Charlie Justice (1950) - Patterson Medal Winners - University of North Carolina Athletics

Charlie Justice

Induction:
1950
Class:
1950

1950— Charlie Justice: Football (Asheville, N.C.)
Nicknamed “Choo Choo,” Justice is arguably the greatest and most beloved Tar Heel athlete of the pre-ACC era. Walter Camp National Player of the Year in 1948. Heisman Trophy runner-up in 1948 and 1949. Led Carolina to a 32-7-2 record and three New Year’s Day Bowl games from 1946-49. Two-time All-America, two-time Southern Conference Player of the Year, four-time all-conference tailback, 1949 SoCon Male Athlete of the Year and member of the Southern Conference’s 75^th anniversary all-time team.

Held the UNC total offense record (4,883 yards) from 1949 to 1994, when it was broken by quarterback Jason Stanicek. Scored touchdowns in 27 games, including nine consecutive in 1947-48. In 2023 is 10^th in total offense by a Tar Heel, the only player in the top 10 to have played prior to 1990.

Rushed for 2,634 yards and 28 touchdowns, passed for 2,249 yards and 25 touchdowns, returned one kickoff and four punts for touchdowns and was the team’s punter for four seasons. One of two Tar Heels the (the second came in 1991) to return a kickoff and a punt for touchdowns in the same game.

Scored 234 points, the only Tar Heel as of 2023 in the top 25 in career scoring who played prior to 1968.

Was the most valuable player of the 1950 College All-Star Game when he rushed for 133 yards against the NFL champion Philadelphia Eagles.

Inducted in the College Football Hall of Fame and the Washington Commanders' Ring of Honor. The 22-yard lines at Kenan Stadium are perpetually painted Carolina Blue in his honor.

Came to Carolina after serving in the Navy during World War II, where he played for the Bainbridge Navy team. It was there when a sportswriter said he “runs along just like a choo choo train.”