Definition
George Mira (born March 6, 1953) is an American former professional football quarterback who played in the National Football League (NFL) and United States Football League (USFL) during the 1970s and 1980s.
Overview
Mira grew up in St. Petersburg, Florida, and attended the University of Miami, where he was the Hurricanes' starting quarterback from 1972 to 1975. He led Miami to multiple bowl appearances, most notably the 1974 Sun Bowl victory over Mississippi State. Following his collegiate career, Mira was selected in the fifth round (124th overall) of the 1976 NFL Draft by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He played for the Buccaneers (1976–1979), serving primarily as a backup but starting several games due to injuries to the primary quarterback. After his tenure with Tampa Bay, Mira had brief stints with the New York Giants and the Cleveland Browns, and later joined the USFL’s Jacksonville Bulls for the 1984 season. Post‑playing, he has been involved in coaching at the high‑school level and in various football-related community activities.
Etymology/Origin
The given name George derives from the Greek name Georgios, meaning “farmer” or “earth‑worker.” The surname Mira appears in several Romance languages; in Spanish and Portuguese it is a form of the verb mirar (“to look”) and can also be a locational name meaning “view” or “watchtower.” No specific etymological information linking the surname directly to Mira’s family background has been publicly documented.
Characteristics
- Physical attributes: Listed at 6 feet 3 inches (1.91 m) tall and 209 lb (95 kg) during his playing career.
- Playing style: Known for a strong arm, ability to execute deep passes, and leadership in the pocket. While not renowned for mobility, he was considered durable and capable of managing game tempo.
- Career statistics (NFL): 30 games played, 1,331 passing yards, 6 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, and a passer rating of 58.4.
- Achievements: Set several University of Miami passing records that stood for multiple years; contributed to the Hurricanes’ resurgence in the early 1970s. Earned a place on the University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame in 1990.
- Post‑career involvement: Served as a volunteer coach for youth football programs and has participated in alumni events for the University of Miami.
Related Topics
- University of Miami Hurricanes football
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers franchise history
- United States Football League (USFL)
- List of NFL quarterbacks drafted in the 1976 NFL Draft
- American football quarterback position and evolution during the 1970s‑1980s.