George Peoples

George Evans Peoples (August 25, 1960 – November 22, 2003) was a professional American football running back in the National Football League for the Dallas Cowboys (1982), New England Patriots (1983), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1984–1985). He played college football at Auburn University.

George Peoples
No. 22, 35, 38
Position:Fullback
Personal information
Born:(1960-08-25)August 25, 1960
Tampa, Florida
Died:November 22, 2003(2003-11-22) (aged 43)
Tampa, Florida
Height:6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Weight:214 lb (97 kg)
Career information
High school:Tampa (FL) C. Leon King
College:Auburn
NFL Draft:1982 / Round: 8 / Pick: 216
Career history
Career NFL statistics
Games played:32
Rushing attempts:8
Rushing yards:24
Player stats at NFL.com · PFR

Early years

Peoples attended C. Leon King High School, where he was an All-American running back.[1] He accepted a football scholarship from Auburn University.

He became a starter as a junior when he replaced the graduated Joe Cribbs. He registered 443 rushing yards (second on the team) on 96 carries (5.6 average) and was mainly used as a blocking fullback.[2]

In his final year, the team implemented a wishbone offense under new head coach Pat Dye. He displayed his great blocking ability, while rushing for 442 yards, including a 63-yard rushing touchdown against the University of Alabama.[3] At the end of the season, he received the team's offensive player of the year award.

He finished his college career with 1,085 rushing yards (239 carries) and 3 touchdowns. He also lettered in track and field.

Professional career

Dallas Cowboys

Peoples was selected by the Dallas Cowboys in the eighth round (216th overall) of the 1982 NFL Draft. He had a great pre-season, that included a 79-yard reception for a touchdown from quarterback Gary Hogeboom against the New England Patriots.[4] As a rookie, he played mainly on special teams in 8 games during the strike-shortened season. He was waived on August 27, 1983.[5]

New England Patriots

On August 30, 1983, he was claimed off waivers by the New England Patriots to replace an injured Larry Cowan and went on to record 9 special teams tackles.[6] He was released on August 27, 1984.[7]

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed him as a free agent on November 6, 1984, to provide depth in the backfield.[8] He was cut on September 2, 1985,[9] only to be brought back on December 13.[10] He wasn't re-signed at the end of the year.[11]

Personal life

On November 23, 2003, he was found dead in a motel room in Tampa Bay, Florida.[12]

References
  1. "Weaver On All-America Team". Retrieved April 30, 2017.
  2. "Auburn's Peoples wants 1,000 yards". Retrieved April 30, 2017.
  3. "'Bama downs stubborn Auburn". Retrieved April 30, 2017.
  4. "Cowboys, 36-21". Retrieved April 30, 2017.
  5. "Barnes Cut by Cowboys". Retrieved April 30, 2017.
  6. "Veteran given second chance". Retrieved April 30, 2017.
  7. "Patriots trade for Rod McSwain, waive 11". Retrieved April 30, 2017.
  8. "Loss of Washington a big blow to Bucs". Retrieved April 30, 2017.
  9. "Bucs' cuts were no surprised". Retrieved April 30, 2017.
  10. "Young's education continues". Retrieved April 30, 2017.
  11. "...and for five Bucs". Retrieved April 30, 2017.
  12. "Peoples found dead in hotel". Retrieved April 30, 2017.
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