Search By First Name of HOFers
Bert Bell
Inducted:
1963
Player Stats
Born:
February 25, 1895
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Died:
October 11, 1959
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Position:
Team owner / Founder
Coach
NFL Commissioner
College:
NA
Bert Bell was a transformative figure in NFL history, serving as commissioner from 1946 until his death in 1959. Before that, he co-founded the Philadelphia Eagles and later owned the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Bell's tenure as commissioner was marked by significant innovations that shaped the modern NFL. He introduced the NFL Draft in 1936 to promote competitive balance among teams. Under his leadership, the league merged with the All-America Football Conference, expanded its television presence, and implemented policies to combat gambling and corruption.
Bell also recognized the NFL Players Association and established the Pro Bowl.
His contributions were honored with induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1963.
Bell's Awards and Records
- Established the NFL Draft to ensure competitive balance
- Merged the NFL with the All-America Football Conference
- Expanded NFL's television presence and introduced night games
- Implemented policies to combat gambling and corruption
- Recognized the NFL Players Association
- Established the Pro Bowl
- Instituted revenue-sharing among teams
- Coined the phrase "On any given Sunday, any team can beat any other team"
NFL Teams
Penn (1920–1928)
Assistant coach
Temple (1930–1932)
Assistant coach
Philadelphia Eagles (1936–1940)
Head coach
Pittsburgh Steelers (1941)
Head coach
Philadelphia Eagles (1933–1935)
Owner
Philadelphia Eagles (1936–1940)
Owner, president & general manager
Pittsburgh Steelers (1940–1946)
Co-owner
NFL Commissioner:
Election, Hapes-Filchock, and the NFL schedule (1946–1948)
AAFC–NFL merger (1948–1950)
Marketing of the NFL (1950–1956)
Compromise with the NFLPA (1956–1957)
Coaching Records:
Total Games:
58
Wins:
10
Losses:
46
Ties:
2
Winning Percentage: .
.190
Bill Cowher
Inducted:
2020
Player Stats
6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
225 lb (102 kg)
Born:
May 8, 1957
Crafton, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Position:
Linebacker
Coach
College:
NC State
Bill Cowher led the Pittsburgh Steelers with intensity, discipline, and passion for 15 seasons as head coach from 1992 to 2006. Known for his signature chin and sideline fire, Cowher quickly made history by taking the Steelers to the playoffs in each of his first six seasons—tying an NFL record. He guided the team to eight division titles, 10 playoff appearances, and two Super Bowl trips, culminating in a championship win in Super Bowl XL.
A defensive-minded leader, Cowher’s teams were always tough, physical, and consistent contenders. He finished with a stellar 149–90–1 regular-season record and 12 playoff wins. His leadership style earned respect from players, fans, and peers alike. In 2020, he was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, joining the legendary lineage of Steelers coaching excellence. Cowher's legacy endures as one of the most successful and respected coaches of the modern NFL era.
Cowher's Awards and Records
- Super Bowl champion (XL)
- AP NFL Coach of the Year (1992)
- 2× Sporting News NFL Coach of the Year (1992, 2004)
- Best Coach/Manager ESPY Award (2006)
- Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Honor
- Pittsburgh Pro Football Hall of Fame
- Second-ever coach to take his team to the playoffs in each of his first 6 seasons (1992–1997)
NFL Teams
As a player:
Philadelphia Eagles (1979)
Cleveland Browns (1980–1982)
Philadelphia Eagles (1983–1984)
As a coach:
Cleveland Browns (1985–1986)
Cleveland Browns (1987–1988)
Kansas City Chiefs (1989–1991)
Pittsburgh Steelers (1992–2006)
Number Worn:
53, 57
NFL Stats
As Player
NFL Seasons:
6
Games Played:
45
Games Started:
4
Fumble recoveries:
1
As Coach
Regular season:
149–90–1 (.623)
Postseason:
12–9 (.571)
Career:
161–99–1 (.619)
Bill Dudley
Inducted:
1966
Player Stats
5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
182 lb (83 kg)
Born:
December 24, 1921
Bluefield, Virginia, U.S.
Died:
February 4, 2010
Lynchburg, Virginia, U.S.
Position:
Halfback
Safety
Return specialist
College:
Virginia (1939–1941)
Bill “Bullet” Dudley was one of the most dynamic and versatile players in NFL history. A triple-threat star who could run, pass, kick, and play defense, Dudley led the league in rushing, interceptions, and punt returns — all in different seasons.
As a rookie with the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1942, he led the NFL in rushing yards. After serving in World War II, he returned to dominate again, winning the NFL MVP award in 1946 with the Steelers. Over his nine-year career, he played for Pittsburgh, Detroit, and Washington, amassing over 8,000 all-purpose yards.
Known for his quickness and football IQ, Dudley scored touchdowns in nearly every possible way. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1966 and remains one of the most complete and underrated legends of the league’s early years.
Dudley's Awards and Records
- 4× First-team All-Pro (1942, 1946–1948)
- 2× Second-team All-Pro (1951, 1952)
- 2× Pro Bowl (1950, 1951)
- 2× NFL rushing yards leader (1942, 1946)
- NFL Most Valuable Player (1946)
- 2× NFL rushing yards leader (1942, 1946)
- NFL interceptions leader (1946)
- 2× NFL punt return yards leader (1942, 1946)
NFL Records
- Only player in NFL history to lead the league in rushing yards (1942)
- NFL Most Valuable Player (1946, by UPI) after leading the league in interceptions
- One of the NFL’s top all-around players of the 1940s
- Led NFL in total yards (rushing, receiving, returns) three times
NFL Teams
Pittsburgh Steelers (1942; 1945–1946)
Detroit Lions (1947–1949)
Washington Redskins (1950–1951; 1953)
NHL Draft:
1942: 1st round, 1st pick
Pittsburgh Steelers
Number Worn:
3, 35, 44
NFL Stats
Seasons:
9 (1942, 1945–1951)
Games Played:
90
Rushing Yards:
3,057
Rushing TDs:
18
Passing Yards:
1,383
Passing TDs:
13
Receptions:
123
Receiving Yards:
1,383
Total TDs (all types):
44
Interceptions:
23
Punt Return Yards:
929
Kick Return Yards:
1,515
Field Goals Made:
33
Extra Points Made:
121
Bob Brown
Inducted:
2004
Player Stats
6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
280 lb (127 kg)
Born:
December 8, 1941
Cleveland, Ohio, U.S
Died:
June 16, 2023
Oakland, California, U.S.
Position:
Offensive tackle
College:
Nebraska (1961–1963)
Bob "Boomer" Brown was a force on the offensive line during his 10-year NFL career. Drafted second overall by the Philadelphia Eagles in 1964, he quickly established himself as a premier offensive tackle.
Known for his aggressive playing style, Brown earned six Pro Bowl selections and was named First-Team All-Pro five times. He played for the Eagles (1964–1968), Los Angeles Rams (1969–1970), and Oakland Raiders (1971–1973), making a significant impact at each stop. Brown's dominance was recognized with his inclusion in the NFL 1960s All-Decade Team.
After retiring due to knee injuries, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2004 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 1993.
Brown passed away in 2023 at the age of 81, leaving behind a legacy as one of the game's greatest linemen.
Brown's Awards and Honors
- 5× First-team All-Pro (1965, 1966, 1968–1970)
- 4× Second-team All-Pro (1964, 1967, 1971, 1972)
- 6× Pro Bowl (1965, 1966, 1968–1971)
- NFL 1960s All-Decade Team
- Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Fame
- Unanimous All-American (1963)
- 2× First-team All-Big Eight (1963, 1964)
- Nebraska Cornhuskers No. 64 retired
NFL Teams
Philadelphia Eagles (1964–1968)
Los Angeles Rams (1969–1970)
Oakland Raiders (1971–1973)
NFL draft:
1964: 1st round, 2nd pick
Philadelphia Eagles
Numbers Worn:
76
NFL Stats:
Seasons Played
10
Games Played:
126
Games Started:
124
Fumble Recoveries:
2
Bobby Beathard
Inducted:
2018
Player Stats
Born:
January 24, 1937
Zanesville, Ohio, U.S
Died:
January 30, 2023
Franklin, Tennessee, U.S.
Position:
Personnel administrator,
General Manager
College:
El Camino (1955)
Cal Poly (1956–1958)
Bobby Beathard was a legendary NFL executive whose career spanned over three decades, leaving an indelible mark on multiple franchises. Beginning as a scout with the Kansas City Chiefs in the 1960s, he contributed to their Super Bowl I appearance.
As Director of Player Personnel for the Miami Dolphins, he played a pivotal role in constructing teams that achieved back-to-back Super Bowl victories in 1972 and 1973, including the NFL's only perfect season in 1972. Beathard's tenure as General Manager of the Washington Redskins from 1978 to 1988 was marked by three Super Bowl appearances and two championships.
Later, as GM of the San Diego Chargers, he guided the team to its first Super Bowl appearance in 1994. Renowned for his keen eye for talent, Beathard was instrumental in drafting several future Hall of Famers.
His exceptional contributions to the sport were honored with his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2018.
Beathard's Awards and Records
- 4× Super Bowl champion (VII, VIII, XVII, XXII)
- Four-time Super Bowl Champion (VII, VIII, XVII, XXII)
- Seven Super Bowl Appearances across multiple teams
- Ten Division Titles and Seven Conference Championships
- Washington Commanders Ring of Fame
- Washington Commanders 90 Greatest
- Los Angeles Chargers Hall of Fame
NFL Teams
Kansas City Chiefs-Scout
(1963, 1966–1967)
Atlanta Falcons-Scout
(1968–1971)
Miami Dolphins-Director of player personnel
(1972–1977)
Washington Redskins-General manager
(1978–1988)
San Diego Chargers-General manager
(1990–2000)
Career Stats
Super Bowl Victories:
4
Super Bowl Appearances:
7
Division Titles:
10
Conference Championships:
7
Notable Draft Picks:
Art Monk, Russ Grimm, Darrell Green, Junior Seau
Bobby Bell
Inducted:
1983
Player Stats
6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
228 lb (103 kg)
Born:
June 17, 1940
Shelby, North Carolina, U.S.
Position:
Linebacker
Defensive End
College:
Minnesota (1960–1962)
Bobby Bell is a Hall of Fame linebacker renowned for his exceptional athleticism and versatility, playing his entire professional career with the Kansas City Chiefs from 1963 to 1974.
Standing 6'4" and weighing 228 pounds, Bell's speed and agility set him apart, allowing him to excel in multiple positions, including linebacker and defensive end.
He was instrumental in the Chiefs' success during the AFL era, contributing to their victory in Super Bowl IV. Bell's career statistics include 26 interceptions, 9 fumble recoveries, and 8 defensive touchdowns, showcasing his playmaking abilities.
His accolades feature 6 AFL All-Star selections, 3 Pro Bowl appearances, and induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1983.
Bell's Awards and Records
- Super Bowl champion (IV)
- AFL champion (1966)
- First-team All-Pro (1970)
- 5× First-team All-AFL (1965–1969)
- Second-team All-Pro (1971)
- Second-team All-AFL (1964)
- 3× Pro Bowl (1970–1972)
- 6× AFL All-Star (1964–1969)
- AFL All-Time Team
- First-team All-American (1961)
- 2× First-team All-Big Ten (1961, 1962)
- Minnesota Golden Gophers Jersey No. 78 retired
NFL Records
- NFL 1970s All-Decade Team
- NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
NFL Teams
Kansas City Chiefs (1963–1974)
NFL Draft:
1963: 2nd round, 16th pick
Minnesota
Number Worn:
78
NFL Records:
Seasons:
12
Games Played:
168
Games Started:
159
Sacks:
40
Interceptions:
26
Interception yards:
479
Fumble recoveries:
9
Defensive touchdowns:
8
Bobby Dillon
Inducted:
2020
Bobby Dillon was one of the greatest defensive backs of the 1950s and a true ballhawk in the Green Bay Packers’ secondary. Despite losing an eye in childhood, Dillon starred as a free safety with sharp instincts, elite range, and a knack for making big plays. He played eight seasons (1952–1959), all with the Packers, and recorded 52 career interceptions in just 94 games — still the franchise record.
Dillon intercepted at least seven passes in four different seasons and was named to four Pro Bowls and five All-Pro teams. His blend of athleticism and football intelligence made him a standout in an era where passing was evolving rapidly.
