George Atkinson III facts for kids
Atkinson in the 2018 preseason.
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| No. 34, 25 | |||||||||||
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| Position: | Running back | ||||||||||
| Personal information | |||||||||||
| Born: | November 29, 1992 Oakland, California |
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| Died: | December 2, 2019 (aged 27) | ||||||||||
| Height: | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) | ||||||||||
| Weight: | 220 lb (100 kg) | ||||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||||
| High school: | Granada (Livermore, California) | ||||||||||
| College: | Notre Dame (2011–2013) | ||||||||||
| Undrafted: | 2014 | ||||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||||
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| * Offseason and/or practice squad member only | |||||||||||
| Career NFL statistics | |||||||||||
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| Player stats at PFR | |||||||||||
George Henry Atkinson III (born November 29, 1992 – died December 2, 2019) was an American football player. He played as a running back in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. After college, he signed with the Oakland Raiders in 2014. He also played for the Cleveland Browns, the Kansas City Chiefs, and the New York Jets.
As a new player with the Raiders in 2014, Atkinson started on the practice squad. This is a group of players who train with the team but don't usually play in games. He later joined the main team and helped out mostly on special teams. In 2015, he spent most of his time on the Raiders' practice squad again. He joined the Cleveland Browns in 2016. He played in all 16 games on special teams. He also got to play as a running back in the last game of the season. In 2017, Atkinson tried out for the Raiders again but was released. He then joined the practice squad for the Kansas City Chiefs. He spent training camp with the New York Jets in 2018.
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Early Life and High School Sports
George Atkinson III and his twin brother, Josh, were born to Michelle Martin and George Atkinson II. Their father was a safety for the Oakland Raiders. Their mother faced health challenges that meant she needed special care. The twin brothers went to live with their father when they were 13 years old.
High School Football Success
Atkinson went to Granada High School in Livermore, California. There, he played high school football for the Matadors team. He was named the Bay Area News Group athlete of the week after a big win. He also took part in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. He was even a captain for the West team in that game. He was chosen for the all-metro first-team as a versatile player in high school.
Track and Field Achievements
Atkinson was also a great athlete in track and field at his high school. He was a fast sprinter. In 2009, when he was a sophomore, he finished third in the 100 meters race. He also placed fourth in the 200 meters race at the state meet finals. He ran his fastest 200 meters race with a time of 21.30 seconds. As a junior, he got a hamstring injury late in the season. This made him miss most of the important races. He decided to leave the team in his senior year. This was because two of his sprint coaches were let go.
College Football Career at Notre Dame
George and his twin brother, Josh, both went to the University of Notre Dame. They played football for the Fighting Irish team.
Playing as a Running Back
At Notre Dame, Atkinson was mostly a backup running back. Over his three years, he ran for almost 1,000 yards. He also scored 10 touchdowns. He was the team's main kickoff returner every season. In his first year, he was recognized as a top freshman. He was also an honorable mention All-American for returning kickoffs.
Key Seasons with the Fighting Irish
In 2012, when Atkinson was a sophomore, his team had a great season. They won 12 games and only lost 1. They even played in the national championship game. His best season was in 2013, during his junior year. He was the third-leading rusher on the team. He gained 555 yards on 93 carries. Later in that season, he shared playing time with other running backs.
College Track and Field
Atkinson was also part of Notre Dame's track and field team. He ran his fastest 60 meters race in 6.85 seconds in 2012. He also ran his fastest 100 meters race in 10.36 seconds in 2012.
Professional Football Journey
George Atkinson III had a professional career playing for several NFL teams.
Oakland Raiders (First Time)
On May 16, 2014, Atkinson signed with the Oakland Raiders. He was an undrafted free agent. This means he wasn't chosen in the NFL Draft but was still signed by a team. He was released by the team in August but re-signed in September to join their practice squad. On November 29, the Raiders moved him to the main team. As a new player, he played in five games. He mostly played on special teams, returning kickoffs.
On September 5, 2015, the Raiders let Atkinson go. Two days later, he was signed back to the Raiders' practice squad. He stayed with them for three weeks before being released again. In November, he was re-signed to their practice squad once more. On September 3, 2016, the Raiders released him as they finalized their team roster.
Cleveland Browns
The Cleveland Browns picked up Atkinson on September 4, 2016. He played on special teams in all 16 games that season. He made six tackles and returned eight kickoffs. Atkinson played as a running back for the first time in a regular season game against the Pittsburgh Steelers. He ran the ball seven times for 34 yards. He also scored his first career rushing touchdown in that game. On July 28, 2017, the Browns let Atkinson go.
Oakland Raiders (Second Time)
The Raiders claimed Atkinson again on July 29, 2017. However, he was waived by the team on September 2.
Kansas City Chiefs
Atkinson signed with the Kansas City Chiefs' practice squad on September 19, 2017. He signed a future contract with the Chiefs on January 10, 2018. He was waived by the team on April 4.
New York Jets
On July 29, 2018, Atkinson signed with the New York Jets. He was waived by the team on August 31, 2018.
Personal Life
George Atkinson III passed away on December 2, 2019. This was just three days after his 27th birthday. At the time of his passing, he had a two-year-old daughter.
See also
- List of family relations in American football
