George Webster (American football)

George Webster
Webster in 1969
No. 90
PositionLinebacker
Personal information
Born(1945-11-25)November 25, 1945
Anderson, South Carolina, U.S.
DiedApril 19, 2007(2007-04-19) (aged 61)
Houston, Texas, U.S.
Listed height6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
Listed weight255 lb (116 kg)
Career information
High schoolWestside
(Anderson, South Carolina)
CollegeMichigan State (1964–1966)
NFL draft1967: 1st round, 5th overall pick
Career history
Awards and highlights
Career NFL statistics
Sacks14
Interceptions5
Interception yards67
Fumble recoveries6
Stats at Pro Football Reference

George Delano Webster (November 25, 1945 – April 19, 2007) was an American professional football player who was a linebacker in the American Football League (AFL) and National Football League (NFL) with the Houston Oilers, the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the New England Patriots. Webster played college football for the Michigan State Spartans, most notably as a defensive "roverback".

Webster was a consensus All-American as a junior in 1965, and a unanimous All-American as a senior in 1966. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1987. Sports Illustrated named him one of two starting safeties on its all-century college football team.

Webster was the AFL's Rookie of the Year in 1967, and was selected as an All-Star and first-team All-AFL the same year. In 1970, the Pro Football Hall of Fame named Webster to the All-Time AFL Team at linebacker; the youngest player named to that team. He was first-team All-AFL from 1967 to 1969, but suffered knee injuries in 1970 and 1971 that derailed the trajectory of his career. Pro Football Hall of Fame defensive lineman Elvin Bethea called Webster one of the greatest linebackers to ever play professional football, and a prototype for the 1960s and 1970s linebackers who could cover the entire field with his great speed. Hayes once caught and tackled Hall of Fame receiver and Olympic gold medal sprinter Bob Hayes from behind.