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Koonce tackles another Hall of Fame honor
[ Originally posted 07.31.03 ]
From staff reports and electronic dispatches
�2003 Bonesville.net
George Koonce made a career out of crunching opposing ball
carriers, leaving a big enough impression that the payback for his exploits
is still coming in after retirement.
The former East Carolina and Green Bay Packers linebacker
made an indelible mark at another key stop along his football career path.
Koonce began his playing career at Chowan College in Murfreesboro, NC, and
will be inducted into the school's Athletics Hall of Fame in a November 15
ceremony.
It is the third such honor for the West Craven High School
product, who also is a member of the Junior College (2000) and East Carolina
(2002) Halls of Fame.
Koonce starred at Chowan from 1987-88, and garnered much
recruiting attention from East Carolina, which signed him and made him a
linchpin part of its defense for two years. He led the Pirates in tackles
during his senior season in 1990, helping the program gain recognition and
setting the stage for the memorable 1991 season, during which ECU finished 11-1 with
a No. 9 national ranking.
Following his stint with the Pirates, Koonce entered the
professional ranks as a free agent, first making his mark with the Ohio
Glory of the World Football League by leading the league in tackles. His
performance caught the eyes of the talent scouts in Green Bay, where Koonce
would spend nine seasons as an anchor of the Packers defense.
While in Green Bay, Koonce played a major role in renewing
the Title Town label by helping the Packers earn a Super Bowl ring in 1997.
Koonce finished his NFL career with 720 tackles, nine sacks, five fumble
recoveries, five interceptions, and two touchdowns. In 1994, he led the
Packers in total tackles (119) and solo stops (78). Twice, Koonce tallied a
dozen tackles.
Today, Koonce resides in Greenville and is an active member
in the Pirate Club. He was a member of the interview committee that hired
new Pirates football coach John Thompson last December..
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02/23/2007 11:29:38 AM
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