George Gipp facts for kids
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| No. 66 | |
|---|---|
| Position | Halfback |
| Class | 1921 |
| Personal information | |
| Born: | February 18, 1895 Laurium, Michigan, U.S. |
| Died: | December 14, 1920 (aged 25) South Bend, Indiana, U.S. |
| Height | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) |
| Weight | 180 lb (82 kg) |
| Career history | |
| College | Notre Dame (1917–1920) |
| High school | Calumet (MI) |
| Career highlights and awards | |
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| College Football Hall of Fame (1951) | |
George Gipp (born February 18, 1895 – died December 14, 1920) was a famous college football player. People often called him "the Gipper." He played for the University of Notre Dame under coach Knute Rockne. Gipp was the first Notre Dame player to be named an All-American. He played many positions, including halfback, quarterback, and punter.
Gipp passed away at age 25 from a streptococcal throat infection and pneumonia. This happened just three weeks after his team won a game against Northwestern. His coach, Knute Rockne, later gave a famous speech. In this speech, he asked his team to "Win just one for the Gipper." In a 1940 movie about Rockne, Knute Rockne, All American, Gipp was played by Ronald Reagan.
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College Football Career
George Gipp was born and grew up in Laurium, Michigan. This town is located in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. Gipp first came to Notre Dame to play baseball. He had never played organized football before.
But then, coach Knute Rockne convinced him to join the football team. Gipp quickly became a star. He led the Notre Dame team in rushing and passing for his last three seasons. These were in 1918, 1919, and 1920.
Gipp's record of 2,341 rushing yards lasted for over 50 years. He was also very good at throwing the forward pass. He threw for 1,789 yards in his career. He scored 21 touchdowns during his time at Notre Dame. He also averaged 38 yards per punt. Gipp still holds Notre Dame records for average yards per rush in a season (8.1). He also holds records for total offense per play (9.37) and per game (128.4).
Gipp's Passing
George Gipp passed away on December 14, 1920. This was just two weeks after he was chosen as Notre Dame's first All-American. He got sick after his last game on November 20 against Northwestern. He likely caught strep throat and pneumonia.
In the 1920s, there were no antibiotics available. This meant that doctors had very few ways to treat these kinds of infections. Gipp's hometown of Laurium built a memorial to honor him. He is buried in Lake View Cemetery.
"Win Just One for the Gipper"
The famous phrase "win just one for the Gipper" came from George Gipp. He is said to have told this to coach Rockne from his hospital bed. The full quote was:
"I've got to go, Rock. It's all right. I'm not afraid. Some time, Rock, when the team is up against it, when things are wrong and the breaks are beating the boys, ask them to go in there with all they've got and win just one for the Gipper. I don't know where I'll be then, Rock. But I'll know about it, and I'll be happy."
Coach Rockne used this story to inspire his team. In 1928, Notre Dame was playing the undefeated Army team. Rockne told his players Gipp's story. Notre Dame then upset Army with a 12–6 victory.
The phrase "Win one for the Gipper" became very famous. Ronald Reagan used it often when he was a politician. He had played Gipp in the 1940 movie. At the Republican National Convention in 1988, Reagan told Vice President Bush, "George, go out there and win one for the Gipper." Later, President George W. Bush also used the phrase in 2004. He said, "this time we can truly win one for the Gipper," honoring the recently passed Reagan.
Honors and Legacy
George Gipp has received many honors for his football career.
- He was voted into the College Football Hall of Fame. This happened on December 14, 1951. This date and time matched when he passed away.
- The George Gipp Memorial Park was opened in his hometown in 1935. A plaque there lists winners of the George Gipp Award. This award goes to outstanding male athletes from Calumet High School.
- He was ranked #22 on ESPN's list of the Top 25 Players In College Football History.
- A special radio beacon for airplanes near South Bend is named "Gipper" (GIP) in his honor.
Images for kids
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Gravestone at Lake View Cemetery in Calumet, Michigan
