George Gipp: A Gambler, a Drinker, and One Helluva Football Player

11/16/06

Mike Corgan

Sports Editor

Throughout its long and illustrious history, Notre Dame has had many famous football players. But all seem to fail in comparison to the mythical and legendary George Gipp.

Gipp spent five years at Notre Dame, beginning in 1916 when he arrived in the fall and ending with his death on December 14, 1920 at the age of 25. His athletic accomplishments and shady off-field behaviors at Notre Dame are clouded in exaggerations and tall-tales. In many cases, it is too difficult to distinguish the real George Gipp from the fictitious one.

One such fictitious story about Gipp, emphasizing his tremendous athletic prowess, alleges that he would play football for Notre Dame on Saturdays and then disguise his identity and play in the Green Bay Packers’ games the following day.

The legend of George Gipp, however, is not entirely comprised of embellished reports. Gipp, a Michigan native who never graduated high school, originally entered the University of Notre Dame on a baseball scholarship, but joined the football team after Rockne saw potential in his kicking abilities.

Not long after he arrived on campus, Gipp began a lucrative career in gambling on poker games and billiards. He became so successful at this endeavor that he moved out of his dormitory and took up residence at the Oliver Hotel in South Bend. Gipp’s frequent betting, as some historians have contended, even extended to his football games at Notre Dame. Though one should note that Gipp was extremely generous with his winnings, often donating money to the underprivileged people of South Bend.

In addition to his gambling habits, Gipp’s academic record was anything but stellar. For two of Gipp’s years at Notre Dame, he did not receive any grades. Gipp left and was expelled from school on several different occasions and never went to classes even when he was on campus.

George Gipp was a phenomenal athlete with unparalleled ability. For this reason, the university tolerated his less-than-perfect conduct and allowed him to continue to play both football and baseball.

He was the first player in Notre Dame history to be named an All-American. In his career, he rushed for 2,341 yards, threw for 1,789 yards and 8 touchdowns, intercepted 5 passes, punted 96 times for over 3,600 yards and kicked 27 point-after-attempts. In one spectacular demonstration of physical talent, Gipp kicked a 62-yard field goal into the wind, which was not a regular kick, but a drop kick.

Despite these overwhelming statistics, Gipp is best known for his deathbed request to Rockne. But did Gipp’s apparent last words to Rockne – Win one for the Gipper – really take place?

Although historians cannot be certain, the story of Gipp’s deathbed request probably did not occur. Rockne most likely fabricated the motivational story, using it as a ploy, in order to inspire his downtrodden team at halftime.

It seems strange that Rockne would have waited eight years to reveal the contents of Gipp’s last words. Furthermore, records show that Rockne was not at the Gipp’s deathbed, though he did visit him in the hospital in his last few weeks. Also, no one ever used the nickname “Gipper” during Gipp’s lifetime.

Whatever the truth may be, the Gipper is still remembered as one of the greatest football players ever to wear a Notre Dame jersey. He is one of the most notable legends, helping to form the rich tradition of Notre Dame football, which continues to this day.