UPPER CHICHESTER — A portion of the audience at the 84th Delaware County Athletes Hall of Fame event on Sunday at the Ballroom at the Phoenix did not have the opportunity to experience George Schmitt's impact on football at all levels.
Schmitt, a member of the Class of 2024, achieved his football aspirations from Marple Newtown High, where he was recognized as first-team All-Delco, to becoming a Division I-AA All-American under Tubby Raymond at the University of Delaware, to being drafted in the sixth round by the St. Louis Cardinals in 1983.
Even though his professional career only lasted 16 games due to a back injury, 63-year-old Schmitt collected enough memories to last a lifetime. This includes a special game ball for his contributions to special teams, which he hopes to one day pass on to a grandchild.
Schmitt was a 22-year-old rookie when he stepped into a young child's fantasy. Due to injuries to the Cardinals’ starting safety, Benny Perrin, Schmitt found himself on the field in the second half against the San Diego Chargers and their Air Coryell lineup featuring receiver Charlie Joiner, tight end Kellen Winslow, and star running back Chuck Muncie. Fortunately, Hall of Fame quarterback Dan Fouts did not play in that game.
“They called a play for me, one-on-one coverage,” Schmitt recalled. “And I had to cover Charlie Joiner. I remember thinking, this can't be real. I'm not covering Charlie Joiner. So, I called a zone. I don't remember what happened on that play, but I didn't get beaten. I was like a young kid, eyes wide open, seeing all these stars.”
Joiner and Winslow were just a couple of the offensive Hall of Fame players Schmitt encountered during the 1983 season. The list included names like John Taylor, Tony Dorsett, John Riggins, Art Monk, Joe Montana, Dwight Clark, Marcus Allen, and Cliff Branch. Four of the first 10 selections in the 1983 draft became Hall of Famers, led by John Elway. Schmitt was living his dream.
“It was like a who’s who all year, me seeing all these great guys I used to look up to,” Schmitt said. “I was all piss and vinegar. I think I’m going to go out there and start right away. So, I think, let me look in the press guide and see who I’m going to compete with. I look at this guy, Perrins. Four-year starter. His bio is All-State high school football, All-State basketball, All-State baseball in Alabama, Two-year starter under Bear Bryant at Alabama. Then I was like, let’s just make the team.”
Leading up to the 1983 draft, Schmitt, at about 5-11 and 193 pounds, worked out for several teams. Then Eagles assistant head coach-defensive backs coach Fred Bruney visited Newark, Delaware and informed Schmitt to be prepared.
“He said ‘George, we’re thinking about going for you a little earlier than you’d expect,’” Schmitt said. “The Eagles ended up drafting Wes Hopkins in the second round. And he was unbelievable.”
However, Schmitt's playing career was short-lived as he discovered he had Spondylosis, which affects the spine due to chronic wear and tear.
“I had my back fused,” Schmitt said. “It just came on. I had problems with it my rookie year. I did what I had to do to rehab it and then when I came back in it started flaring out.”
If the problem happened today, Schmitt would likely have had a better chance of coming back. However, he doesn't feel bad about the choice he made.
“Everything turned out well,” Schmitt said. “Larry Wilson was the general manager back then. Although my career was over, he really looked after me.”
Schmitt doesn’t have a problem recounting the painful story of the injury, knowing it might help someone.
Nowadays, Schmitt works in the commercial real estate industry, employed by a developer in Wilmington who specializes in shopping centers and urban complexes. He mentioned that it's full of former athletes.
“Many athletes are involved in it, competing,” Schmitt added. “It's all on commission. I enjoy it. It's ruthless, competitive, and your success is only as good as your most recent deal.”
In that sense, it's quite similar to football. One of Schmitt’s favorite stories is about the way the Cardinals, under head coach Jim Hanifan, turned their season around with a 14-11 win over Marion Campbell and the Eagles at the Vet, securing seven victories and one tie in their last nine games. One of those wins was against the Los Angeles Raiders, who were defeated 34-24.
“We ended up being the hottest team in the NFL,” Schmitt said. “We went out to the Coliseum. I think everyone missed curfew and they were tired, and the Raiders had Jim Plunkett, Marcus Allen, and Cliff Branch. They were winning at halftime, like 17-0. We came out in the second half, and I’ve never witnessed a better football game in my life. We really dominated them. We were the last team to beat the Raiders, who won the Super Bowl that year.”
To be honest, Schmitt prefers college football over the professional game. He enjoys the spectacle and supports the NILs and transfer rules that help players. Once the NFL playoffs begin, Schmitt shifts his focus.
“Whenever I watch a professional game, I kind of go back in my mind and think, well, what would I do?” said Schmitt, who grew up in Broomall and now lives comfortably in Malvern. “It always reminds me of when I was playing. And it brings back good memories. Looking back, I just appreciate that I had a year in. I never played the guessing game. Maybe I could have extended it, but I could have been cut the next year. It was the most anxiety-ridden year and the most joy I’ve experienced in a year in my life.”
(Tomorrow: more coverage of the Delco Athletes Hall of Fame dinner)
