George Herring

George W. Herring (born June 18, 1934 in Gadsden, Alabama) is a former professional American football quarterback and punter in the American Football League. Herring played with the Denver Broncos in 1960 and 1961.

Drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in the 16th round (184th overall) of the 1956 NFL Draft out of University of Southern Mississippi in the 16th round, Herring signed instead in Canada and threw eight touchdowns to 20 interceptions in two seasons in the CFL, with the B.C. Lions and Saskatchewan Roughriders before signing on with the Broncos for the start of the AFL. In Denver, Herring backed up his roommate Frank Tripucka and threw five touchdowns to 23 interceptions while also serving as the team’s punter. George had a problem with alcohol and was found homeless on the streets of Denver in 1983. After staying sober for several years, Herring had a relapse in 1994 and committed suicide within two days of his 25-year old son Lance also killing himself. In a bizarre side note, Lance’s stepfather had also committed suicide two months before.

He also played football for Jones County Junior College.