George Sauer Jr. facts for kids
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| Position: | Wide receiver | ||||||
| Personal information | |||||||
| Born: | November 10, 1943 Sheboygan, Wisconsin, U.S. |
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| Died: | May 7, 2013 (aged 69) Westerville, Ohio, U.S. |
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| Height: | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | ||||||
| Weight: | 195 lb (88 kg) | ||||||
| Career information | |||||||
| College: | Texas | ||||||
| AFL draft: | 1965 / Round: Red Shirt 5 / Pick: 36 (By the New York Jets) |
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| Career history | |||||||
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| Career highlights and awards | |||||||
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| Career NFL statistics | |||||||
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| Player stats at PFR | |||||||
George Henry Sauer Jr. (born November 10, 1943 – died May 7, 2013) was an American professional football player. He played as a wide receiver for six seasons with the American Football League (AFL)'s New York Jets. Later, he also played in the World Football League (WFL).
George Sauer Jr. played college football for the Texas Longhorns. His father, George Henry Sauer Sr., was also a football player. He played for the Green Bay Packers from 1935 to 1937.
Contents
George Sauer Jr.'s Football Journey
George Sauer Jr. played college football for the Texas Longhorns. He was a talented wide receiver. In 1963, he was part of the undefeated Longhorns team. The next year, in 1964, his team beat the previously unbeaten Alabama in the 1965 Orange Bowl.
After college, Sauer and his college teammate, quarterback Jim Hudson, both joined the New York Jets. They played together for five seasons, from 1965 to 1969.
Leading the League in Receptions
In the 1967 season, George Sauer Jr. led the entire American Football League (AFL) in receptions. This means he caught more passes than any other player that year.
Super Bowl III Victory
In 1968, Sauer was a key player for the Jets in the third AFL-NFL World Championship Game. This game is now known as Super Bowl III. The Jets played against the Baltimore Colts, who were heavily favored to win.
Sauer helped his team defeat the Colts. He caught eight passes and gained 133 yards in that game. These numbers were the most for any receiver in Super Bowl III.
Retirement and Return to Football
After the 1970 NFL season, George Sauer Jr. decided to retire from professional football. He was at the peak of his career. He felt that playing professional football was not for him anymore.
However, Sauer returned to play football in 1974. He joined the New York Stars in the World Football League. In that season, he caught 38 passes for 547 yards. He also scored three touchdowns.
Life After Football
After his football career, George Sauer Jr. focused on writing. He completed a novel. He also coached a minor league football team in the late 1970s.
In 1994, George Sauer Jr. was working as a textbook graphics specialist. He lived in Saint Paul, Minnesota at that time. He passed away on May 7, 2013, in Westerville, Ohio.
Career Highlights and Statistics
George Sauer Jr. had an impressive career. Here are some of his main achievements:
- He was a Super Bowl champion with the New York Jets in Super Bowl III.
- He was an AFL champion in 1968.
- He was named All-AFL three times (1966, 1967, 1968).
- He was an AFL All-Star four times (1966–1969).
- He led the AFL in receptions in 1967.
- He was a National champion with the Texas Longhorns in 1963.
Throughout his career, George Sauer Jr. had:
- Receptions: 309
- Receiving yards: 4,965
- Touchdowns: 28
See also
- List of American Football League players
