Charlie “Choo Choo” Justice
Football
Inducted: 1963
- Born in Asheville, NC, 1924
- Most famous football player in state’s history
- Schoolboy legend at Lee Edwards High School in hometown
- Joined Navy after graduating in 1943, playing football for Bainbridge (Md.) Naval Training Station team
- Recognized on the AP All-Service team in 1944
- Played for the University of North Carolina from 1946–1949
- Speedy and elusive single-wing tailback was exceptional runner, kicker, passer
- Led UNC to 32-9-1 record and first three bowl appearances, 1947 and 1949 Sugar Bowl, 1950 Cotton Bowl
- Rushed for 3,774 yards, passed for 2,362 yards, scored 39 touchdowns during college career
- Named to many All–American teams
- Runner-up for Heisman Trophy in 1948 and 1949
- MVP of the 1950 College All-Star Game
- Played for Washington Redskins in 1950 and 1952–1954
- Assistant coach at UNC in 1951
- Rushed for 1,284 yards and caught 63 passes in the NFL
- Member National Football Foundation Hall of Fame
- Died October 17, 2003
