George Cafego: Tennessee Football Legend & Hall of Famer

George Cafego dominated the gridiron for the University of Tennessee, showcasing unparalleled versatility as a halfback, passer, and punter before making his mark as the top pick in the NFL Draft.

Football Bio

August 29, 1915 – George Cafego, a former halfback who played for the University of Tennessee from 1936 through 1939 was born.

As a Vol, he rushed for 2,139 total yards and was voted an All-American twice. Cafego was also a finalist for the Heisman Memorial Trophy.

George Cafego was the No. 1 overall pick in the 1940 NFL Draft by the Chicago Cardinals and played a few seasons with the Cardinals.

After that, he played one season with the Brooklyn Dodgers football team before serving his country in the Army during World War II. During his Army service, he played a few games for the Newport News Builders of the Dixie League.

When his war service ended in 1943, he returned to the Brooklyn team and was shortly thereafter traded to the Washington Redskins. The 1944 and 1945 seasons saw Cafego play football for the Boston Yanks, and then he retired from the game.

Cafego was selected into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1969. [National Football Foundation]

George Cafego left an enduring legacy on college and professional football, cementing his status as an all-time great. His dedication to the sport, both as a dynamic player and later as a coach, solidifies his place among the game’s legends.

Accolades and Football Accomplishments

• Inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1969.
• Selected as the No. 1 overall pick in the 1940 NFL Draft.
• Named a Consensus All-American in 1939 and a First-team All-American in 1938.
• Awarded SEC Player of the Year honors in 1938.
• Earned First-team All-SEC selections in 1938 and 1939.
• Finished as a Heisman Trophy finalist, placing 7th in 1938 and 4th in 1939.
• Led the Tennessee Volunteers to two consecutive undefeated regular seasons in 1938 and 1939.
• Guided Tennessee to an Orange Bowl victory over Oklahoma to cap the 1938 season.

Sports Memorabilia Signed GearMcCaffrey 49ers Signed Mini-HelmetPerfect for any collection! Christian McCaffrey San Francisco 49ers Autographed Riddell Speed Mini Helmet.Check out One of our Books!Pottsville Maroons StoryMarooned: The Rise, the Fall, and the Redemption of the NFL's Pottsville Maroons - The story of the Pottsville Maroons and their 1925 season has several variations. The NFL's official version says the team had its franchise revoked for violating the league's territorial rights rules and disobeying the league President's instruction not to play an exhibition game in Philadelphia.2026 Topps Football Trading CardsTopps 2026 Flagship Football Factory Sealed Fanatics Exclusive Value BoxIt has been almost 10 years but Topps Flagship Football returns with a fully licensed release, marking the return of one of the most iconic brands in The Hobby.Football Archaeology Series by Timothy BrownWhen Football Came To Pass: 1906-1915When Football Came To Pass covers why football legalized the forward pass, the rules and other constraints on its development, and how Eddie Cochems and other pioneers developed solutions that ultimately led to the forward pass revolutionizing the game.

Are you a fan of Tennessee Volunteers football history? If so, here are more posts on the history of this proud program: