George Peoples Explained

Height Ft:6
Height In:0
Weight Lbs:214
Position:Fullback
Number:22, 35, 38
Birth Date:25 August 1960
Birth Place:Tampa, Florida, U.S.
Death Place:Tampa, Florida, U.S.
Draftyear:1982
Draftround:8
Draftpick:216
High School:Tampa (FL) C. Leon King
College:Auburn
Pastteams:
Statlabel1:Games played
Statvalue1:32
Statlabel2:Rushing attempts
Statvalue2:8
Statlabel3:Rushing yards
Statvalue3:24
Pfr:PeopGe20

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

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]

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Weaver On All-America Team . April 30, 2023.
  2. Web site: Auburn's Peoples wants 1,000 yards . April 30, 2023.
  3. Web site: 'Bama downs stubborn Auburn . April 30, 2023.
  4. Web site: Cowboys, 36-21 . April 30, 2023.
  5. Web site: Barnes Cut by Cowboys . April 30, 2023.
  6. Web site: Veteran given second chance . April 30, 2023.
  7. Web site: Patriots trade for Rod McSwain, waive 11 . April 30, 2023.
  8. Web site: Loss of Washington a big blow to Bucs . April 30, 2023.
  9. Web site: Bucs' cuts were no surprised . April 30, 2023.
  10. Web site: Young's education continues . April 30, 2023.
  11. Web site: ...and for five Bucs . April 30, 2023.
  12. Web site: Peoples found dead in hotel . April 30, 2023.