By Darin Charlie “Choo-Choo” Justice powers the North Carolina Tar Heels into the national spotlight with his dynamic playmaking. Justice defined an era of excitement in Chapel Hill, setting records that stood for decades and finishing as the Heisman Trophy runner-up twice. From leading high school unbeaten streaks to dominating the Navy’s football ranks during World War II, his path to greatness remains a cornerstone of Southern football history.
Football Bio
May 18, 1924 – Asheville, North Carolina – North Carolina Tarheel halfback of 1946 through 1949, Charlie Justice was born.
The National Football Foundation says Charlie led his Edwards High School in Asheville, North Carolina, to two unbeaten seasons. He played in the game, matching North Carolina all-stars against South Carolina all-stars, and scored three touchdowns! After high school, he spent four years in the Navy during World War II.
Charlie was a key player on the football team at Bainbridge Naval Center; therefore, after his discharge, he was offered a pro football contract. He chose instead, at age 22, to start college. He was the starting tailback for four years in the single-wing formation coached by Carl Snavely at North Carolina. North Carolina had a 32-9-2 record while Justice wore the North Carolina Blue.
Charlie was named All-America in 1948 and 1949 and finished second in the Heisman Trophy voting both seasons! Justice set a school record for total offense that lasted for 45 years. Among his achievements: 1946–As a freshman against Virginia, Justice carried the ball 17 times and gained 170 yards. 1948–He led North Carolina to a 9-1-1 record, a national ranking of No. 3, the highest in school history. He gained 766 yards rushing and 846 passing. He returned 19 punts for an average of 17.5 yards, five kickoffs for an average of 18 yards.
Justice’s punting average of 44.1 yards led the nation. Justice set Heel records a lot during his four years at UNC. He scored 234 points and passed or ran for 64 touchdowns. As a ball carrier, he accumulated 2,634 yards. His total offense record of 4,883 yards stood for 45 years, until quarterback Jason Stanicek broke it in 1994. Justice, graciously, was on hand to congratulate Stanicek.
He was named the Most Valuable Player in the 1950 College All-Star Game, leading the college team to a 17-7 victory over the Philadelphia Eagles. His nickname was “Choo-Choo,” and a book titled “Choo Choo.” The website GoHeels.com states that the great Benny Goodman and the late Johnny Long recorded the Campbell-Beebe song “All The Way Choo Choo.” It sold by the thousands. In honor of this great athlete. Charlie Justice’s collegiate football records are celebrated in the College Football Hall of Fame after his induction in 1961.
Justice after college took his game to the pro level, where he played for the Washington Redskins from 1950 54. In his book, They Made the Bell Tower Chime, Bob Quincy summed up Charlie Justice’s college career quite succinctly. An excerpt is repeated here:
The Justice era of 1946-49 was the most exciting in Carolina’s football history. Charlie was the ringleader of a circus of thrills. He set the pace, but his backing was superb.
Conclusion
Charlie Justice cements his status as a North Carolina icon by leading the Tar Heels to their highest national ranking in school history. His incredible versatility as a runner, passer, and punter earned him back-to-back All-America honors and solidified his place in the College Football Hall of Fame. Even today, the legacy of “Choo-Choo” Justice continues to inspire the Tar Heel faithful as a symbol of athletic excellence and sportsmanship.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- Heisman Trophy Runner-Up: Finished second in voting in 1948 and 1949.
- Two-Time All-American: Named First-Team All-America in 1948 and 1949.
- College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted in 1961.
- National Punting Leader: Led the nation with a 44.1-yard average in 1948.
- Total Offense Record: Held the UNC school record for total offense (4,883 yards) for 45 years.
- MVP of 1950 College All-Star Game: Led the college team to victory over the Philadelphia Eagles.
- Career Touchdowns: Responsible for 64 passing or rushing touchdowns.
- Highest Team Ranking: Led UNC to a No. 3 national ranking in 1948.
- NFL Career: Played five seasons for the Washington Redskins (1950–1954).