Jim Finks Hall of Fame NFL

Jim Finks (born August 31, 1927, St. Louis; died May 8, 1994) rose from NFL quarterback and defensive back to legendary executive. After playing seven seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers (1949–55), he made his mark as an executive in the CFL before joining the Minnesota Vikings in 1964. He built the Vikings into a powerhouse, hiring coach Bud Grant and constructing the famed “Purple People Eaters” defense. Under his leadership the Vikings reached two Super Bowls.

In 1973 he was named NFL Executive of the Year. He went on to transform the Chicago Bears, acquiring most of the starters from their 1985 Super Bowl‑winning team. Later, as GM of the New Orleans Saints (1986–92), he led them to their first-ever winning seasons and playoff appearances, winning Executive of the Year again in 1987. Finks was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1995 for his executive contributions. He is remembered as a visionary builder of teams, respected throughout the league for integrity and talent evaluation.

Finks' Awards and Honors

• 1× Pro Bowl selection (1952 as quarterback)
• NFL co‑leader in touchdown passes (1952)
• Named NFL Executive of the Year twice
• Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee (1995, as executive)
• Minnesota Vikings Ring of Honor inductee (1998)
• New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame (Class of 1994)
• Member of Greater New Orleans Sports Hall of Fame (1993)

NFL Records

• Led NFL in touchdown passes
• Minnesota Vikings under his leadership reached four Super Bowls in the 1970s
• Regarded as one of the best defenses in NFL history
• First NFL executive to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame primarily for front-office contributions (1995)

NFL Teams

As a player:
Pittsburgh Steelers (1949–1955)
Calgary Stampeders (1957)
As a coach:
Notre Dame (1956)
Calgary Stampeders (1960)
As a administrator:
Calgary Stampeders (1957–1964)
Minnesota Vikings (1964–1973)
Chicago Bears (1974–1982)
Chicago Cubs (1983–1984)
New Orleans Saints (1986–1992)