George Donnelly (September 4, 1942 – November 22, 2022) was an American professional football player who played defensive back for three seasons for the San Francisco 49ers.
Illinois played in the 50th Rose Bowl Game on January 1, 1964, against the Washington Huskies.
Donnelly had two interceptions in this game, both setting up Illini touchdowns.
Then in the fourth quarter, with Illinois up by a score of 10-7, Washington was driving downfield, trying to score a go-ahead and possible game-winning touchdown, but Donnelly intercepted the ball on the 4-yard line and ran it back to the 15.
This game-saving interception allowed Illinois to capitalize on that momentum and move the ball 85 yards, scoring their second touchdown of the game to put Illinois ahead 17-7.