All The Way Choo Choo

The blizzog is saddened to report the passing of Tar Heel football legend Charlie “Choo Choo” Justice, who died at his home in Cherryville, NC today. He was 79. In my mind the greatest Tar Heel football player of all time, Justice gained 4,883 yards passing and running for Carolina from 1946-49, a record that stood until 1994.

The Tar Heels were 32-7-2 in Justice’s four seasons, going to 3 major bowls during the period. Justice led the Heels to a #1 ranking for a week and a #3 finish in the national polls in 1948, still a school record. He was the Heisman runner-up that year to SMU’s Doak Walker, one of the greatest college running backs of all time.

After his days as a Tar Heel, Justice had a successful career with the Washington Redskins. He is listed among their 70 greatest players of all time. Charlie Justice was also the first person inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame.

Beyond his accomplishments on the field, Charlie “Choo Choo” Justice was a class act, a folk hero to many, and a staunch supporter of the university that he loved. He embodied everything that we would want in a Tar Heel athlete. His loss will be felt deeply by those of us who were inspired by his dedication on the field, his humility off of it, and his love for Carolina in both.

Rest in peace, Choo Choo. The Carolina family will miss you.