Two people that have etched themselves into American History have passed in the last two days. One was an Actress, and the other a Hall of Fame Quarterback.

George Blanda and Gloria Stuart lost their lives. Blanda was 83-years-old and Stuart was 100.

George Blanda was known as “The Grand Old Man” among teammates. He was born in September of 1927, and is known as the NFL player who played more seasons of Professional Football than any other person. He played for 26 seasons, and scored more points than anyone in history when he retired in 1976.

His playing career was spread throughout the NFL and AFL, and included 4 Franchises. He played for the Chicago Bears, Baltimore Colts, Oakland Raiders, and Houston Oilers.

The other famous American to lose their life was actress Gloria Stuart, who was born in July of 1910. She acted in Hollywood for over 70 years, and appeared on film, television and on stage. Her best known roles were that of Claude Rains’ girlfriend in “The Invisible Man”. She also appeared in the movie “Titanic, and won an Academy Award for her performance.

We will be missing two truly American role models. Rest in Peace George Blanda, and Gloria Stuart.