Just a bit of trivia, but back in the early 70s, some friends introduced me to guy who they said was George Blanda's kid. I didn't spend much time around him and only saw him one other time. The son didn't talk about his Dad and was not an FB player or athlete of any kind so I never knew for sure if the story was legitimate. The story was that the two did not have a good relationship at the time.

I got curious after hearing of Blanda's death and did a little googling to find out that in fact George lived in the Chicago area for many years and his son Rick attended NIU. I thought I remembered him being introdued as George Jr.

Anyone else have any knowledge of Rick's days at NIU?

I have no Rick Blanda info but here are two sidebars.

Dad often visited the village hall where my mom worked for many years and they chatted often.

My son's friend is a cop in the village where Blanda's currently reside. He stopped at their home recently to express his condolences.

Both my mon and son's friend said despite their fame and wealth, they were down to earth people.

The guy played for Bear Bryant and George Halas. WOW that is a resume in it self ... and John Madden. He is another in that tradition of great Western PA Qbs.... Namath, Montana, Marino,...

He was also an accomplished Kicker. A great career he had