Ed George from Lynchburg, VA is the Hall of Fame’s 2025 Distinguished Virginian Award recipient. George attended E.C. Glass High School where he starred on the football field for the Hilltoppers. George played collegiately at Ferrum College under legendary Head Coach Hank Norton for 2-seasons and was named team captain before transferring to Wake Forest. A 4th round pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1970 NFL Draft, George would opt to play professionally in Canada with the Montreal Alouettes. Over 11 professional seasons, 7 in the CFL (Montreal and Hamilton) and 4 in the NFL (Philadelphia and Baltimore), George would be named All-Pro five times (CFL), CFL Outstanding Lineman in 1974, and be part of two Grey Cup Championship teams with the Montreal Alouettes. In 2005 he was inducted into the Canadian Football League Hall of Fame. His impact has been felt away from the gridiron as well, where his success in the financial sector has led to multiple philanthropic endeavors, many of which have been centered on support for student-athletes. After his pro football career, George went on to serve as managing director, executive vice-president and co-owner of the $8 billion investment firm of Manning & Napier, Advisors, Inc. The Hall of Fame at Ferrum bears his name, the Ed George Sports Hall of Fame at Ferrum College, and he has also been honored by Ferrum as a Distinguished Alumni, and with the Beckham Medallion, Ferrum’s highest honor. In addition to the CFL Hall of Fame, George has also previously been honored by the E.C. Glass High School Hall of Fame, the Lynchburg Area Sports Hall of Fame, and the Ferrum College Sports Hall of Fame. For his efforts both on and off the field, the Virginia Sports Hall of Fame is proud to call Ed George a Distinguished Virginian.
