Fansided

10 best Georgia alumni in NFL history

By Russell S. Baxter

DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 19: Former Denver Broncos running back and hall of fame inductee Terrell Davis stands on the field with his family during a ceremony to recognize the former player before a game between the Denver Broncos and the Cincinnati Bengals at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on November 19, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - NOVEMBER 19: Former Denver Broncos running back and hall of fame inductee Terrell Davis stands on the field with his family during a ceremony to recognize the former player before a game between the Denver Broncos and the Cincinnati Bengals at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on November 19, 2017 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /
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Halfback Charley Trippi of the Chicago Cardinals along with Vic Schwall(37), Bill Campbell(53), and Vince Banonis(32) on the bench during a 45 to 21 loss to the Washington Redskins on November 23, 1947 at Griffith Stadium in Washington, DC. (Photo by Nate Fine/Getty Images)
Halfback Charley Trippi of the Chicago Cardinals along with Vic Schwall(37), Bill Campbell(53), and Vince Banonis(32) on the bench during a 45 to 21 loss to the Washington Redskins on November 23, 1947 at Griffith Stadium in Washington, DC. (Photo by Nate Fine/Getty Images) /

8. Charley Trippi

The NFL team that currently makes its home in the desert has a fascinating history that dates all the way back to 1898, making them the oldest pro football team. They were the Racine Street Cardinals and would be one of the original members of the American Professional Football Association. The league began play in 1920 and would change its name to the National Football League two years later.

The Chicago Cardinals would win an NFL title in 1925. In 1947, the club would face the Philadelphia Eagles for all the marbles. Former University of Georgia standout Charley Trippi played a big role in the team’s 28-21 victory. He scored the game’s first touchdown on a 44-yard run. Later, he found the end zone via a 75-yard punt return. The versatile performer spent nine seasons in the NFL and was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1968.

“In those days the more things a player did, the more pay he could demand,” explained Trippi (via the Pro Football Hall of Fame). I could run, kick, pass and catch and that made me a valuable property.”

Amazingly, that title game win over the Eagles marks the last NFL title for the Cardinals. The franchise currently owns the longest active championship drought in the National Football League. Meanwhile, Trippi passed away in October of 2022 at the age of 100.

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