most interceptions in a season, with 42 (that record still stands today). Despite the interceptions, Blanda had awesome games passing the football. Against the Buffalo Bills, Blanda threw for 464 yards and four touchdowns, winning 28-16. A few plays later, against the Titans of New York, Blanda threw for 418 yards and seven touchdowns. For the period, Blanda’s numbers were rare. Blanda’s gun-slinging style of play helped the AFL’s popularity and growth, differing from the NFL’s play-style, or “six inches and a cloud of dust.”

Blanda led the AFL in passing attempts and completions from 1963 to 1965 and received four All-Star nods. Due to his age, The Oilers released Blanda after the 1966 season. Al Davis and the Oakland Raiders took a chance on Blanda, thinking his experience and dependability would benefit the team. Ole Reliable exceeded his expectations leading the AFL in scoring with 116 points, helping Oakland to the 1967 AFL title game, defeating the Houston Oilers 40-7. Two weeks later, in what is now called Super Bowl II, the Raiders would lose to the Green Bay Packers, 33-14

Blanda continued to serve as a backup quarterback and placekicker with the Raiders. His most notable performance was versus Johnny Unitas and the Baltimore Colts in the 1970 AFC title game. Starting quarterback Daryle Lamonica’s injury pushed Blanda back under center. Blanda completed 17 of 32 passes for 217 yards and two touchdowns, adding a 48-yard field goal and an extra point. Blanda’s heroic effort fell short as the Raiders lost 27-17. At 43 years old, Blanda made history, becoming the oldest quarterback to ever play in a championship game (Record broken by Tom Brady). At 48, Blanda retired after the losing 1975 AFC championship game to the Pittsburgh Steelers 16-10. Blanda kicked a 41-yard field goal and one extra point versus the Pittsburgh Steelers. 

George Blanda was an AFL original and was proud of his AFL heritage. “I think the AFL was capable of beating the NFL in a Super Bowl game as far back as 1960 or ’61.” I just regret we didn’t get the chance to prove it.” In 1981, the Pro Football Hall of Fame immortalized George Blanda for his success, longevity, and influence.