George Atkinson is a retired NFL player who was an integral part of the Oakland Raiders. Atkinson was infamous for his on-field incidents. In 1976, George Atkinson’s Oakland Raiders were against their rivals Pittsburgh Steelers in the season opener. Atkinson hit his rival, Lynn Swann. This was not the first time as Atkinson already smashed Swann in the 1975 AFC Championship game.
George Atkinson’s On-field Incidents
In 1975, Atkinson hit Lynn Swann in the AFC Championship and Swann was out of the game after a concussion. When everyone thought it was over, George Atkinson did a Deja Vu again in 1976. In the 1976 NFL game, Raiders and Steelers were in a clash, and Atkinson was again in the scene.
Atkinson attacked Lynn Swann on the backside of his head and the Steelers’ wide receiver collapsed. Lynn Swann was not even closer to the ball and this confirmed Atkinson had some grudge against Swann. Atkinson confirmed he didn’t hit Swann stating it was a part of the NFL rules, but everyone in the NFL community knows it was intentional. The rivalry between George Atkinson and Lynn Swann was on another level in the 1970s. Atkinson once revealed if it’s physical, then defenders have to be ready for the attack and block them.
Chuck Noll, the head coach of Pittsburgh Steelers was furious and he lashed at George Atkinson. Noll met the press and revealed it as a “criminal activity”. Chuck Noll said “You have a criminal element in all aspects of society,” and everyone thought the statement was targeted at Oakland Raiders.
George Atkinson filed a defamation suit against Chuck Noll and he demanded $2 million as compensation, but he lost the case eventually. When the court questioned Chuck Noll about his statement, Noll revealed it was about Mel Blout. After the trial, Blout filed a suit against Noll and demanded $6 million before withdrawing the case.
George Atkinson Career & Records
George Atkinson started his college football career with the Morris Brown before making his debut in the NFL with the Oakland Raiders. Atkinson played as a cornerback and kick returner. Atkinson won the Super Bowl title and he was a part of the AFL All-Star team twice. In 1968, Atkinson won the AFL co-Defensive Rookie of the Year award.
After retirement, George Atkinson worked as a Broadcaster and Analyst for the Oakland Raiders. Atkinson is the host of the TV show, Behind the Shield. In the NFL, George Atkinson completed 30 interceptions and 448 interception yards. He played 9 seasons for the Oakland Raiders and 1 season for the Denver Broncos.
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