Tribute Letters

To many, George Webster was but an All American Football Player from Michigan State University. But to others, he was a warm, caring, smiling friend who always asked how you were, as opposed to focusing in on his problems. George’s life had pasted before hundreds of thousands of people over the years. During the season of 1997, several Spartans planned a fund raising campaign to give George a better life and help him overcome some financial hardships which had lain heavy upon him. Shown below are many letters of support for George during his life. You will find some surprising contributors along with their true feelings towards what George did for the University.

Also shown in this section is the Memorial Video that was made by Dr. Steven S Demos and his brother Constantine (Con) Demos for the memorial service that was held in Spartan Stadium several weeks after his passing.

George Webster Memorial Video (Requires Quicktime**) Download
George Webster Memorial Video ( Windows Media Player) Download

Ex-Michigan State, NFL star George Webster dies

04/20/2007

Associated Press

George Webster, the battered former Michigan State All-American and pro football star who lost a U.S. Supreme Court attempt to have his NFL disability pension increased, died Thursday April 19, 2007. He was 61.

Michigan State University associate athletic director John Lewandowski said that Webster died in Houston. He did not immediately provide other details.

Webster, an All-American defensive standout at Michigan State, was the Houston Oilers' first draft pick in 1967. He was a standout defensive player in the pros despite numerous injuries.

Webster ended his pro career in 1976 after also playing for the Pittsburgh Steelers and New England Patriots.

In 1989, Webster applied for benefits as totally and permanently disabled. He was found to have lost most use of a hand, foot, knee and ankle due to football-related injuries but did not meet the NFL's definition of totally disabled.

In 1998, the Supreme Court, let stand a finding by the NFL's retirement board that Webster's disability was not related to his football career. .

In 2002, Webster had his right leg amputated above the knee in Houston because the limb had little circulation despite four previous surgeries.

The helmet with a black stripe was done for the 2007 Green and White Football game in tribute to George Webster.

MSU Football Players Association Web Site Notice of Webster’s Death

George Webster, thought by many to be the greatest player in Michigan State football history, died Thursday April 19, 2007 of heart failure in Houston, Texas. He was 61.

Webster, a defensive star on MSU's national championship teams of 1965 and '66 and a 1967 NFL first-round draft pick, had endured severe health problems for years. He battled throat and prostate cancer and lost both legs because of circulation problems.

"He beat it all, but it took a toll on his heart," said Hank Bullough, a close friend of Webster's and his defensive coordinator in college. "People remember George not only as a great athlete but just a great guy. He had feelings for everybody."

Funeral arrangements are pending. Bullough said he'll help plan a major memorial service for Webster in the Lansing area, likely to take place in a few weeks.

Webster was last at MSU in February, for an MSU basketball game at which a scholarship in his name was announced. It is set up to help former MSU athletes finish their degrees.

Bullough said anyone wishing to honor Webster can donate to that scholarship, through MSU's Spartan Fund.