Norm Van Brocklin
Inducted:
1971
Player Stats
6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
190 lb (86 kg)
Born:
March 15, 1926
Parade, South Dakota, U.S.
Died:
May 2, 1983
Social Circle, Georgia, U.S.
Position:
Quarterback
College:
Oregon (1946–1948)
Norm Van Brocklin was one of the NFL’s earliest great quarterbacks, known for his powerful arm, sharp decision-making, and competitive spirit. Starting his career with the Los Angeles Rams in 1949, he became part of one of the league’s most dynamic passing attacks, sharing time with Bob Waterfield before taking full command of the offense. Van Brocklin led the Rams to the 1951 NFL Championship and later guided the Philadelphia Eagles to the 1960 title in his final season.
His 554-yard passing game in 1951 remains one of the NFL’s longest-standing single-game records. A nine-time Pro Bowler, he consistently elevated his teams with precision deep throws and strong leadership. After retiring, he went on to coach, further shaping the league’s development. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1971, Van Brocklin is remembered as one of the most influential passers of football’s early modern era.
Brocklin's Awards and Honors
- 2× NFL champion (1951, 1960)
- NFL Most Valuable Player (1960)
- 2× First-team All-Pro (1955, 1960)
- 2× Second-team All-Pro (1952, 1954)
- 9× Pro Bowl (1950–1955, 1958–1960)
- NFL passing yards leader (1954)
- NFL completion percentage leader (1952)
NFL Records
- Holds NFL record for most passing yards in a single game (554)
- Only quarterback to win championships with two different franchises
- Led Eagles to their last pre-Super Bowl NFL title in 1960
NFL Teams
Los Angeles Rams (1949–1957)
Philadelphia Eagles (1958–1960)
NFL Draft:
1949: 4th round, 37th overall pick
Los Angeles Rams
Number Worn:
25, 11
NFL Stats
Seasons:
12 (1949-1960)
Games Played:
140
Game Started:
101
Passing attempts:
2,895
Passing completions:
1,553
Completion percentage:
53.6%
TD–INT:
173–178
Passing yards:
23,611
Passer rating:
75.1
Punting yards:
22,313
Punting average:
42.7