By Bob Sutton
Special to The Alamance News
Rich McGeorge, the most decorated player to compete in college football for Elon, has died.
The former Green Bay Packers standout passed away December 20 at age 77.
McGeorge played tight end for Elon from 1966-69. He was a 2012 inductee into the College Football Hall of Fame.
McGeorge’s No. 85 jersey is retired at Elon, where he was inducted into the school’s Sports Hall of Fame in 1979.
“Rich McGeorge represented the very best of college football as a player, later devoting his life to the game as a coach,” said National Football Foundation chairman Archie Manning. “As Elon’s first College Football Hall of Famer, he was a true pioneer whose impact transformed the tight end position and elevated his university onto the national stage. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family and all who were touched by his remarkable legacy.”
He set Elon records for career receptions (224), receiving yards (3,486) and touchdowns (31). He was picked 16th overall in the 1970 NFL Draft and went on to play nine seasons for the Packers.
McGeorge also played basketball for the then-Fightin’ Christians, scoring 1,044 career points in 76 games.
Twice he was selected as Elon’s outstanding male athlete.
After his playing days, he was on football coaching staffs with the Miami Dolphins plus Duke, Florida, North Carolina Central and Shaw.
A memorial service was held December 23 in Durham.
