Overview
Charles ‘Choo Choo’ Justice (May 18, 1924—October 17, 2003) was an all-American running back for the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Regarded as one of the greatest collegiate athletes of all time, Justice’s likeness is enshrined outside UNC’s football arena, Kenan Stadium.
Charlie ‘Choo-Choo' Justice statue dedicated Nov. 4, 2004. Photo Credit IIdar Sagdejev (Source)
Early Life
A native of Asheville, NC, Justice broke records while playing for Lee Edwards High School before entering the Navy after graduation. Stationed in Maryland, Justice served in 1944 near the end of the second World War.
Playing for the Bainbridge Naval Training Station team, Justice earned the nickname ‘Choo Choo’ when a naval officer said to a reporter, “Look at that guy run. He looks like a runaway train. We ought to call him ‘Choo Choo.’”
UNC Football
Justice played for the University of North Carolina Tar Heels football team from 1946-1949 where he became one of the nation’s standout football stars. Justice excelled at multiple positions but primarily played tailback in the single wing formation. He led the Tar Heels to a 32-9-1 record and three bowl games.
Charlie ‘Choo Choo’ Justice UNC Chapel Hill Tar Heels Football 1946-1949Photo Credit Byron Rucker (Source)
A force to be reckoned with on offense, Justice amassed impressive totals, rushing for 3,774 yards and passing for 2,362 yards. His combined offensive record would remain unbroken for nearly fifty years.
After UNC
Justice would go on to play for the Washington Redskins for four seasons, but his NFL career was abruptly ended by numerous injuries. Despite his short professional career, Justice was still inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame.
After retiring from football, Justice returned to North Carolina where he owned an insurance firm. He died at the age of 79 in 2003.
Sarah and Charlie Justice married 53 years at the time of his death. Photo Credit Hugh Morton (Source)
The Charlie Justice Hall of Honor, dedicated in 1970, can be found in the front office of Kenan Stadium.
104 Stadium Dr, Chapel Hill, NC 27514
unc.edu
(919) 966-2575
Sources used in this article: "A Long Locomotive for Choo Choo," from Sports Illustrated Magazine; "Charlie 'Choo Choo' Justice," from NC Sports Hall of Fame Website; "Charlie 'Choo Choo' Justice, Hall of Fame Detail," from National Football Foundation; “Charlie Justice, Football Star Known as Choo Choo, 79,” from The New York Times; “The Master List,” from Sports Illustrated Magazine; “Charlie “Choo Choo” Justice (1924-2003),” from North Carolina History Project Website
