Today in history On May 7, 2013 – George Sauer, Jr., American football player died.

 

Today in history On May 7, 2013 – George Sauer, Jr., American football player died.

George Sauer Jr., a standout wide receiver for the New York Jets, passed away on May 7, 2013, in Westerville, Ohio, at the age of 69. His death was attributed to congestive heart failure, following a prolonged battle with Alzheimer's disease . Sauer's health struggles in his later years were compounded by the degenerative effects of Alzheimer's, a condition that had significantly impacted his quality of life.Sauer's football career was marked by remarkable achievements. He played college football at the University of Texas, contributing to the Longhorns' undefeated 1963 national championship team and their victory over Alabama in the 1965 Orange Bowl . In the professional arena, Sauer joined the New York Jets in 1965, where he quickly became a key offensive weapon. His most notable performance came during Super Bowl III, where he led all receivers with eight catches for 133 yards, playing a crucial role in the Jets' historic 16–7 upset over the Baltimore Colts . Throughout his six-season tenure with the Jets, Sauer amassed 309 receptions, 4,965 receiving yards, and 28 touchdowns. Despite his on-field success, Sauer became disillusioned with the professional football environment, which he described as dehumanizing. He retired from the NFL in 1970 at the age of 27, citing the regimented nature of the sport and its impact on personal freedom . Sauer briefly returned to professional football in 1974 with the New York Stars of the World Football League but eventually stepped away from the game entirely. Post-retirement, he pursued interests in writing and coaching, leaving behind a legacy as both a talented athlete and a thoughtful critic of the sport's culture.

See also: The greatest NFL players in history – ranked