Representing North Carolina’s Ninth District                                                                        

Charlie Justice was a football player for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill from 1946-1949, and played professional football with the Washington Redskins. He was the first athlete inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame.

Below are Rep. Sue Myrick’s statements about Charlie Justice which are found in the Congressional Record:

Mr. Speaker: I would like to pay respect to one of the most distinguished athletes in North Carolina’s history. Last Friday morning, October 17, 2003, North Carolina bid farewell to Charlie "Choo-Choo" Justice, who passed away at the age of 79.

The people of North Carolina remember Charlie from his days of playing football at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill from 1946-1949. In his four seasons Charlie scored 234 points, accounted for 64 touchdowns, and rushed for 2,634 yards. In 1948, and 1949, Justice was runner up for the Heisman Trophy, which recognizes the best college football player in America. Many people who saw Charlie play say that he was the most exciting football player they have ever seen.

After college, Charlie went on to play professional football from 1950-1954 with the Washington Redskins. Although he only played for a short time, his retirement from football brought him many honors. In 2002, he was selected as one of the Redskins 70 greatest players of all time. He was also bestowed with the great honor of being the first athlete inducted into the North Carolina Sports Hall of Fame where greats such as Michael Jordan are now honored.

Charlie "Choo-Choo" Justice will be remembered long after his death for his talents and skills on the football field. However, the people who knew him in his hometown of Cherryville, NC will remember him for his commitment to improving the community, helping others, and his love for his family.

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