What happened to Charley Trippi? Cardinals HoF dies at 100
Charley Trippi, who was inducted into both the College and Pro Football Hall of Fame, has passed away at the age of 100. The University of Georgia has announced that Trippi died peacefully at his home in Athens, Georgia. He was the lone member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame to have 1,000 yards rushing, receiving, and passing in his career.
The 1940's saw the Pennsylvania native playing college football in Georgia. However, his career was halted during his service in World War II. After the war, he led the Georgia Bulldogs to a Rose Bowl win and was a first overall draft pick by the-then Chicago Cardinals.
Charley Trippi and the 'Million Dollar Backfield'
With the Cardinals, Trippi led the team to the NFL championship in 1947 and was part of the 'Million Dollar Backfield' for the team. They were also referred to as the 'Dream Backfield.' That backfield included Elmer Angsman (HB), Paul Christman (QB), Marshall Goldberg (HB), Pat Harder (FB), and Charley Trippi (HB).
The Cardinals later moved to St. Louis in 1960 and then to their current home in Arizona in 1988. They are yet to win another championship. Charley Trippi played nine seasons with the Cardinals, lining up almost anywhere he was needed on the football field.
The former Georgia star played the first four seasons in the NFL as a halfback, switching to quarterback for the next two seasons. He ended his career playing mainly as a defensive back. He was also a punter, while having success as a kickoff and punt returner. In 1968, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
On Dec. 14, 2021, Charley Trippi celebrated a feat not many have reached in their lives. He turned 100 years old, becoming just the second member of the Hall of Fame to reach the milestone age. Clarence 'Ace' Parker died on Nov. 6, 2013, at the age of 101. Trippi is survived by his wife Peggy and two children, daughter Brenda and son Charles. He was preceded in death by his first wife and oldest daughter.
Who is the oldest football player alive?
With the passing of Trippi, the title of oldest living football player belongs to Dub Jones, who's 97 years old. Jones played for three teams in his 10 seasons in the NFL (Cleveland Browns, Brooklyn Dodgers and Miami Seahawks). He was drafted second overall by the Chicago Cardinals in the 1946 NFL Draft. Jones played at halfback, defensive back, wideback, and tailback.
His son, Bert Jones, played quarterback for the Baltimore Colts and Los Angeles Rams in his 10 seasons in the NFL.