George Starke facts for kids

George Lawrence Starke (born July 18, 1948) is an American business owner, activist, and former professional football player. He played as an offensive tackle for the Washington Redskins in the National Football League (NFL). His career lasted from 1973 to 1984.

Starke played college football for the Columbia Lions. The Washington Redskins picked him in the 11th round of the 1971 NFL draft. He played in two Super Bowls with the Redskins in 1982 and 1983. He helped them win Super Bowl XVII.

George Starke's football career lasted 13 years. When he retired, he had been the Redskins' captain for five years. He was named one of the 70 greatest players in Redskins history. Many people knew the 6-foot-5, 255-pound Starke as the "Head Hog." This nickname came from "The Hogs," the Redskins' famous offensive line.

Early Life and College Years

George Starke grew up in New Rochelle, New York. He went to public schools there. His father, George Starke Sr., was a high school principal. His mother, Shirley Starke, was a registered nurse. Starke also has Mohawk family roots from his mother's side.

After finishing New Rochelle High School, Starke received many football awards. These included All-Westchester County and All-American honors. He was later added to the New Rochelle and Westchester County Halls of Fame.

Starke chose to attend Columbia College in New York City. He had many offers from other colleges. While at Columbia, Starke studied physics. He also played tight end for the college football team. In 1969, he led his team in receptions. Starke also played center on the Columbia basketball team. This team was once ranked second in the United States. In 1983, Starke received the "John Jay Award" from Columbia. This award honors successful graduates.

Becoming a Pro Football Star

George Starke's professional football career had a tough start. The Redskins cut him early in 1971. He then tried out for the Kansas City Chiefs and the Dallas Cowboys. After more tries, the Redskins asked him to return.

In 1973, Starke finally made the Redskins team. He started as a player on the practice squad. Soon, he became the starting right tackle. Starke first played with coach George Allen's "Over the Hill Gang." By 1979, he was named offensive captain under coach Jack Pardee.

In 1981, a new coach, Joe Gibbs, joined the team. A young group of offensive linemen began to play together. This group became known as "The Hogs." They became one of the most famous offensive lines in the National Football League. Even though Starke was older, he became their leader. This is how he earned the nickname "Head Hog."

Starke played in his first Super Bowl with the "Over the Hill Gang" in 1972. Later, with "The Hogs," he played in Super Bowl XVII and Super Bowl XVIII. They won Super Bowl XVII against the Miami Dolphins. They lost Super Bowl XVIII to the Oakland Raiders. Starke's last full football season was 1984. He retired during training camp in 1985.

Life with The Hogs

Before retiring, Starke used the fame of "The Hogs" to start a business. In 1983 and 1984, he gathered the other "Hogs." Each player invested $500. They formed a company called "Super Hogs." This made them the first professional athletes to market themselves outside of the National Football League's control.

"Super Hogs" created a clothing line and a beer company. They also sold various "Hogs" themed items. They produced two very popular football posters. These were called "Hogs Night Out" and "The Grave Yard Dogs."

Life After Football

After leaving the Washington Redskins in 1985, Starke started two new careers. He attended Ford Motor Company's Dealer Operations Training School. Two years later, he opened "George Starke Ford" in Emmitsburg, Maryland.

At the same time, Starke began a career in television. He had already made many TV appearances as the Redskins' captain. After retiring from football, Starke hosted PM Magazine. He also co-hosted Redskins Saturday Night with Pete Wysocki. Starke also worked as a host for Hometeam Sports (Comcast). He was a color commentator for ESPN College Football and CBS National Football League broadcasts. He co-hosted with James Brown.

The "Redskins Saturday Night" shows won several local Emmys. In 1989, Starke started a beer company called "Head Hog Premium Beer." This company sold beer in the Redskins' broadcast area. This area stretched from Delaware to Georgia. That company later became "Head Hog BBQ Restaurants" in Bethesda, Maryland and Rockville, Maryland.

In 1996, Starke noticed a rise in youth violence in Washington, D.C.. He believed this was mostly due to a lack of jobs for young people. Many young people could not read well and could not find work. So, Starke started a non-profit job training center called the Excel Institute. This institute was a two-year program for young adults over 16. It offered basic education, life skills help, and auto repair training. Anyone over 16 who wanted to attend was accepted. All students received full scholarships, meaning they did not have to pay. In October 2010, Starke retired from the Institute after over 500 students had graduated.

After leaving the Institute, Starke started Starke Communications. This company helps other businesses with communications, public relations, and marketing. Starke Communications also provides motivational speakers for its clients.

Personal Life

George Starke lives with his wife, Petra Smeltzer Starke, in Beverly Hills, California. Petra Starke grew up in Prague, Czech Republic. She graduated from Georgetown University Law Center. She used to practice law in Washington, D.C., including at the Obama White House. She also started a chain of yoga studios. They live with their son, George Lawrence Starke IV, and their family dog, Coconut.

See also

In Spanish: George Starke para niños