Honoring Charles Trippi: Kemp Orders Flags To Half-Staff

ATHENS, GA — Gov. Brian Kemp ordered Tuesday flags to be flown at half-staff on Nov. 5 in honor of the late Hall of Famer Charles Louis "Charley" Trippi.

Trippi, 100, is a former University of Georgia football player who died on Oct. 19.

The New York Times reported Trippi died at his home.

"Mr. Trippi is admired as one of the greatest football players in the University of Georgia's storied history," read Kemp's order.

The governor ordered flags on the State Capitol building in Athens-Clarke County be lowered to half-staff, as well as on all UGA buildings and campuses.

According to The Times, Trippi had a successful playing career, starting with UGA before becoming the No. 1 draft pick for the Chicago Cardinals.

According to Kemp's order, Trippi was at UGA from 1942-46. While there, Trippi helped guide the Bulldogs to the Rose Bowl. The team won the National Championship in 1942.

Trippi went on to play football for the Third Air Force Gremlins while serving as a member of the U.S. Army Air Corps. during World War II, according to the order.

He became one of four UGA players to have a jersey number retired, according to the order. He was No. 62.

He ultimately landed himself in the College Football Hall of Fame in 1959 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1968, The Times reported, noting "he was the oldest living member of both halls of fame."

According to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Trippi played in 99 career games through nine seasons. He had 2,547 passing yards, 1,321 receiving yards and 3,506 rushing yards throughout his pro career.

According to Kemp's order, he was also inducted into the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame and the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame.