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{{Short description|American football player (born 1946)}}
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* Second-team [[List of All-Big Ten Conference football teams|All-Big Ten]] ([[1967 All-Big Ten Conference football team|1967]])
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'''George William Hoey''' (born November 14, 1946) is a former [[American football]] [[defensive back]], [[punt returner]] and [[kickoff returner]]. He played [[college football]] for the [[University of Michigan]] [[Michigan Wolverines football|Wolverines]] (1966–1968) and professionally in the [[National Football League]] (NFL) for the [[Arizona Cardinals]] (1971), [[New England Patriots]] (1972–1973), [[San Diego Chargers]] (1974), [[Denver Broncos]] (1975), and [[New York Jets]] (1975).
'''George William Hoey''' (born November 14, 1946) is an American former professional [[American football|football]] player who was a [[defensive back]], [[punt returner]] and [[kickoff returner]] in the [[National Football League]] (NFL). He played [[college football]] for the [[Michigan Wolverines football|Michigan Wolverines]] (1966–1968) and in the NFL for the [[Arizona Cardinals]] (1971), [[New England Patriots]] (1972–1973), [[San Diego Chargers]] (1974), [[Denver Broncos]] (1975), and [[New York Jets]] (1975).


In high school, Hoey was an All-State [[Halfback (American football)|halfback]]. At the University of Michigan, [[College Football Hall of Fame]] halfback [[Ron Johnson (running back)|Ron Johnson]] was in Hoey's class, and Hoey was therefore used principally as a [[defensive back]]. Hoey is most remembered for his work as a [[punt returner]] at Michigan. He led the [[Big Ten Conference]] in punt return yards in 1967 and 1968, and still holds Michigan's modern era (post-1949) records for most punt return yards in a game (140), most return yards per punt in a season (24.3) and most return yards per punt in a career (17.1). Hoey was also a record-setting [[Sprint (running)|sprinter]] on Michigan's [[track and field]] team.
In high school, Hoey was an All-State [[Halfback (American football)|halfback]]. At the University of Michigan, [[College Football Hall of Fame]] halfback [[Ron Johnson (running back)|Ron Johnson]] was in Hoey's class, and Hoey was therefore used principally as a [[defensive back]]. Hoey is most remembered for his work as a [[punt returner]] at Michigan. He led the [[Big Ten Conference]] in punt return yards in 1967 and 1968, and still holds Michigan's modern era (post-1949) records for most punt return yards in a game (140), most return yards per punt in a season (24.3) and most return yards per punt in a career (17.1). Hoey was also a record-setting [[Sprint (running)|sprinter]] on Michigan's [[track and field]] team.
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==University of Michigan track and football star==
==University of Michigan track and football star==
In 1965, Hoey became the first [[African-American]] athlete from Flint to earn a [[University of Michigan]] scholarship.<ref name=GFASHOF/> At Michigan, Hoey excelled in both football and track. In track, Hoey set a 60-yard dash record with a time of 6.1 in 1966.<ref name=FPL/> He was a member of the Wolverines' record-setting [[4 × 100 metres relay]] with a time of 40.6.<ref name=FPL/> In football, Hoey did not make the team as a halfback, having the misfortune to be in the same class as [[College Football Hall of Fame]]r [[Ron Johnson (running back)|Ron Johnson]]. He started only three games at halfback during his time at Michigan (and one at fullback).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://bentley.umich.edu/athdept/football/fbteam/1967fbt.htm|title=1967 Football Team|accessdate=2007-12-05|publisher=The Regents of the University of Michigan|date=2007-03-31}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://bentley.umich.edu/athdept/football/fbteam/1968fbt.htm|title=1968 Football Team|accessdate=2007-12-05|publisher=The Regents of the University of Michigan|date=2007-03-31}}</ref> With Ron Johnson playing halfback, Hoey was used principally as a [[defensive back]] and [[punt returner]]. Playing against [[Navy Midshipmen football|Navy]] in 1968, Hoey had two [[interception]]s which he returned for 31 yards, and punt returns of 63 and 36 yards.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://stats.ath.umich.edu/football/gametot.php?gkey=183 |title=Versus Navy October 5, 1968 |publisher=Regents of the University of Michigan |year=2003 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20041129013434/http://stats.ath.umich.edu/football/gametot.php?gkey=183 |archivedate=November 29, 2004 |df= }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Sidman, Robert E.|title=Hoey Sets Up Three Scores As Michigan Downs Navy|publisher=Ironwood Daily Globe|date=1968-10-07}}</ref> He was named an All-[[Big Ten Conference|Big Ten]] [[defensive back]] in 1968.<ref name=FPL/>
In 1965, Hoey became the first [[African-American]] athlete from Flint to earn a [[University of Michigan]] scholarship.<ref name=GFASHOF/> At Michigan, Hoey excelled in both football and track. In track, Hoey set a 60-yard dash record with a time of 6.1 in 1966.<ref name=FPL/> He was a member of the Wolverines' record-setting [[4 × 100 metres relay]] with a time of 40.6.<ref name=FPL/> In football, Hoey did not make the team as a halfback, having the misfortune to be in the same class as [[College Football Hall of Fame]]r [[Ron Johnson (running back)|Ron Johnson]]. He started only three games at halfback during his time at Michigan (and one at fullback).<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bentley.umich.edu/athdept/football/fbteam/1967fbt.htm|title=1967 Football Team|access-date=2007-12-05|publisher=The Regents of the University of Michigan|date=2007-03-31}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://bentley.umich.edu/athdept/football/fbteam/1968fbt.htm|title=1968 Football Team|access-date=2007-12-05|publisher=The Regents of the University of Michigan|date=2007-03-31}}</ref> With Ron Johnson playing halfback, Hoey was used principally as a [[defensive back]] and [[punt returner]]. Playing against [[Navy Midshipmen football|Navy]] in 1968, Hoey had two [[interception]]s which he returned for 31 yards, and punt returns of 63 and 36 yards.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://stats.ath.umich.edu/football/gametot.php?gkey=183 |title=Versus Navy October 5, 1968 |publisher=Regents of the University of Michigan |year=2003 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041129013434/http://stats.ath.umich.edu/football/gametot.php?gkey=183 |archive-date=November 29, 2004 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|author=Sidman, Robert E.|title=Hoey Sets Up Three Scores As Michigan Downs Navy|publisher=Ironwood Daily Globe|date=1968-10-07}}</ref> He was named an [[List of All-Big Ten Conference football teams|All-Big Ten]] [[defensive back]] in 1968.<ref name=FPL/>


===Punt return records at Michigan===
===Punt return records at Michigan===
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On October 28, 1967, Hoey gained 140 yards on four punt returns against [[Minnesota Golden Gophers football|Minnesota]]—still Michigan's single-game record for punt return yardage. Hoey and [[Steve Breaston]] are the only two Michigan players with two games in the top ten single-game performances by a Michigan punt returner.<ref name=UMStats/>
On October 28, 1967, Hoey gained 140 yards on four punt returns against [[Minnesota Golden Gophers football|Minnesota]]—still Michigan's single-game record for punt return yardage. Hoey and [[Steve Breaston]] are the only two Michigan players with two games in the top ten single-game performances by a Michigan punt returner.<ref name=UMStats/>


{| class="wikitable"
{|
! Name
| align="center" style="background:#f0f0f0;"|'''Nane'''
! Number
| align="center" style="background:#f0f0f0;"|'''Number'''
! Yards
| align="center" style="background:#f0f0f0;"|'''Yards'''
! Average
| align="center" style="background:#f0f0f0;"|'''Average'''
| align="center" style="background:#f0f0f0;"|''' [[Touchdown]]s'''
! [[Touchdown]]s
! Long
| align="center" style="background:#f0f0f0;"|'''Long'''
! Year
| align="center" style="background:#f0f0f0;"|'''Year'''
! Opponent
| align="center" style="background:#f0f0f0;"|'''Opponent'''
|-
|-
| George Hoey||4||140||35||0|| ||1967||Minnesota
| George Hoey||4||140||35||0|| ||1967||Minnesota
Line 65: Line 69:
| [[Steve Breaston]]||9||116||12.9||0||29||2006||Wisconsin
| [[Steve Breaston]]||9||116||12.9||0||29||2006||Wisconsin
|-
|-
| [[Marquise Walker]]<ref>The Michigan football record book credits Walker with 127 yards, while the online public statistical database credits him with 112 yards. It is unclear if there is a discrepant 15-yard penalty such as a major facemask or other inconsistency. See {{cite web|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/document_file/fbl-2007spring-records1.pdf|format=PDF| title=Record Book (through 2006)|accessdate=2008-02-04|year=2007|publisher=University of Michigan & Host Interactive |archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20080229173113/http://www.mgoblue.com/document_file/fbl-2007spring-records1.pdf |archivedate = February 29, 2008 }}</ref>||7||112||16||0||42||2001||Purdue
| [[Marquise Walker]]<ref>The Michigan football record book credits Walker with 127 yards, while the online public statistical database credits him with 112 yards. It is unclear if there is a discrepant 15-yard penalty such as a major facemask or other inconsistency. See {{cite web|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/document_file/fbl-2007spring-records1.pdf| title=Record Book (through 2006)|access-date=2008-02-04|year=2007|publisher=University of Michigan & Host Interactive |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080229173113/http://www.mgoblue.com/document_file/fbl-2007spring-records1.pdf |archive-date = February 29, 2008 }}</ref>||7||112||16||0||42||2001||Purdue
|-
|-
| [[Steve Breaston]]||4||112||28||1||67||2004||Northwestern
| [[Steve Breaston]]||4||112||28||1||67||2004||Northwestern
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====Most yards per return in a season====
====Most yards per return in a season====
Hoey also holds the modern (post-1949) Michigan school record for yards per return in a season.<ref name=UMStats/> His 1967 average of 24.3 yards/return exceeds any other modern Michigan punt returner by more than eight yards per return (minimum 1.2 return per team game played).<ref name=UMStats>{{cite web|url=http://stats.ath.umich.edu/football/footstart.php |title=Michigan Football Statistic Archive Query Page |publisher=Regents of the University of Michigan |year=2003 |accessdate=2007-11-30 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20071112175906/http://stats.ath.umich.edu/football/footstart.php |archivedate=2007-11-12 |df= }}</ref> Hoey's 1967 average ranks sixth in [[National Collegiate Athletic Association|NCAA]] [[Division I-A]] history behind the all-time Michigan leader [[Gene Derricotte]] who ranks fifth.<ref name=NCAA>{{cite web|url=https://www.ncaa.org/library/records/football/football_records_book/2007/2007_d1_football_records_book.pdf|title=Official 2007 NCAA Division I Football Record Book|publisher=National Collegiate Athletic Association|accessdate=2008-01-03|date=August 2007 |archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20071201142013/http://www.ncaa.org/library/records/football/football_records_book/2007/2007_d1_football_records_book.pdf <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archivedate = 2007-12-01}}</ref> However, the Michigan record books base single-season leadership based upon minimum 15 returns per game and Hoey's name is omitted.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/document_file/fbl-2007spring-records1.pdf|format=PDF| title=Record Book (through 2006)|accessdate=2008-02-04|year=2007|publisher=University of Michigan & Host Interactive |archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20080229173113/http://www.mgoblue.com/document_file/fbl-2007spring-records1.pdf <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archivedate = 2008-02-29}}</ref><br>
Hoey also holds the modern (post-1949) Michigan school record for yards per return in a season.<ref name=UMStats/> His 1967 average of 24.3 yards/return exceeds any other modern Michigan punt returner by more than eight yards per return (minimum 1.2 return per team game played).<ref name=UMStats>{{cite web|url=http://stats.ath.umich.edu/football/footstart.php |title=Michigan Football Statistic Archive Query Page |publisher=Regents of the University of Michigan |year=2003 |access-date=2007-11-30 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20071112175906/http://stats.ath.umich.edu/football/footstart.php |archive-date=2007-11-12 }}</ref> Hoey's 1967 average ranks sixth in [[National Collegiate Athletic Association|NCAA]] [[Division I-A]] history behind the all-time Michigan leader [[Gene Derricotte]] who ranks fifth.<ref name=NCAA>{{cite web|url=https://www.ncaa.org/library/records/football/football_records_book/2007/2007_d1_football_records_book.pdf|title=Official 2007 NCAA Division I Football Record Book|publisher=National Collegiate Athletic Association|access-date=2008-01-03|date=August 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20071201142013/http://www.ncaa.org/library/records/football/football_records_book/2007/2007_d1_football_records_book.pdf <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = 2007-12-01}}</ref> However, the Michigan record books base single-season leadership based upon minimum 15 returns per game and Hoey's name is omitted.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/document_file/fbl-2007spring-records1.pdf| title=Record Book (through 2006)|access-date=2008-02-04|year=2007|publisher=University of Michigan & Host Interactive |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080229173113/http://www.mgoblue.com/document_file/fbl-2007spring-records1.pdf <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = 2008-02-29}}</ref><br>
{| class="wikitable"
{|
! Name
| align="center" style="background:#f0f0f0;"|'''Nane'''
! Number
| align="center" style="background:#f0f0f0;"|'''Number'''
! Yards
| align="center" style="background:#f0f0f0;"|'''Yards'''
! Average
| align="center" style="background:#f0f0f0;"|'''Average'''
| align="center" style="background:#f0f0f0;"|''' [[Touchdown]]s'''
! [[Touchdown]]s
! Long
| align="center" style="background:#f0f0f0;"|'''Long'''
! Year
| align="center" style="background:#f0f0f0;"|'''Year'''
|-
|-
| George Hoey||12||291||24.3||1||60||1967
| George Hoey||12||291||24.3||1||60||1967
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Hoey also holds the Michigan school record for punt return yards per return in a career with an average of 17.1 yards per return.<ref name=UMStats/>
Hoey also holds the Michigan school record for punt return yards per return in a career with an average of 17.1 yards per return.<ref name=UMStats/>


{| class="wikitable"
{|
! Name
| align="center" style="background:#f0f0f0;"|'''Nane'''
! Number
| align="center" style="background:#f0f0f0;"|'''Number'''
! Yards
| align="center" style="background:#f0f0f0;"|'''Yards'''
! Average
| align="center" style="background:#f0f0f0;"|'''Average'''
| align="center" style="background:#f0f0f0;"|''' [[Touchdown]]s'''
! [[Touchdown]]s
! Long
| align="center" style="background:#f0f0f0;"|'''Long'''
! Start
| align="center" style="background:#f0f0f0;"|'''Start'''
! End
| align="center" style="background:#f0f0f0;"|'''End'''
|-
|-
| George Hoey<ref>The Michigan football record book credits Hoey with 17.3 yards per return, while the online public statistical database credits him with 17.1 yards. It is unclear if there is a discrepant 5-yard penalty such as a minor facemask or other inconsistency. See {{cite web|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/document_file/fbl-2007spring-records1.pdf|format=PDF| title=Record Book (through 2006)|accessdate=2008-02-04|year=2007|publisher=University of Michigan & Host Interactive |archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20080229173113/http://www.mgoblue.com/document_file/fbl-2007spring-records1.pdf <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archivedate = 2008-02-29}}</ref>||31||529||17.1||1||63||1967||1968
| George Hoey<ref>The Michigan football record book credits Hoey with 17.3 yards per return, while the online public statistical database credits him with 17.1 yards. It is unclear if there is a discrepant 5-yard penalty such as a minor facemask or other inconsistency. See {{cite web|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/document_file/fbl-2007spring-records1.pdf| title=Record Book (through 2006)|access-date=2008-02-04|year=2007|publisher=University of Michigan & Host Interactive |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080229173113/http://www.mgoblue.com/document_file/fbl-2007spring-records1.pdf <!-- Bot retrieved archive --> |archive-date = 2008-02-29}}</ref>||31||529||17.1||1||63||1967||1968
|-
|-
| [[Terry Barr]]||24||393||16.4||1||82||1954||1956
| [[Terry Barr]]||24||393||16.4||1||82||1954||1956
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==NFL football player==
==NFL football player==
Hoey was selected by the [[Detroit Lions]] in the 14th round of the [[1969 NFL Draft]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.databasefootball.com/draft/draftyear.htm?yr=1969&lg=nfl |title=1969 NFL Player Draft |publisher=databaseSports.com |work=databaseFootball.com |accessdate=2007-12-03 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080327010958/http://www.databasefootball.com/draft/draftyear.htm?yr=1969&lg=NFL |archivedate=2008-03-27 |df= }}</ref> He played five seasons in the NFL for the [[St. Louis Cardinals (NFL)|St. Louis Cardinals]] (1971), [[New England Patriots]] (1972&ndash;1973), [[San Diego Chargers]] (1974), [[Denver Broncos]] (1975) and [[New York Jets]] (1975).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.databasefootball.com/players/playerpage.htm?ilkid=HOEYGEO01 |title=George Hoey |accessdate=2007-12-05 |publisher=databaseSports.com |work=databaseFootball.com |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070208184104/http://www.databasefootball.com/players/playerpage.htm?ilkid=HOEYGEO01 |archivedate=2007-02-08 |df= }}</ref> Hoey played in 53&nbsp;NFL games and had four [[Punt (gridiron football)|punt]] returns for 38&nbsp;[[return yards]], 21&nbsp;[[Kickoff (American football)|kickoff]] returns for 534&nbsp;return yards, and two [[interception]]s for 45&nbsp;return yards. He set a Cardinals club record with six kickoff returns for 206&nbsp;yards, one for 103&nbsp;yards and a [[touchdown]] against the [[Philadelphia Eagles]].<ref name=FPL/> The club record for longest return was broken in 1979 by [[Roy Green]], who posted a 106-yard return.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nfl.com/history/randf/records/indiv/kickreturns|title=Individual Records: Kickoff Returns|work=Record & Factbook|accessdate=2007-12-05|publisher=NFL Enterprises LLC}}</ref> Hoey had the misfortune of playing with losing teams throughout his NFL career. The best team that he played for was the 1975 Denver Broncos, who recorded a 6&ndash;8 record.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.databasefootball.com/teams/teamyear.htm?tm=DEN&yr=1975&lg=nfl |title=1975 Denver Broncos |publisher=databaseSports.com |work=databaseFootball.com |accessdate=2008-02-05 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20070411011208/http://www.databasefootball.com/teams/teamyear.htm?tm=DEN&lg=nfl&yr=1975 |archivedate=2007-04-11 |df= }}</ref>
Hoey was selected by the [[Detroit Lions]] in the 14th round of the [[1969 NFL draft]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.databasefootball.com/draft/draftyear.htm?yr=1969&lg=nfl |title=1969 NFL Player Draft |publisher=databaseSports.com |work=databaseFootball.com |access-date=2007-12-03 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080327010958/http://www.databasefootball.com/draft/draftyear.htm?yr=1969&lg=NFL |archive-date=2008-03-27 }}</ref> He played five seasons in the NFL for the [[St. Louis Cardinals (NFL)|St. Louis Cardinals]] (1971), [[New England Patriots]] (1972&ndash;1973), [[San Diego Chargers]] (1974), [[Denver Broncos]] (1975) and [[New York Jets]] (1975).<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.databasefootball.com/players/playerpage.htm?ilkid=HOEYGEO01 |title=George Hoey |access-date=2007-12-05 |publisher=databaseSports.com |work=databaseFootball.com |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070208184104/http://www.databasefootball.com/players/playerpage.htm?ilkid=HOEYGEO01 |archive-date=2007-02-08 }}</ref> Hoey played in 53&nbsp;NFL games and had four [[Punt (gridiron football)|punt]] returns for 38&nbsp;[[return yards]], 21&nbsp;[[Kickoff (American football)|kickoff]] returns for 534&nbsp;return yards, and two [[interception]]s for 45&nbsp;return yards. He set a Cardinals club record with six kickoff returns for 206&nbsp;yards, one for 103&nbsp;yards and a [[touchdown]] against the [[Philadelphia Eagles]].<ref name=FPL/> The club record for longest return was broken in 1979 by [[Roy Green]], who posted a 106-yard return.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nfl.com/history/randf/records/indiv/kickreturns|title=Individual Records: Kickoff Returns|work=Record & Factbook|access-date=2007-12-05|publisher=NFL Enterprises LLC}}</ref> Hoey had the misfortune of playing with losing teams throughout his NFL career. The best team that he played for was the 1975 Denver Broncos, who recorded a 6&ndash;8 record.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.databasefootball.com/teams/teamyear.htm?tm=DEN&yr=1975&lg=nfl |title=1975 Denver Broncos |publisher=databaseSports.com |work=databaseFootball.com |access-date=2008-02-05 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070411011208/http://www.databasefootball.com/teams/teamyear.htm?tm=DEN&lg=nfl&yr=1975 |archive-date=2007-04-11 }}</ref>


==Professional career at the University of Colorado==
==Professional career at the University of Colorado==
Hoey has worked in various capacities at the [[University of Colorado at Boulder|University of Colorado]]. From 1993&ndash;1999, Hoey was involved in academic services in [[Colorado Buffaloes|Colorado]]'s athletic department. Hoey "came under fire for an eligibility problem of a prospective [[Colorado Buffaloes|CU athlete]],"<ref name=ACHLAD>{{cite news|author=Thompson, Adam|title=''Morning Academic counselor Hoey leaves athletic department; that one eligibility issue mired his watch''|publisher=[[The Denver Post]]| date=1999-10-14|accessdate=}}</ref> including [[linebacker]] [https://web.archive.org/web/20050214211944/http://www.jsonline.com/packer/rev/apr01/linebacker-anwawnjones.asp Anwawn Jones] who lost a year of eligibility and was forced to sit out the [[1999 NCAA Division I-A football season]] due to an error in calculating his transfer credits. In 1999, Hoey transferred out of the athletic department and began working in the university's career services department. That October, Jones told ''The [[Denver Post]]'' that Hoey "wasn't necessarily a scapegoat, but there were definitely mistakes made in his department."<ref name=ACHLAD/> Recruiting issues arose after [[Rick Neuheisel]] departed as Colorado's head football coach and were part of broader problems that resulted in the school's being placed on two years' probation for 53 rules violations, 51 occurring while Neuheisel was the Colorado coach.<ref>Steve Wilstein – [http://www.centralohio.com/ohiostate/stories/20021010/football/260537.html NCAA almost gets Colorado/Neuheisel affair right]. Newspaper Network of Central Ohio, October 10, 2002.</ref>
Hoey has worked in various capacities at the [[University of Colorado at Boulder|University of Colorado]]. From 1993&ndash;1999, Hoey was involved in academic services in [[Colorado Buffaloes|Colorado]]'s athletic department. Hoey "came under fire for an eligibility problem of a prospective [[Colorado Buffaloes|CU athlete]],"<ref name=ACHLAD>{{cite news|author=Thompson, Adam|title=''Morning Academic counselor Hoey leaves athletic department; that one eligibility issue mired his watch''|publisher=[[The Denver Post]]| date=1999-10-14}}</ref> including [[linebacker]] [https://web.archive.org/web/20050214211944/http://www.jsonline.com/packer/rev/apr01/linebacker-anwawnjones.asp Anwawn Jones] who lost a year of eligibility and was forced to sit out the [[1999 NCAA Division I-A football season]] due to an error in calculating his transfer credits. In 1999, Hoey transferred out of the athletic department and began working in the university's career services department. That October, Jones told ''The [[Denver Post]]'' that Hoey "wasn't necessarily a scapegoat, but there were definitely mistakes made in his department."<ref name=ACHLAD/> Recruiting issues arose after [[Rick Neuheisel]] departed as Colorado's head football coach and were part of broader problems that resulted in the school's being placed on two years' probation for 53 rules violations, 51 occurring while Neuheisel was the Colorado coach.<ref>Steve Wilstein – [http://www.centralohio.com/ohiostate/stories/20021010/football/260537.html NCAA almost gets Colorado/Neuheisel affair right]. Newspaper Network of Central Ohio, October 10, 2002.</ref>


In 2004, the ''[[Colorado Daily]]'' reported that Hoey was a career [[School counselor|counselor]] working with all students to help them prepare for their future careers. I provide information that will hopefully have them taking advantage of many services and resources."<ref>{{cite news|author=Watkins, Kate|title=''Life skills learned by student-athletes''|publisher=[[Colorado Daily]]| date=2004-07-07|accessdate=}}</ref> In May 2007, Hoey was the University of Colorado's career development coordinator and a co-chair of the Black Faculty/Staff Association,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.colorado.edu/insidecu/editions/2007/1-23/story3.html |accessdate=2007-12-05 |publisher=The Regents of the University of Colorado |title=New Leaders Have High Hopes for Black Faculty/Staff Association |author=Besen, Linda |date=2007-01-23 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080724055754/http://www.colorado.edu/insidecu/editions/2007/1-23/story3.html |archivedate=2008-07-24 |df= }}</ref> and the Virginia Patterson Chapter of [[Mortar Board]] Honors Society at the University of Colorado honored Hoey for his efforts to educate students.<ref>{{cite news|author=Platte, Jennifer|title=''Honors''|publisher=[[Daily Camera]]| date=2007-05-06|accessdate=}}</ref>
In 2004, the ''[[Colorado Daily]]'' reported that Hoey was a career [[School counselor|counselor]] working with all students to help them prepare for their future careers. I provide information that will hopefully have them taking advantage of many services and resources."<ref>{{cite news|author=Watkins, Kate|title=''Life skills learned by student-athletes''|publisher=[[Colorado Daily]]| date=2004-07-07}}</ref> In May 2007, Hoey was the University of Colorado's career development coordinator and a co-chair of the Black Faculty/Staff Association,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.colorado.edu/insidecu/editions/2007/1-23/story3.html |access-date=2007-12-05 |publisher=The Regents of the University of Colorado |title=New Leaders Have High Hopes for Black Faculty/Staff Association |author=Besen, Linda |date=2007-01-23 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080724055754/http://www.colorado.edu/insidecu/editions/2007/1-23/story3.html |archive-date=2008-07-24 }}</ref> and the Virginia Patterson Chapter of [[Mortar Board]] Honors Society at the University of Colorado honored Hoey for his efforts to educate students.<ref>{{cite news|author=Platte, Jennifer|title=''Honors''|publisher=[[Daily Camera]]| date=2007-05-06}}</ref>


==Family and honors==
==Family and honors==
[[Herb Washington]], former [[Oakland Athletics|Oakland A]] and world-class sprinter, is Hoey's cousin.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newyorkjets.com/team/all_time/player/364-george-hoey|title=George Hoey – #49 – DB – Michigan – Profile|accessdate=2007-12-04|publisher=New York Jets |archiveurl = https://web.archive.org/web/20080612154551/http://www.newyorkjets.com/team/all_time/player/364-george-hoey |archivedate = June 12, 2008}}</ref> Hoey is married to Erin Hoag and has two sons, William and Sean.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/111011aab.html|title=Where Are They Now: George Hoey|accessdate=2016-11-17|date=2011-11-10|website=MGoBlue.com|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]}}</ref> He was inducted into the Greater Flint Afro-American Hall of Fame in 2001,<ref name=FPL>{{cite web|url=http://www.flint.lib.mi.us/hallfame/01/hoey.shtml |title=George Hoey |accessdate=2007-12-05 |publisher=Flint Public Library |date=2005-10-25 |deadurl=yes |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20060828121820/http://www.flint.lib.mi.us/hallfame/01/hoey.shtml |archivedate=2006-08-28 |df= }}</ref> and he was inducted into the Greater Flint Area Sports Hall of Fame in 2003.<ref name=GFASHOF>{{cite web|url=http://www.gfashof.com/inductee/00/03_hoey.html|title=George Hoey|accessdate=2007-12-05|publisher=Greater Flint Area Sports Hall of Fame}} {{Dead link|date=September 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref>
[[Herb Washington]], former [[Oakland Athletics|Oakland A]] and world-class sprinter, is Hoey's cousin.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.newyorkjets.com/team/all_time/player/364-george-hoey|title=George Hoey – #49 – DB – Michigan – Profile|access-date=2007-12-04|publisher=New York Jets |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20080612154551/http://www.newyorkjets.com/team/all_time/player/364-george-hoey |archive-date = June 12, 2008}}</ref> Hoey is married to Erin Hoag and has two sons, William and Sean.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/111011aab.html|title=Where Are They Now: George Hoey|access-date=2016-11-17|date=2011-11-10|website=MGoBlue.com|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]}}</ref> He was inducted into the Greater Flint Afro-American Hall of Fame in 2001,<ref name=FPL>{{cite web|url=http://www.flint.lib.mi.us/hallfame/01/hoey.shtml |title=George Hoey |access-date=2007-12-05 |publisher=[[Flint Public Library (Flint, Michigan)|Flint Public Library]] |date=2005-10-25 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20060828121820/http://www.flint.lib.mi.us/hallfame/01/hoey.shtml |archive-date=2006-08-28 }}</ref> and he was inducted into the Greater Flint Area Sports Hall of Fame in 2003.<ref name=GFASHOF>{{cite web|url=http://www.gfashof.com/inductee/00/03_hoey.html|title=George Hoey|access-date=2007-12-05|publisher=Greater Flint Area Sports Hall of Fame}} {{Dead link|date=September 2010|bot=H3llBot}}</ref>


==Career statistics==
==Career statistics==
{| class="wikitable"
{|
! Year
| align="center" style="background:#f0f0f0;"|'''Year'''
! Team
| align="center" style="background:#f0f0f0;"|'''Team'''
| align="center" style="background:#f0f0f0;"|'''[[Kickoff return|KR]]'''
! [[Kickoff return|KR]]
! Yards
| align="center" style="background:#f0f0f0;"|'''Yards'''
! Avg
| align="center" style="background:#f0f0f0;"|'''Avg'''
| align="center" style="background:#f0f0f0;"|'''[[Touchdown|TDs]]'''
! [[Touchdown|TDs]]
| align="center" style="background:#f0f0f0;"|'''[[Punt return|PR]]'''
! [[Punt return|PR]]
! Yards
| align="center" style="background:#f0f0f0;"|'''Yards'''
! Avg
| align="center" style="background:#f0f0f0;"|'''Avg'''
! TD
| align="center" style="background:#f0f0f0;"|'''TD'''
| align="center" style="background:#f0f0f0;"|'''[[Interception|Int.]]'''
! [[Interception|Int.]]
! Yards
| align="center" style="background:#f0f0f0;"|'''Yards'''
! Average
| align="center" style="background:#f0f0f0;"|'''Average'''
|-
|-
| 1967||[[Michigan Wolverines football|Michigan Wolverines]]||-- ||-- ||-- ||-- ||12||291||24.3||1||-- ||-- ||--
| 1967||[[Michigan Wolverines football|Michigan Wolverines]]||-- ||-- ||-- ||-- ||12||291||24.3||1||-- ||-- ||--
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[[Category:1946 births]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
⚫
[[Category:African-American players of American football]]
[[Category:American football defensive backs]]
[[Category:American football defensive backs]]
[[Category:American football return specialists]]
[[Category:American football return specialists]]
[[Category:Denver Broncos players]]
[[Category:Denver Broncos players]]
[[Category:Flint Central High School alumni]]
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[[Category:Players of American football from Michigan]]
[[Category:Players of American football from Flint, Michigan]]
[[Category:San Diego Chargers players]]
[[Category:San Diego Chargers players]]
[[Category:Sportspeople from Flint, Michigan]]
[[Category:St. Louis Cardinals (football) players]]
[[Category:St. Louis Cardinals (football) players]]
[[Category:University of Colorado Boulder people]]
[[Category:University of Colorado Boulder faculty]]
⚫
[[Category:21st-century African-American sportsmen]]
[[Category:20th-century African-American sportsmen]]

Latest revision as of 18:49, 6 November 2024

George Hoey
Personal information
Born: (1946-11-14) November 14, 1946 (age 78)
Career information
College:Michigan
Position:DB/KR/PR
NFL draft:1969 / round: 14 / pick: 346
Career history
Career highlights and awards
Career NFL statistics
Kickoff Return Yards:534
Average:25.4
Touchdowns:1
Stats at Pro Football Reference Edit this at Wikidata

George William Hoey (born November 14, 1946) is an American former professional football player who was a defensive back, punt returner and kickoff returner in the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Michigan Wolverines (1966–1968) and in the NFL for the Arizona Cardinals (1971), New England Patriots (1972–1973), San Diego Chargers (1974), Denver Broncos (1975), and New York Jets (1975).

In high school, Hoey was an All-State halfback. At the University of Michigan, College Football Hall of Fame halfback Ron Johnson was in Hoey's class, and Hoey was therefore used principally as a defensive back. Hoey is most remembered for his work as a punt returner at Michigan. He led the Big Ten Conference in punt return yards in 1967 and 1968, and still holds Michigan's modern era (post-1949) records for most punt return yards in a game (140), most return yards per punt in a season (24.3) and most return yards per punt in a career (17.1). Hoey was also a record-setting sprinter on Michigan's track and field team.

In five seasons in the NFL, Hoey was principally a kickoff returner. In 1971, he set a St. Louis Cardinals club record with six kickoff returns for 206 yards, including one for 103 yards and a touchdown. He had 534 kickoff return yards in his career.

Since 1993, Hoey has worked in administration at the University of Colorado. He worked first in academic services for the athletic department. After controversies in the late 1990s concerning eligibility of University of Colorado athletes, Hoey accepted a position in the school's career services department providing career counseling to student athletes.

High school athlete at Flint Central

[edit]

Hoey was born in Gaffney, South Carolina. He moved with his family from South Carolina to Flint, Michigan at age 13.[1] At Flint Central High School, he excelled in both football and track. When No. 1 ranked Flint Central met No. 2 ranked Bay City Central in 1963, it was billed as the "Game of the Year." Flint Central won the game 25–18, as Hoey (then only a junior) scored three touchdowns, including a 63-yard punt return for a touchdown, and a pass interception that Hoey ran back 35 yards for a touchdown on the final play of the game.[2] As a senior in 1964, Hoey was named an All-State halfback by The Detroit News and UPI.[1][3] In naming him to its All-State team, the UPI noted: "Hoey, a 5-foot-10, 165-pounder, gained 502 yards in 64 carries and caught 17 passes. He scored 11 touchdowns to lead the Saginaw Valley Conference for the second straight year. A great broken-field runner, he has scored eight touchdowns on kickoff or punt returns during his two-year stint with the varsity."[3] He also led the Saginaw Valley Conference in scoring for two seasons.[4] On his high school track team, Hoey won the 60-yard dash at the Central Michigan Relays Invitational indoor meet with a time of 6.3 seconds. He was All-State in track at the 1965 Michigan High School Athletic Association Class A track meet.[1]

University of Michigan track and football star

[edit]

In 1965, Hoey became the first African-American athlete from Flint to earn a University of Michigan scholarship.[4] At Michigan, Hoey excelled in both football and track. In track, Hoey set a 60-yard dash record with a time of 6.1 in 1966.[1] He was a member of the Wolverines' record-setting 4 × 100 metres relay with a time of 40.6.[1] In football, Hoey did not make the team as a halfback, having the misfortune to be in the same class as College Football Hall of Famer Ron Johnson. He started only three games at halfback during his time at Michigan (and one at fullback).[5][6] With Ron Johnson playing halfback, Hoey was used principally as a defensive back and punt returner. Playing against Navy in 1968, Hoey had two interceptions which he returned for 31 yards, and punt returns of 63 and 36 yards.[7][8] He was named an All-Big Ten defensive back in 1968.[1]

Punt return records at Michigan

[edit]

Though he was also an All-Big Ten defensive back, Hoey is most remembered as one of the leading punt returners in Michigan history. He led the Big Ten in punt return yards in 1967 and 1968,[4] and holds several Michigan school records for punt returns, including most return yards in a game and most yards per return in a season and a career.

Most yards in a game

[edit]

On October 28, 1967, Hoey gained 140 yards on four punt returns against Minnesota—still Michigan's single-game record for punt return yardage. Hoey and Steve Breaston are the only two Michigan players with two games in the top ten single-game performances by a Michigan punt returner.[9]

Name Number Yards Average Touchdowns Long Year Opponent
George Hoey 4 140 35 0 1967 Minnesota
Tripp Welborne 5 117 23.4 0 60 1990 Indiana
Steve Breaston 9 116 12.9 0 29 2006 Wisconsin
Marquise Walker[10] 7 112 16 0 42 2001 Purdue
Steve Breaston 4 112 28 1 67 2004 Northwestern
Derrick Alexander 4 108 27 1 80 1992 Michigan State
Julius Curry 8 105 13.1 0 19 2002 Utah
Steve Breaston 4 105 26.3 0 55 2003 Notre Dame
George Hoey 2 99 49.5 0 63 1968 Navy
Evan Cooper 6 99 16.5 0 31 1983 Minnesota

Most yards per return in a season

[edit]

Hoey also holds the modern (post-1949) Michigan school record for yards per return in a season.[9] His 1967 average of 24.3 yards/return exceeds any other modern Michigan punt returner by more than eight yards per return (minimum 1.2 return per team game played).[9] Hoey's 1967 average ranks sixth in NCAA Division I-A history behind the all-time Michigan leader Gene Derricotte who ranks fifth.[11] However, the Michigan record books base single-season leadership based upon minimum 15 returns per game and Hoey's name is omitted.[12]

Name Number Yards Average Touchdowns Long Year
George Hoey 12 291 24.3 1 60 1967
Barry Pierson 19 300 15.8 1 60 1969
Terry Barr 14 219 15.6 1 82 1955
Anthony Carter 18 270 15 1 72 1982
Tripp Welborne 31 455 14.7 0 60 1990

N.B.:The database used here includes stats since 1949.[9] Totals before 1949 are not included here; for example, Gene Derricotte averaged over 24 yards per return prior to 1949.

Most yards per return in a career

[edit]

Hoey also holds the Michigan school record for punt return yards per return in a career with an average of 17.1 yards per return.[9]

Name Number Yards Average Touchdowns Long Start End
George Hoey[13] 31 529 17.1 1 63 1967 1968
Terry Barr 24 393 16.4 1 82 1954 1956
Barry Pierson 20 300 15 1 60 1968 1969
Desmond Howard 26 337 13 1 93 1990 1991
Derrick Alexander 42 534 12.7 4 80 1992 1993

NFL football player

[edit]

Hoey was selected by the Detroit Lions in the 14th round of the 1969 NFL draft.[14] He played five seasons in the NFL for the St. Louis Cardinals (1971), New England Patriots (1972–1973), San Diego Chargers (1974), Denver Broncos (1975) and New York Jets (1975).[15] Hoey played in 53 NFL games and had four punt returns for 38 return yards, 21 kickoff returns for 534 return yards, and two interceptions for 45 return yards. He set a Cardinals club record with six kickoff returns for 206 yards, one for 103 yards and a touchdown against the Philadelphia Eagles.[1] The club record for longest return was broken in 1979 by Roy Green, who posted a 106-yard return.[16] Hoey had the misfortune of playing with losing teams throughout his NFL career. The best team that he played for was the 1975 Denver Broncos, who recorded a 6–8 record.[17]

Professional career at the University of Colorado

[edit]

Hoey has worked in various capacities at the University of Colorado. From 1993–1999, Hoey was involved in academic services in Colorado's athletic department. Hoey "came under fire for an eligibility problem of a prospective CU athlete,"[18] including linebacker Anwawn Jones who lost a year of eligibility and was forced to sit out the 1999 NCAA Division I-A football season due to an error in calculating his transfer credits. In 1999, Hoey transferred out of the athletic department and began working in the university's career services department. That October, Jones told The Denver Post that Hoey "wasn't necessarily a scapegoat, but there were definitely mistakes made in his department."[18] Recruiting issues arose after Rick Neuheisel departed as Colorado's head football coach and were part of broader problems that resulted in the school's being placed on two years' probation for 53 rules violations, 51 occurring while Neuheisel was the Colorado coach.[19]

