George Connor
Inducted:
1975
Player Stats
6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
240 lb (109 kg)
Born:
January 21, 1925
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Died:
March 31, 2003
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Position:
Offensive tackle
Linebacker
College:
Holy Cross (1942–1943)
Notre Dame (1946–1947)
George Connor blazed trails as one of pro football’s first truly versatile stars. A star tackle at Notre Dame, he won back-to-back national titles (1946–47) and the inaugural Outland Trophy in 1946. Selected in the first round of the 1946 draft, he chose the Chicago Bears, where from 1948–55 he transformed the linebacker role with his rare blend of size, speed, and instincts .
A four-time First-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl pick (1950–53), he starred on both offense and defense—playing tackle and linebacker—and helped modernize defensive strategy under George Halas. Off the field, Connor broadcasted NFL games, coached, and ran a successful business.
He was inducted into both the College (1963) and Pro Football Hall of Fame (1975), becoming one of the era’s most celebrated linemen. His pioneering role in linebacker play defined what the position would become, making him a true legend of the game.
Connor's Awards and Honors
- 100 greatest Bears of All-Time
- 2× National champion (1946, 1947)
- Outland Trophy (1946)
- 2× Consensus All-American (1946, 1947)
- Second-team All-American (1943)
- 2× First-team All-Eastern (1942, 1943)
NFL Records
- 4× First-team All-Pro (1950–1953)
- 2× Second-team All-Pro (1949, 1955)
- 4× Pro Bowl (1950–1953)
- NFL 1940s All-Decade Team
NFL Teams
Chicago Bears (1948–1955)
NFL Draft:
1946: 1st round, 5th pick
Number Worn:
81, 71
NFL Stats
NFL Seasons
8 (1948–55)
Games Played
91
Games Started
78
Interceptions
7
Interception Yards
66
Fumble Recoveries
10
Defensive Touchdowns
1