Hall of Fame
Position: Quarterback
Years: 1945-1948
Place of Birth: Philadelphia, PA
Date of Birth: Aug 20, 1927
Place of Death: Palm Harbor, FL
Date of Death: Jun 11, 2008
Jersey Number: 18
Height: 6-1
Weight: 195
High School: Yeadon, PA (Yeadon HS)
If not for a physician's second opinion, John Rauch's athletic career would have ended at the age of 14. As he was about to enter high school, a doctor proclaimed Rauch unfit for athletics due to a heart murmur. While a native Pennsylvanian, Rauch made his way to the University of Georgia through an acquaintance of his high school coach. His play in a spring practice immediately impressed coach Wally Butts. When fall practice began he quickly became the Bulldogs first string quarterback. John's collegiate career spanned 45 games, all of them as the starting Georgia quarterback. As a freshman, UGA posted a 9-2 record and made the first of four consecutive New Years Day bowl appearances. In starting every game of his career, Rauch was the first player to start four consecutive bowl games. In 1946, Rauch led Georgia to an undefeated season and a ranking among the nation's top teams. The following season, he became a second team All-America. As a senior, he was the Most Valuable Player in the Southeastern Conference and was recognized as a first team All-America. At the end of his career, he was college football's all-time passing leader with 4,044 yards. He was drafted by the Detroit Lions and played professionally for three seasons. He then began a successful coaching career in the collegiate and professional ranks. John led the Oakland Raiders to Super Bowl II and is credited by Professional Hall of Fame coach Bill Walsh as having invented the west coast offense.
