Georgia football lost a legend on Wednesday as the University announced the passing of Charley Trippi. A true legend that donned the Red and Black, Trippi is a staple of this football program.
He died on Wednesday morning at the glorious age of 100 at his Athens home. Trippi was one of the greatest athletes to ever come through Athens, and even as a younger person who didn’t watch him — we grew up knowing who Trippi was and why he was important to the University of Georgia.
There wasn’t much that Trippi didn’t succeed at because that was just the kind of athlete he was. Trippi did everything for the Dawgs — he played all three phases of the game.
Georgia football grieves the loss of Charley Trippi.
In short, Trippi is the only member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame to record 1,000 yards rushing, receiving and passing. He was the runner-up in the 1946 Heisman Trophy finalist. As we mentioned, he did it all. Trippi also served his country during World War II, which interrupted his collegiate career.
Last December, Trippi celebrated his 100th birthday and was the oldest member of the Hall of Fame. When he turned 100, current head coach Kirby Smart was there to celebrate, and Trippi blew out all the candles himself, which is downright impressive.
Trippi’s story is quite remarkable, and seeing all of the tributes toward him has been incredible to read. He is the definition of a Damn Good Dawg, and his career at Georgia is really something to marvel at because it was outrageous.
Georgia’s story on him was touching, and so was the ESPN one, which we recommend you check out after this one. They tell his story perfectly.
The Dawgs mourn Trippi during the bye week, and it was great for him to see Georgia win its third national championship last January. Now the current team can dedicate the rest of the season to Trippi and possibly win a fourth title.