Introduction

George Atkinson III emerged from the shadow of his father, NFL legend George Atkinson II, with promise, resilience and heart. While his father’s name loomed large in the world of professional football, George III carved his own path—only to face heartbreaking loss and an early death that would deepen the family legacy. His story resonates as much for what he achieved as for the challenges he endured in the wake of his father’s passing.

Early Life and Background

George Atkinson III was born in 1992 (some sources note early 1990s) in California, to George Atkinson II and mother Michelle Martin. He grew up alongside his twin brother, Joshua (“Josh”) Atkinson, navigating childhood with the legacy of a father who had played for the Oakland Raiders. His formative years featured athletic promise—on the football field and the track—shaping his identity toward sport and perseverance.

Family, Parents, and Siblings

His father, George Atkinson II, was known as a hard-hitting safety and return specialist in the 1960s and 70s. His mother Michelle Martin faced severe mental-health challenges and legal issues during the boys’ youth. George III’s twin brother Josh preceded him in death (2018), with George III passing in 2019 at age 27. The family’s story is one of athletic potential and generational trauma, making George III’s life complicated yet deeply compelling.

Education

George Atkinson III attended Granada High School in Livermore, California, where he excelled in football and track, achieving strong times in sprint events. He then committed to the University of Notre Dame, where he played running back and kick returner—making school records and earning recognition before entering the professional ranks.

Career or Profession

After college, George Atkinson III signed as an undrafted free agent with the Raiders and saw time on practice squads and limited games in the NFL. His career held promise but was cut short—mirroring the fragility of athletic dreams when weighed against personal struggles and mental health burdens.

Relationship or Personal Life

George III’s personal life included fathering a daughter (name less publicly reported) who he cited as his “why” during struggles. He was open about depression and grief following his twin brother’s death. His father’s passing in October 2025 further deepens that family legacy of loss.

Net Worth

Reliable data on George Atkinson III’s net worth is limited. As a player who did not secure a long-term NFL contract, his earnings were modest relative to high-profile athletes. His legacy is less about wealth and more about potential, legacy, and tragedy.

Interesting Facts

• George Atkinson III and his twin brother were both diagnosed posthumously with Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) due to repetitive head trauma.

• He authored a powerful open-letter about mental health and grief, reflecting on his mother’s illness and his brother’s death.

• Despite being the son of a Pro Bowler, George III insisted on forging his own path from California high school standout to Notre Dame athlete.

 

Social Media Presence

George Atkinson III maintained a presence on Instagram (under handle(s) less widely verified), where he posted about his daughter, grief, football life and mental-health advocacy. He used his platform to shed light on the experience of athletes beyond the game.

Recent News or Updates

While George Atkinson III passed away in December 2019, his father’s passing on October 27 2025, at age 78, has reignited interest in the family’s story—underscoring how George III’s life and death form part of a larger narrative of legacy and loss.

Why George Atkinson III Matters

George Atkinson III’s story is not just about football; it’s about generational legacy, mental-health awareness, grief, resilience and the cost of fame’s shadow. His life reminds us that even those born into legacy carry their own weight. His early death amplifies the need to look beyond the statistics and recognize the human behind the helmet.

FAQ

Q1: Who was George Atkinson III?
A: He was the son of NFL great George Atkinson II, a running back and kick-returner at Notre Dame and briefly in the NFL, who tragically died at age 27 in 2019.

Q2: What happened to George Atkinson III?
A: He died in December 2019 following a long battle with mental-health issues and the grief of his twin brother’s suicide. His death has been linked to CTE and sports-related trauma.

Q3: Did George Atkinson III have a daughter?
A: Yes — he publicly referenced his young daughter as his motivation during his struggles.

Q4: What was his best achievement?
A: His standout years at Notre Dame, including school records as a kickoff returner and track athlete, mark his athletic achievement.

Q5: How is his legacy connected to his father’s passing?
A: With George Atkinson II passing in 2025, attention has turned to the Atkinson family’s multi-generational story of football, tragedy and memory—and George III’s life is a significant part of that narrative.