By Darin đ The Triple-Threat Legend of the Midway
In an era of “Iron Man” football, few stood as tallâor as versatileâas George Connor. Born in Chicago and destined for greatness, Connor didn’t just play the game; he reshaped it. From his undefeated national championship runs at Notre Dame to his professional career with the Chicago Bears, Connor possessed a rare blend of size and agility that allowed him to dominate at offensive tackle, defensive tackle, and linebacker. As the first-ever winner of the Outland Trophy, “Moose” Connor remains the gold standard for versatility in the trenches and on the second level.
Football Bio
January 21, 1925 – Chicago, Illinois – Holy Cross and Notre Dame lineman George Connor was born. Irish Coach Frank Leahy claimed Conner as one of the best blockers he had ever seen. The NFF states that during Connor’s two seasons in an Irish uniform, he never played in a losing game. Connor played eight years with the Chicago Bears and was an All-Pro and an NFL All-Star 5 times. George Connor was voted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1975.
A Visionary on the Gridiron
George Connor’s professional career with the Chicago Bears is best remembered for a tactical masterstroke by George Halas. In 1949, seeking a way to neutralize the Philadelphia Eagles’ powerhouse rushing attack, Halas moved the massive Connor from the line to a standing linebacker position. The experiment was a resounding success, and Connor effectively became the NFL’s first “big” linebacker.
His impact was so profound that he earned All-Pro honors at three different positions: offensive tackle, defensive tackle, and linebacker. Despite a career shortened by a knee injury in 1954, Connorâs eight seasons were a whirlwind of dominance. He was a cornerstone of the “Monsters of the Midway” and a player so respected that George Halas himself served as his presenter at his 1975 Pro Football Hall of Fame induction.
Accolades and Football Accomplishments
- Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (Class of 1975)
- College Football Hall of Fame Inductee (Class of 1963)
- First-Ever Outland Trophy Winner (1946)
- 4-time First-Team All-Pro (1950, 1951, 1952, 1953)
- 4-time Pro Bowl Selection (1950, 1951, 1952, 1953)
- NFL 1940s All-Decade Team
- 2-time NCAA National Champion (1946, 1947 – Notre Dame)
- 3-time Consensus All-American (1943 at Holy Cross; 1946, 1947 at Notre Dame)
- NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
- Chicago Bears Jersey #81 Retired
Thanks to the National Football Foundation, Pro Football HOF and Pro-Football-Reference.com
