George, "Bill" (William)
Football
b. Oct. 27, 1930, Waynesburg, PA
d. Sept. 30, 1982
A tackle at Wake Forest, George went to the NFL's Chicago Bears in 1952 and became the first modern middle linebacker. He was playing defensive middle guard in a five-man line against the Philadelphia Eagles, who repeatedly completed short passes right over the middle early in the game.
George decided to move out of the line on obvious passing plays. The second time he did it, he made an interception, and he was a middle linebacker from then on. The 6-foot-2, 230-pound George had great speed for his size and was often used on blitzes in passing situations, but he was also good in coverage and his lineman strength made him just as effective against the run.
He became Chicago's defensive signal-caller in 1956, with the responsibility for running a very complex defense that used hundreds of schemes under defensive coordinator Clark Shaughnessy.
George was an All-Pro from 1955 through 1962 and he appeared in eight Pro Bowls. He was with the Bears through 1965 and spent the 1966 season with the Los Angeles Rams before retiring. He returned 18 interceptions 144 yards. George also kicked 14 extra points and 4 field goals for a career total of 26 points.