continued from page 1965 between ….

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1965 between the hedges.

In the second quarter, the opposite tackle, Jiggy Smaha, crashed into Bama quarterback Steve Sloan, which brought about a fluttering pass, which Patton picked off, and raced 55 yards for a touchdown that gave Georgia a 10-0 lead. Alabama would rally and gain the lead, which led to the famous flea-flicker touchdown, which was followed by a two-point conversion, giving the Bulldogs one of the most memorable victories in school history.

What set Patton apart, however, was his remarkable leadership. He always underscored team first principles. He might arrange a beer celebration for his teammates after a big victory, but he would never let the party get out of hand. He would never let a teammate drink and drive. He deflected praise and preached “team” mantras throughout his career. “George was always lining us up in the right position,” said Bill Stanfill, the great All-American and later Super Bowl star with the Miami Dolphins. “He was our coach on the field.”

There has never been a coach-player mutual admiration society like George and his mentor, Erk Russell. They were perfect for each other. Erk, the ultimate proponent of where there is a will, there is a way and George, the driven and eager performer whose lion heart led him and his team to greatness.

That relentless heart finally stopped last week, when he died of cancer as he was trying to summon the strength to follow his beloved team through another season.

The Georgia chapter of the National Football Foundation and the Athletic Association have nominated George for induction into the College Football Hall of Fame. As a two time All-American, who moved from quarterback to tackle, along with being an accomplished student in the classroom is evidence that he should receive this high honor. “All I want is to be nominated,” George said—forever the modest proponent.

This parting shot. Football players come and go. Some return to campus as doting alumni. Not all, but some. Unfortunately, that percentage is dwindling. George Patton is one who loved his alma mater as much as he did the game at which he excelled. He was the ultimate “Damn Good Dawg.”