Link Lyman
Inducted:
1964
Player Stats
6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
233 lb (106 kg)
Born:
November 30, 1898
Table Rock, Nebraska, U.S.
Died:
December 28, 1972
Barstow, California, U.S.
Position:
Offensive tackle
College:
Nebraska
Link Lyman was one of the earliest and most dominant linemen in professional football, helping define the position during the sport’s formative years. Playing primarily for the Chicago Bears under George Halas, Lyman anchored the defensive and offensive lines from the 1920s through the early 1930s.
Known for his combination of size, strength, and intelligence, he was among the first players to use strategic line play rather than pure brute force, pioneering techniques that influenced generations of linemen. Lyman’s consistency and leadership were key to the Bears’ success, contributing to four NFL Championships and establishing Chicago’s reputation for toughness. His ability to control the line of scrimmage and adapt to evolving tactics made him one of the league’s most respected players.
In recognition of his impact on both the game’s strategy and success of early professional football, Link Lyman was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1964 as one of the sport’s true trailblazers.
Lyman's Awards and Records
- 4× NFL champion (1922-1924, 1933)
- 2× First-team All-Pro (1930, 1934)
- 3× Second-team All-Pro (1924, 1928, 1931)
- 100 greatest Bears of All-Time
Notable Achievements
- One of the first linemen to use strategic “read and react” techniques
- Key member of early Bears championship teams
- Among the pioneers of professional two-way line play
NFL Teams
Canton Bulldogs (1922–1923)
Cleveland Bulldogs (1924)
Canton Bulldogs (1925)
Frankford Yellow Jackets (1925)
Chicago Bears (1926–1928, 1930–1931, 1933–1934)
Number Worn:
14, 2, 16, 12, 11
NFL Stats
Seasons:
10 (1922–1934)
Games played:
133
Games started:
117