George Mira, American football player
George Ignacio Mira, born on January 11, 1942, embarked on a multifaceted professional American football career primarily as a quarterback. His journey in professional football spanned over a decade, showcasing his talent and adaptability across multiple leagues. Mira's playing career began in the highly competitive National Football League (NFL) before extending to significant tenures in both the Canadian Football League (CFL) and the ephemeral World Football League (WFL).
NFL Career: From Draft Pick to Veteran Quarterback
Mira’s professional football aspirations were realized when he was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the second round, 18th overall, of the 1964 NFL Draft. This selection followed a standout collegiate career at the University of Miami, where he was a prominent figure. As an NFL quarterback, Mira played across seven distinct seasons, showcasing his skills for four different franchises.
- San Francisco 49ers (1964-1967): Mira began his NFL journey with the 49ers, primarily serving as a capable backup to the established star quarterback, John Brodie. He gained valuable experience and occasionally stepped into starting roles.
- Philadelphia Eagles (1968): After four seasons in San Francisco, Mira was traded to the Philadelphia Eagles, where he continued to compete for playing time in the competitive NFL landscape.
- Miami Dolphins (1969): He then moved to the Miami Dolphins for a single season, further adding to his experience in various team environments.
- Baltimore Colts (1970): Mira's final NFL season was spent with the Baltimore Colts, though he did not make any game appearances for the team that year. His presence on the roster, however, marked his seventh season within the league.
Beyond the NFL: Impact in the CFL and WFL
Following his NFL tenure, George Mira sought new opportunities, finding consistent playing time and starting roles in other professional football leagues. He played for six seasons across the Canadian Football League (CFL) and the World Football League (WFL), demonstrating his enduring passion for the sport.
- Canadian Football League (CFL) Tenure (1971-1974):
- Toronto Argonauts (1971-1972): Mira made a significant impact in the CFL, joining the Toronto Argonauts. He quickly became a key player, contributing to their success.
- Montreal Alouettes (1973): His CFL journey continued with the Montreal Alouettes, where he remained an active participant in the league's unique brand of football.
- Hamilton Tiger-Cats (1974): Mira concluded his CFL career with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats, bringing his extensive experience to another Canadian franchise.
- World Football League (WFL) Tenure (1974-1975):
- Philadelphia Bell (1974): In 1974, Mira also played in the nascent World Football League, a competitor to the NFL at the time. He joined the Philadelphia Bell, contributing to the league's inaugural season.
- Jacksonville Express (1975): His WFL career extended into 1975 with the Jacksonville Express before the league ultimately ceased operations.
George Mira's professional football career is a testament to his longevity and versatility as a quarterback, playing at the highest levels of the sport for over a decade across multiple leagues and teams.
Frequently Asked Questions About George Mira's Football Career
- When was George Mira born?
- George Ignacio Mira was born on January 11, 1942.
- Which NFL teams did George Mira play for?
- George Mira played for four teams during his seven NFL seasons: the San Francisco 49ers (1964-1967), Philadelphia Eagles (1968), Miami Dolphins (1969), and Baltimore Colts (1970).
- Did George Mira play in the Canadian Football League (CFL)?
- Yes, George Mira played four seasons in the CFL for teams including the Toronto Argonauts (1971-1972), Montreal Alouettes (1973), and Hamilton Tiger-Cats (1974).
- Did George Mira also play in the World Football League (WFL)?
- Yes, George Mira played two seasons in the WFL, for the Philadelphia Bell (1974) and the Jacksonville Express (1975), before the league folded.