Mel Hein
Inducted:
1963
Player Stats
6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
225 lb (102 kg)
Born:
August 22, 1909
Redding, California, U.S.
Died:
January 31, 1992
San Clemente, California, U.S.
Position:
Center
Linebacker
College:
Washington State (1928–1930)
Mel Hein was one of the most durable and dominant players in NFL history, excelling as a center and linebacker for the New York Giants from 1931 to 1945. Known as “Iron Man,” Hein played an incredible 15 seasons without missing a single game, a testament to his unmatched toughness and conditioning.
On offense, he was the anchor of the Giants’ line, delivering precise snaps and opening lanes for runners. On defense, he was a relentless tackler and field general, reading plays with exceptional instincts. Hein won the NFL’s Most Valuable Player Award in 1938, a rare honor for a lineman, and helped lead the Giants to two NFL championships.
His leadership, skill, and endurance made him a cornerstone of one of the league’s most successful franchises of the era. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1963, Hein remains a symbol of grit and excellence in professional football history.
Hein's Awards and Honors
- 2× NFL champion (1934, 1938)
- NFL Most Valuable Player (1938)
- 8× First-team All-Pro (1933–1940)
- 4× NFL All-Star Game (1938–1941)
- Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1963)
NFL Records
- NFL Most Valuable Player (1938)
- NFL 1930s All-Decade Team
- NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
- Played every game of his 15-year career without injury
- Two-time NFL Champion (1934, 1938)
NFL Teams
As a player:
New York Giants (1931–1945)
As a coach:
Union (NY) (1943–1946)
Los Angeles Dons (1947)
Number Worn:
7
NFL Stats
NFL Seasons:
15 (1931–1945)
Games Played:
170
Games started:
153
Interceptions:
10
Interception yards:
78
Fumble recoveries:
1
Defensive touchdowns:
1