George Connor played just two years for the Crusaders, but made a major impact as one of the program's best linemen ever.
He earned All-East honors as a freshman in 1942, when he helped lead Holy Cross to a 55-12 upset victory over previously-unbeaten and top-ranked Boston College in the season finale. As a sophomore in 1943, Connor then received first team All-America honors and won the Bulger Lowe Trophy, given to the most outstanding football player in New England.
He joined the United States Navy following his sophomore year, and would go on to conclude his collegiate career at the University of Notre Dame after the end of World War II. Connor was a two-time All-American for the Irish, while leading the team to an overall record of 17-0-1 and a pair of national championships. He also won the 1946 Outland Trophy as the top interior lineman in college football.
Connor then played eight seasons for the Chicago Bears of the National Football League from 1948-1955, and was named to the All-NFL team at three different positions ' offensive tackle, defensive tackle and linebacker. In 1952 and 1953, he was named all-league on both the offen-sive and defensive teams by different wire services.
Connor was inducted into the Holy Cross Varsity Club Hall of Fame in 1974, the College Foot-ball Hall of Fame in 1963, the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1975 and the Crusader Football Legends Ring of Honor in 2011.
