George Cumby facts for kids

George Edward Cumby (born July 5, 1956) is a former American football player. He was a linebacker in the National Football League (NFL) for eight seasons during the 1980s.

Before playing professionally, George Cumby was a star college football player for the Oklahoma Sooners. He was recognized as an All-American three times, including a special honor in 1979. After college, he was chosen in the first round of the 1980 NFL draft. He played for the Green Bay Packers, Buffalo Bills, and Philadelphia Eagles.

After his playing career, Cumby became an athletic director and football coach. He coached at his old high school, Bishop Thomas K. Gorman Catholic School, and at several colleges. He also became a pastor at Noonday Methodist Church.

Early Life and High School Years

George Cumby was born in Gorman, Texas. He is African-American. He went to Bishop Thomas K. Gorman Catholic School in Tyler, Texas, and graduated in 1975.

College Football Career

George Cumby played college football at the University of Oklahoma from 1976 to 1979. He was an amazing defensive player for the Oklahoma Sooners football team.

He was named a first-team All-American three times (in 1977, 1978, and 1979). Being an All-American means you are one of the best players in the country at your position. In 1979, he was even a "consensus" first-team selection, meaning almost everyone agreed he was top-tier.

George Cumby was known for his incredible speed and strength. Many people consider him one of the best defensive players in Oklahoma's history. His coach, Barry Switzer, once said that Cumby was "the only person I know who could go one-on-one with Earl Campbell and knock him backwards." Earl Campbell was a very strong and famous running back. Cumby finished his college career with 405 tackles, which is the fifth-highest in Oklahoma's history.

Playing in the NFL

The Green Bay Packers picked George Cumby in the first round of the 1980 NFL Draft. He was the 26th player chosen overall.

He started two games in his first year. In 1981, he became a full-time starter and caught three passes from opposing quarterbacks (called interceptions), which was his best year for that. In 1982, he was named a Second-team All-Pro, meaning he was one of the best linebackers in the league. He continued to be a starter until 1984.

In the 1985 season, George Cumby had a tough time against William Perry, a rookie defensive tackle for the Chicago Bears. Perry, also known as "The Fridge," was a very large player who sometimes played offense. Cumby was blocked by Perry twice in one game. Later that season, Perry even scored a touchdown against Cumby, which was a bit embarrassing for Cumby.

After the 1985 season, the Packers released Cumby in August 1986. He then signed with the Buffalo Bills. He started in 8 of the 11 games he played for the Bills in 1986. In 1987, he played one game for the Philadelphia Eagles to help their team when many players were injured.

Coaching Career

After his NFL playing days, George Cumby returned to his high school, Bishop Thomas K. Gorman Catholic School, as the athletic director and coach in 2006. He also coached linebackers at Tyler Junior College.

He was the head football coach at Texas College for three seasons, ending in August 2014. He also coached at All Saints Episcopal School in Tyler, Texas. He returned to coach at Bishop T.K. Gorman again in 2021–22.