George Reihner
# George Reihner

George Arthur Reihner (April 27, 1955 – March 11, 2021) was a former professional American football player who played Offensive Guard for four seasons for the Houston Oilers before becoming a prominent attorney in northeastern Pennsylvania.

## Formative years

Born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on April 27, 1955, Reihner graduated from Washington High School in Washington, Pennsylvania in 1973. During his senior year, Reihner played an influential part in the Prexies football team, helping it to reach the WPIAL Class AA Semi-Finals. His post-season honors included being named All-State and voted WPIAL Most Valuable Lineman. He was also named captain of the Big 33 Pennsylvania team that defeated the Ohio All-Stars, 21–19.

A three-year starter at guard for coach Joe Paterno's offense at Pennsylvania State University, Reihner played in four bowl games (Orange, Cotton, Sugar, Gator), as well as in the Senior Bowl. Prior to the 1976 season, Reihner was named team captain for the Nittany Lions. In 1975 and 1976, he was named 1st Team, All East. In 1976, Reihner received 2nd Team All-Honors.

After a successful playing career at Penn State, he was the chosen in the second round of the 1977 NFL Draft (38th pick overall).

## NFL career

Reihner played in thirteen games during his rookie season with the National Football League and was named the American Football Conference Offensive Rookie of the Year. He also made the NFL's All-Rookie team.

In 1979, Reihner was part of the Houston offensive line that won the league's Outstanding Offensive Line award. The Oilers line became the first NFL unit in the same season to produce the league's leading rusher (Earl Campbell) and giving up the fewest quarterback sacks (twelve).

A back injury cut Reihner's professional career short. He retired after the 1982 season after having played in twenty-seven games for the Oilers.

## Legal career

In 1984, Reihner graduated from Dickinson School of Law. Employed initially as a Pennsylvania Superior Court law clerk, he subsequently became a prominent lawyer in Scranton.

