Bronko Nagurski
Inducted:
1963
Player Stats
6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
226 lb (103 kg)
Born:
November 3, 1908
Rainy River, Ontario, Canada
Died:
January 7, 1990
International Falls, Minnesota, U.S.
Position:
Fullback
Offensive tackle
Defensive tackle
College:
Minnesota (1927–1929)
Bronko Nagurski was one of the most powerful and feared players in the early history of professional football. Playing for the Chicago Bears (1930–1937, 1943), he became a symbol of strength, grit, and determination. Standing 6'2" and weighing 226 pounds, Nagurski dominated as both a fullback and defensive lineman, known for his bulldozing runs that left defenders scattered in his path. He helped lead the Bears to three NFL Championships (1932, 1933, 1943) and became the foundation of George Halas’s legendary teams.
Nagurski’s two-way play and unmatched toughness defined football’s rugged early era, where he was equally feared for his blocking, tackling, and running ability. After retiring, he even returned to help the Bears win the 1943 title during World War II. Bronko Nagurski was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1963, part of its inaugural class, forever remembered as one of the toughest and most iconic players in NFL history.
Nagurski's Awards and Honors
- 3× NFL champion (1932, 1933, 1943)
- 4× First-team All-Pro (1932–1934, 1936)
- NFL rushing touchdowns leader (1932)
- NFL 1930s All-Decade Team
- NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team
Notable Achievements
- One of the NFL’s first true two-way stars
- Known for his punishing running and tackling
- Helped define the Bears’ “Monsters of the Midway” toughness
NFL Teams
Chicago Bears (1930–1937; 1943)
Number Worn:
3
NFL Stats
Seasons:
8 (1930–1937, 1943)
Games Played:
97
Games started:
75
Rushing yards:
2,778
Rushing average:
4.4
Rushing touchdowns:
25
Receptions:
11
Receiving yards:
134
Points scored:
154