George Cafego remains an iconic figure in college football history. Known as “Bad News,” Cafego dazzled fans with his remarkable playmaking abilities at the University of Tennessee.
Born on August 30, 1915, in Scarboro, West Virginia, Cafego earned the prestigious honor of being inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1969. He played as a tailback and was a standout All-America selection in 1938 and 1939.
Cafego’s career was marked by exceptional achievements despite facing significant challenges. Injuries cut short his appearance in the 1940 Rose Bowl, yet he maintained an impressive average of 6.1 yards per carry throughout his college career.
Cafego’s resilience and talent made him a beloved figure among Tennessee fans and solidified his legacy as one of the greatest players to emerge from the Southeastern Conference.
Cafego’s story is not just about his achievements on the field but also his fascinating journey from the coal mining district of West Virginia to football stardom. His life and career continue to inspire both football enthusiasts and those who appreciate stories of perseverance and success.
Learn more about his incredible journey at the National Football Foundation.
Who Is George Cafego?
George Cafego was a famous football player and coach known for his incredible skills and contributions to American football. He played college football at the University of Tennessee and later on coached several teams.
Where Did George Cafego Grow Up?
George Cafego was born on August 29, 1915, in Whipple, West Virginia. He spent his early years in this small mining community.
Growing up in Whipple shaped his strong work ethic and toughness, qualities that later defined his football career. Whipple provided limited opportunities, but Cafego’s skills on the football field helped him rise above his humble beginnings.
Despite the small size of Whipple, his talent did not go unnoticed, and he eventually made his way to a bigger stage.
Where Does George Cafego Live?
George Cafego spent his later years in Knoxville, Tennessee. After an illustrious career at the University of Tennessee both as a player and a coach, Knoxville became his permanent home.
His connection to Knoxville was profound, reinforced by decades of association with the University of Tennessee football program from 1955 to 1984. Knoxville honored Cafego’s impact on the community and sports. His longstanding residence in Knoxville earned him a special place in local history, far from his early days in West Virginia.
Who Is George Cafego Married To?
Details about George Cafego’s marriage or spouse are not prominently documented in public records or available sources. While Cafego is renowned for his career and contributions to football, personal information such as his marital status remains private or less highlighted.
His legacy centers more on his professional accomplishments rather than his personal life. Therefore, any speculation or assumptions regarding his married life would be inaccurate and unwarranted without concrete evidence.
Does George Cafego Have Children?
Information about George Cafego’s children is not readily available or documented in the sources related to his professional career. His public persona and legacy are predominantly built around his achievements and contributions to football, leaving his personal life, including information on children, largely undisclosed.
Therefore, it is challenging to provide specific details about his family life without venturing into speculation. His focus in historical records and media is primarily on his role as an influential athlete and coach.
George Cafego College Football Career
George Cafego was a standout player at the University of Tennessee. Known for his impressive skills and multiple accolades, he made significant contributions to his team.
Where Did George Cafego Play College Football?
George Cafego played college football at the University of Tennessee. He earned varsity letters between 1937 and 1939. Under the guidance of Coach Robert Neyland, Cafego became a key player for the team.
Known for his versatility, he played halfback and quarterback. His ability to both run and throw made him a valuable asset to the Vols.
Did George Cafego Coach College Football?
George Cafego later transitioned to coaching after his playing career. He served as an assistant coach at several universities, including Wyoming and Tennessee.
His most notable tenure was at the University of Tennessee, where he was an assistant coach for 30 years from 1955 to 1984. During this time, he specialized in working with special teams and kickers, contributing to the development of many successful players.
What Awards Did George Cafego Accomplish In College Football?
During his college football career, George Cafego earned multiple honors. He was a consensus All-America selection in 1938 and 1939. In 1938, he was named SEC Player of the Year. He was also known for his strong showing in the Heisman Memorial Trophy voting, finishing high in the rankings.
His outstanding performance on the field earned him a place in the College Football Hall of Fame.
What Bowl Games Did George Cafego Win In College Football?
George Cafego contributed to several significant bowl game victories for the University of Tennessee. The most notable was the Vols’ first major bowl win, a 17-0 victory over Oklahoma in the Orange Bowl in 1938.
Though he played sparingly in the Rose Bowl due to an injury, his presence was felt throughout the season, leading his team with solid performances and high yardage totals. His contributions in these key games helped cement his legacy as one of Tennessee’s football greats.
George Cafego Professional Football Career
George Cafego had an intriguing professional football career, playing for several teams in the NFL and later moving into coaching roles. He did not experience a Super Bowl win but earned notable achievements along the way.
