George Mira Sr., legendary Miami Hurricanes quarterback, has died
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The man who started the long line of great Miami Hurricanes quarterbacks has passed away.
George Mira Sr. died Tuesday. He was 83. Known as "The Matador," Mira played for UM from 1961-63, eventually having his No. 10 jersey retired and being inducted into the university's Ring of Honor.
He played in the NFL from 1964 to 1971, including a season with the Miami Dolphins as Bob Griese’s backup in 1971, as well as the Canadian Football League and World Football League.
The university put out a statement: “The University of Miami football program mourns the passing of legendary quarterback George Mira Sr., who played for the Canes from 1961-63. ‘The Matador’ was a two-time All-American who led the nation in total offense in 1963. He is a member of the Ring of Honor and is one of five UM players to have his jersey retired. We pass along our sincerest condolences to the Mira family.”
While many football fans know UM as "Quarterback U", it was Mira who preceded Jim Kelly, Bernie Kosar, Vinny Testaverde, Gino Torretta and Ken Dorsey in helping UM earn that reputation.
His son, George Mira Jr., was a linebacker for the Canes in the 1980s.
Them Miami Herald sportswriter Luther Evans nicknamed Mira "The Matador" for his ability to avoid defenders.
Born in Key West and a graduate of Key West High School, he played for UM under legendary coach Andy Gustafson. In three seasons, he led the Hurricanes to many victories. Among his highlights was leading the Canes to the 1961 Liberty Bowl, the program’s first bowl game in 19 years.
However, it was during a loss to Nebraska in the cold (20 degrees) Gotham Bowl at Yankee Stadium in 1962 when he passed for a school-record 321 yards and was named the bowl game's most valuable player.
Mira was the cover story for Sports Illustrated's college football preview issue in 1963. The article, written by Key West native John Underwood, was titled "One Wonderful Conch is this Mira." The story included many anecdotes about Mira's life growing up and becoming a star on the small island.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Miami Hurricanes' 'Quarterback U' original member has died at 83
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