George Sauer


George Henry Sauer Sr. was an American football player, coach, college sports administrator, and professional football executive.

Career

Sauer attended the University of Nebraska where he was an All-American halfback under Dana X. Bible from 1931-1933. After college, he played for the Green Bay Packers of the National Football League from 1935 to 1937, helping them win the 1936 NFL championship as their starting left halfback. Sauer left professional football in 1937 and coached at the University of New Hampshire from 1937 to 1941, compiling a record of 22-18-1. He left his coaching position and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1942 and was commissioned as an officer after completing the requisite training. After he completed his military service, he coached for two years at University of Kansas, he compiled a 15–3–2 record, winning the conference title in each season. After he left Kansas, Sauer coached at the United States Naval Academy, and Baylor University, compiling a career college football record of 78–55–9 and earning trips to both the Orange Bowl and the Gator Bowl. Sauer remained at Baylor as Athletic Director until 1960 when he became the first General Manager of the New York Titans of the American Football League. The Titans later reorganized and in 1963 were renamed in as the New York Jets. As director of player personnel, Sauer drafted and signed his own son, George Sauer Jr. as a wide receiver. Sauer remained with the Jets until 1969 when he was named general manager of the Boston Patriots.
Sauer appeared as an imposter on the February 26, 1962 episode of the game show To Tell The Truth.

Death and legacy

Sauer died in 1994 after a 10 year battle with Alzheimer's disease. At the time of his death, he was survived by his wife Lillian, son George Sauer Jr., and daughter, Dana.
Sauer was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame as a player in 1954 and in 1998 was inducted into the University of New Hampshire Wildcats' Hall of Fame.

Head coaching record

Football