George Foster (American football)

Infobox NFLactive


name=George Foster
currentteam=Detroit Lions
currentnumber=72
currentpositionplain=Offensive tackle
birthdate=birth date and age|1980|6|9
birthplace=Macon, Georgia
heightft=6
heightin=5
weight=338
debutyear=2003
debutteam=Denver Broncos
college=Georgia
draftyear=2003
draftround=1
draftpick=20
pastteams=
* Denver Broncos (2003-2006)
* Detroit Lions (2007-present)
status=Active
nfl=FOS316410

George Foster (born June 9, 1980 in Macon, Georgia) is an American football offensive tackle for the Detroit Lions of the National Football League. He was originally drafted by the Denver Broncos 20th overall in the 2003 NFL Draft. He played college football at Georgia.

College career

The 2000 season saw the then sophomore Foster earn the backup left tackle position. He was one of the first men off of the Georgia bench and earned extensive playing time during the season, including Georgia's 37-14 win over Virginia in the Oahu Bowl.

At the conclusion of the 2001 spring drills, George Foster was named as the number one split tackle for the Bulldogs. He started nine games during the 2001 season as Georgia culminated their season against Boston College in the Music City Bowl.

During his senior season in 2002 at the University of Georgia, Foster was part of an offensive line that helped the Bulldogs finish with a #3 national ranking in both major polls and also helped the team win a school record 13 games, including victories in the SEC Championship game and the 2003 Nokia Sugar Bowl. Foster and the offensive line paved the way for the Bulldog offense all season long, as it averaged an SEC-best 32 points per game and garnered an offensive passing efficiency of 138.9. For his efforts, Foster was selected to play in the 2003 Senior Bowl, the NCAA's post-season all-star game.

Professional career

Coming out of college NFL Draft expert Mel Kiper, Jr. said that University of Georgia football star George Foster “has the skills all NFL teams desire” at the offensive tackle position. The Denver Broncos recognized those skills and selected Foster with the 20th overall pick in the 2003 NFL Draft and in 2004 it all paid off.

Denver Broncos

Foster was a highly thought of draft choice in 2003. In 2004 he proved why so many experts felt that way. Foster started all 16 games at right tackle and did not miss an offensive snap. Foster was part of a line that set a franchise record by allowing only 15 sacks, shattering the previous best of 22 sacks set in 1971. Foster helped rookie Tatum Bell post the first 100-yard game of his career, marking only the second time in franchise history that three different Broncos have had at least one 100-yard game in a season.

George Foster started all 16 games in 2005 for Denver. He helped block for Mike Anderson who rushed for 1,014 yards and Tatum Bell who rushed for 921 yards. The team gained the second-most rushing yards (2,539) in Bronco history. Foster's strong play on the O-Line led the way to the NFL's 2nd ranked rushing offense and 5th ranked offense overall. Foster was a big reason for Denver's advancing to the 2005 AFC Championship game.

Detroit Lions

On March 1, 2007, Foster was traded along with teammate Tatum Bell and a 5th round draft pick to the Detroit Lions in exchange for Dré Bly. On September 8, 2008, Was released by Detroit Lions.

Personal

A native of Macon, Georgia, George is involved in many off the field organizations such as the Special Olympics and special educational programs. He takes great pride in helping others reach their goals, and to become stronger individuals.

External links

* [http://www.denverbroncos.com/page.php?id=498&contentID=716 Denver Broncos bio]
* [http://www.detroitlions.com/bio.cfm?bio_id=431&season=10 Detroit Lions bio]