Kirby Smart helped celebrate Georgia football legend Charley Trippi’s 100th birthday.
Georgia football legend Charley Trippi turned 100-years-old on Tuesday and Bulldogs head coach Kirby Smart was there in-person to celebrate the momentous occasion.
Trippi has not played a meaningful football game since 1955, but he is one of the most iconic players of his era, college and pro. He and Heisman Trophy winner Frank Sinwich helped the Dawgs win their first national title in 1942. After serving his country in World War II, Trippi became a hall of fame running back for the then-Chicago Cardinals in the late 1940s to mid-1950s.
Without debate, Trippi remains one of the best players in Georgia and Cardinals football history.
Georgia football: Who is Charley Trippi?
Trippi was born to an Italian immigrant family on Dec. 14, 1921. To escape the harsh life of working in a coal mine in Pittston, Pennsylvania, Trippi turned to sports. Though undersized at 6-feet and 160 pounds, Trippi made his way down south to play for the iconic Wally Butts Between the Hedges. The unanimous All-American in 1946 had his No. 62 jersey retired by his alma mater.
Immediately upon arrival in the NFL, Trippi became a league champion. The No. 1 overall pick by Chicago was a two-time Pro Bowler, a two-time All-Pro and a member of NFL 1940s All-Decade Team. Trippi retired from football in 1955. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1959 and into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1968. He is still the oldest living Hall of Famer.
Happy Birthday, Charley! Hopefully, Coach Smart helped make your 100th all the more special.
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