George Blanda, NFL Ageless Wonder Dies at 83

George Blanda, the Hall of Fame quarterback and kicker who played a record 26 seasons of professional football and once almost single-handedly won five consecutive games for the Oakland Raiders, has died. He was 83.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame said Blanda died Monday after a brief illness, and the Raiders issued a statement calling him "a brave Raider and a close personal friend of Raiders owner Al Davis."

Blanda, who career dated to an era when players routinely manned two positions, scored a then-record 2,002 points during his long career.

During a five-game stretch in 1970, the 43-year-old Blanda, led the Raiders to four victories and one tie with late touchdown throws or field goals.  He was a fan favorite and respected by all his teammates.

Blanda also played for the Bears, Colts, and Oilers in his career.

Blanda lived in both Chicago and La Quinta, is survived by his wife, Betty, and two children.