Paul Hornung
Inducted:
1986
Player Stats
6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
215 lb (98 kg)
Born:
December 23, 1935
Louisville, Kentucky, U.S.
Died:
November 13, 2020
Louisville, Kentucky, U.S.
Position:
Halfback
Kicker
College:
Notre Dame (1954–1956)
Paul Hornung, nicknamed the “Golden Boy,” was a remarkable, multi-talented force for the Green Bay Packers from 1957 to 1966. Excelling as a runner, passer, kicker, and later broadcaster, he became central to Vince Lombardi’s championship teams in the early 1960s. Hornung led the NFL in scoring for three straight seasons (1959–1961) and set a single-season record with 176 points in 1960 during just 12 games.
His all-around skills and clutch performances helped the Packers win NFL championships in 1961, 1962, and 1965, as well as the first Super Bowl (though he did not play due to injury). In 1961, he was named league MVP, a testament to his impact on offense. His legacy was cemented with induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1986, honoring a unique blend of versatility, flair, and championship pedigree that made him one of the most unforgettable players of his era.
Hornung's Awards and Honors
- Super Bowl champion (I)
- 4× NFL champion (1961, 1962, 1965, 1966)
- Pro Football Hall of Fame (1986)
- 2× First-team All-Pro (1960, 1961)
- Second-team All-Pro (1959)
NFL Records
- NFL Most Valuable Player (1961)
- NFL rushing touchdowns leader (1960)
- Single-season NFL scoring record (176 points in 1960)
- One of the few players ever to lead the league in scoring three consecutive seasons (1959–1961)
NFL Teams
Green Bay Packers (1957–1962; 1964–1966)
New Orleans Saints (1967)
NHL Draft:
1957: 1st round, 1st overall
Green Bay Packers
Number Worn:
5
NFL Stats
Seasons:
9 (1957–1966)
Games Played:
104
Rushing yards:
3,711
Rushing average:
4.2
Rushing touchdowns:
50
Receptions:
130
Receiving yards:
1,480
Receiving touchdowns:
12
Points scored:
760