Did George Cafego Play In The NFL?
George Cafego started his professional football career in the National Football League. He played as a halfback. After being highly regarded during his college years, Cafego was picked in the NFL Draft.
Cafego played for the Brooklyn Dodgers, Washington Redskins, and Boston Yanks. His career spanned from 1940 to 1945. Although his time was split due to World War II, he played a total of 35 games in the NFL, showcasing his skills on various teams.
Did George Cafego Coach In The NFL?
George Cafego had a coaching career following his playing days. He worked primarily in collegiate football, becoming a respected figure at the University of Tennessee.
Although most of his coaching career was at the college level, his professional-level impact is noteworthy. He was part of the coaching staff for the Chicago Cardinals for a brief period, where his knowledge and experience contributed to team strategy and player development.
What Awards Did George Cafego Accomplish In Professional Football?
George Cafego did not win many specific awards at the professional level. However, his college performance and professional contributions earned him a spot in the College Football Hall of Fame in 1969.
His career statistics include a 60-yard punt return and a 70-yard punt, showcasing his versatility and athleticism. These accomplishments added to his recognition, although they were not tied directly to professional awards.
Did George Cafego Win A Super Bowl?
George Cafego’s professional career did not include a Super Bowl win. The Super Bowl era started after his playing days ended.
Despite not winning a Super Bowl, his contributions to the teams he played for and coached were significant.
His legacy is mostly celebrated for his college achievements rather than professional championships. Cafego remains a respected figure in football history, particularly for his efforts at the University of Tennessee both as a player and a long-time coach.
What Is George Cafego Up To Now?
George Cafego had a storied career in football, both as a player and a coach. Since he passed away in 1998, there have been no contemporary activities he has participated in. This section explores his involvement in football, speaking engagements, broadcasting, and more before his passing.
Is George Cafego Still Involved In Football?
George Cafego, also known as “Bad News,” had a significant impact on football. He played for the University of Tennessee and several NFL teams before coaching at various institutions, including UTK.
After his playing career, he became a coach, notably at the University of Tennessee. His time was interrupted by his service in World War II, which he completed before resuming his football career. Unfortunately, he passed away in 1998, so he is no longer involved in football activities.
Does George Cafego Do Private Speaking Engagements?
George Cafego was known for his impressive football knowledge and experience. He was often invited to speak at various events during his lifetime due to his expertise and legendary status.
These engagements were opportunities for fans and aspiring athletes to learn from his experiences in college football and the NFL. Since his passing, these engagements have ceased. However, his contributions to the sport are still celebrated through various honors and recognitions, including his induction into the Hall of Fame.
Does George Cafego Have A Podcast?
Podcasts are a modern medium, and George Cafego was never involved in this form of media.
Podcasts gained immense popularity in the decades following his death in 1998. While he could have potentially shared a wealth of knowledge had he been around during the rise of podcasts, there are no recordings or series dedicated directly to his thoughts.
However, his impact on football lives on in other historical accounts and interviews from his coaching days.
Has George Cafego Gone Into Broadcasting?
Broadcasting sports events has always been a popular way to engage fans, but George Cafego never ventured into this field.
He focused his post-playing career on coaching, applying his talents and knowledge on the field rather than behind a microphone. Nonetheless, his actions and decisions have been the subject of many broadcasts, especially when discussing the University of Tennessee’s history and achievements in college football.
While he didn’t serve as a broadcaster, his legacy continues to be highlighted through various media outlets.
What Is George Cafego Net Worth?
George Cafego, known for his impressive football career, played professionally and later worked as a coach. Tracking the net worth of historical figures like Cafego can be challenging because detailed financial records are scarce.
During his playing years in the NFL with teams like the Washington, Boston, and Brooklyn teams, player salaries were modest compared to today’s standards. Thus, his earnings from his stint as a player would not contribute significantly to a high net worth by modern measures.
Coaching Career
Cafego had a long coaching career, particularly noted for his 30-year tenure as an assistant coach at the University of Tennessee. During this time, coaching salaries were also much lower than they are today.
Estimates and Considerations
Estimating the net worth of a historical figure like Cafego is difficult. Considering his prolonged contribution to football and modest earnings:
- Playing Career Earnings: Minimal compared to current players
- Coaching Career Earnings: Modest and sustained over decades
- Other Income: Likely limited to football-related roles
Conclusion
While George Cafego may not have accumulated significant wealth compared to today’s standards, his legacy in football remains invaluable. His contributions to the sport, both on and off the field, are what truly stand out.