In 2004, the Colorado Daily reported that Hoey was a career counselor working with all students to help them prepare for their future careers. I provide information that will hopefully have them taking advantage of many services and resources."[20] In May 2007, Hoey was the University of Colorado's career development coordinator and a co-chair of the Black Faculty/Staff Association,[21] and the Virginia Patterson Chapter of Mortar Board Honors Society at the University of Colorado honored Hoey for his efforts to educate students.[22]

Family and honors

[edit]

Herb Washington, former Oakland A and world-class sprinter, is Hoey's cousin.[23] Hoey is married to Erin Hoag and has two sons, William and Sean.[24] He was inducted into the Greater Flint Afro-American Hall of Fame in 2001,[1] and he was inducted into the Greater Flint Area Sports Hall of Fame in 2003.[4]

Career statistics

[edit]
Year Team KR Yards Avg TDs PR Yards Avg TD Int. Yards Average
1967 Michigan Wolverines -- -- -- -- 12 291 24.3 1 -- -- --
1968 Michigan Wolverines 12 221 18.4 -- 19 238 12.5 0 2 31 15.5
Career 12 221 18.4 -- 31 529 17.1 1 2 31 15.5
1971 St. Louis Cardinals 9 251 27.9 1 -- -- -- -- -- -- 0
1972 New England Patriots 9 210 23.3 0 -- -- -- -- 1 25 25
1973 New England Patriots -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- 0
1974 San Diego Chargers 3 73 24.3 0 4 38 9.5 -- 1 20 20
1975 New York Jets -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
1975 Denver Broncos -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- -- --
TOTAL 21 534 25.4 1 4 38 9.5 0 2 45 --

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e f g h "George Hoey". Flint Public Library. October 25, 2005. Archived from the original on August 28, 2006. Retrieved December 5, 2007.
  2. ^ "Flint Central Wins, 25–19 Over Bay City". The Holland, Michigan Evening Sentinel. October 26, 1963.
  3. ^ a b UPI wire service report (November 20, 1964). "Grand Haven Fullback Named on A All-State". The Holland Evening Sentinel.
  4. ^ a b c d "George Hoey". Greater Flint Area Sports Hall of Fame. Retrieved December 5, 2007. [dead link‍]
  5. ^ "1967 Football Team". The Regents of the University of Michigan. March 31, 2007. Retrieved December 5, 2007.
  6. ^ "1968 Football Team". The Regents of the University of Michigan. March 31, 2007. Retrieved December 5, 2007.
  7. ^ "Versus Navy October 5, 1968". Regents of the University of Michigan. 2003. Archived from the original on November 29, 2004.
  8. ^ Sidman, Robert E. (October 7, 1968). "Hoey Sets Up Three Scores As Michigan Downs Navy". Ironwood Daily Globe.
  9. ^ a b c d e "Michigan Football Statistic Archive Query Page". Regents of the University of Michigan. 2003. Archived from the original on November 12, 2007. Retrieved November 30, 2007.
  10. ^ The Michigan football record book credits Walker with 127 yards, while the online public statistical database credits him with 112 yards. It is unclear if there is a discrepant 15-yard penalty such as a major facemask or other inconsistency. See "Record Book (through 2006)" (PDF). University of Michigan & Host Interactive. 2007. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 29, 2008. Retrieved February 4, 2008.
  11. ^ "Official 2007 NCAA Division I Football Record Book" (PDF). National Collegiate Athletic Association. August 2007. Archived from the original (PDF) on December 1, 2007. Retrieved January 3, 2008.
  12. ^ "Record Book (through 2006)" (PDF). University of Michigan & Host Interactive. 2007. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 29, 2008. Retrieved February 4, 2008.
  13. ^ The Michigan football record book credits Hoey with 17.3 yards per return, while the online public statistical database credits him with 17.1 yards. It is unclear if there is a discrepant 5-yard penalty such as a minor facemask or other inconsistency. See "Record Book (through 2006)" (PDF). University of Michigan & Host Interactive. 2007. Archived from the original (PDF) on February 29, 2008. Retrieved February 4, 2008.
  14. ^ "1969 NFL Player Draft". databaseFootball.com. databaseSports.com. Archived from the original on March 27, 2008. Retrieved December 3, 2007.
  15. ^ "George Hoey". databaseFootball.com. databaseSports.com. Archived from the original on February 8, 2007. Retrieved December 5, 2007.
  16. ^ "Individual Records: Kickoff Returns". Record & Factbook. NFL Enterprises LLC. Retrieved December 5, 2007.
  17. ^ "1975 Denver Broncos". databaseFootball.com. databaseSports.com. Archived from the original on April 11, 2007. Retrieved February 5, 2008.
  18. ^ a b Thompson, Adam (October 14, 1999). "Morning Academic counselor Hoey leaves athletic department; that one eligibility issue mired his watch". The Denver Post.
  19. ^ Steve Wilstein – NCAA almost gets Colorado/Neuheisel affair right. Newspaper Network of Central Ohio, October 10, 2002.
  20. ^ Watkins, Kate (July 7, 2004). "Life skills learned by student-athletes". Colorado Daily.
  21. ^ Besen, Linda (January 23, 2007). "New Leaders Have High Hopes for Black Faculty/Staff Association". The Regents of the University of Colorado. Archived from the original on July 24, 2008. Retrieved December 5, 2007.
  22. ^ Platte, Jennifer (May 6, 2007). "Honors". Daily Camera.
  23. ^ "George Hoey – #49 – DB – Michigan – Profile". New York Jets. Archived from the original on June 12, 2008. Retrieved December 4, 2007.
  24. ^ "Where Are They Now: George Hoey". MGoBlue.com. CBS Interactive. November 10, 2011. Retrieved November 17, 2016.

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