Though overlooked for decades, his impact on the game was finally honored when he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2020. Dillon was a true pioneer at the safety position, turning coverage into a dangerous weapon for his team.
Dillon's Awards and Records
- 4× First-team All-Pro (1954, 1955, 1957, 1958)
- 4× Pro Bowl (1955–1958)
- Texas Sports Hall of Fame
- Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame
- First-team All-American (1951)
- First-team All-SWC (1951)
NFL Records
- One of the highest interception totals per game in NFL history
- Only player in NFL history with 50+ interceptions in fewer than 100 career games
- Led the NFL in interception return yards in 1956 (244 yards)
- Member of the NFL 1950s All-Decade Team
NFL Teams
Green Bay Packers (1952–1959)
NFL Draft:
1952: 3rd round, 28th pick
Green Bay Packers
Number Worn:
44
NFL Stats
Seasons:
8 (1952–1959)
Games Played:
94
Interceptions:
52
Interception Return Yards:
976
Interception TDs:
5
Fumble Recoveries:
3
Touchdowns (Defensive):
6
Brett Favre
Inducted:
2016
Player Stats
6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
222 lb (101 kg)
Born:
October 10, 1969
Gulfport, Mississippi, U.S.
Position:
Quarterback
College:
Southern Miss (1987–1990)
Brett Favre was one of the most iconic quarterbacks in NFL history, known for his toughness, rocket arm, and fearless playmaking. Over a 20-year career, primarily with the Green Bay Packers, Favre revolutionized the quarterback position with his aggressive style and unmatched durability. He became the first player in NFL history to win three consecutive MVP awards (1995–1997) and led the Packers to victory in Super Bowl XXXI.
Favre retired holding every major passing record at the time—including touchdowns, yards, and wins—and started a record 297 consecutive regular-season games (321 including playoffs), a testament to his resilience. A leader on and off the field, Favre also made Pro Bowl appearances with the Jets and Vikings, nearly returning to the Super Bowl in 2009. His career wasn’t without mistakes, but his passion and grit defined an era of NFL football.
Favre's Awards and Records
- Super Bowl champion (XXXI)
- 3× First-team All-Pro (1995–1997)
- 3× Second-team All-Pro (2001, 2002, 2007)
- 11× Pro Bowl (1992, 1993, 1995–1997, 2001–2003, 2007–2009)
- 4× NFL passing touchdowns leader (1995–1997, 2003)
- 2× NFL passing yards leader (1995, 1998)
NFL Records
- Longest touchdown pass: 99 yards (tied)
- Most consecutive starts: 297 (321 including playoffs)
- NFL completion percentage leader (1998)
- NFL 1990s All-Decade Team
- NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
- 3× NFL Most Valuable Player (1995–1997)
- NFL Offensive Player of the Year (1995)
NFL Teams
As a player:
Atlanta Falcons (1991)
Green Bay Packers (1992–2007)
New York Jets (2008)
Minnesota Vikings (2009–2010)
As a coach:
Oak Grove HS (MS) (2012–2013)
NFL Draft:
1991: 2nd round, 33rd pick
Atlanta Falcons
Number Worn:
4
NFL Stats
Season Played:
20
Games Played:
302
Passing Yards:
71,838
Passing TDs:
508
Interceptions:
336
Completion %:
62.0%
Passer Rating:
86.0
Rushing TDs:
14
Brian Dawkins
Inducted:
2018
Player Stats
6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
209 lb (95 kg)
Born:
October 13, 1973
Jacksonville, Florida, U.S.
Position:
Safety
College:
Clemson (1992–1995)
Brian Dawkins brought passion, intensity, and elite play to the safety position for 16 NFL seasons. Drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 1996, Dawkins became the emotional leader of the defense and one of the most feared hitters in the league.
Known as “Weapon X” for his relentless energy and Wolverine-like alter ego on the field, Dawkins combined hard-hitting tackles with exceptional coverage skills. He was the first player in NFL history to record a sack, interception, fumble recovery, and touchdown in a single game. Dawkins finished his career with the Denver Broncos, retiring with over 1,100 tackles and 37 interceptions.
He helped lead the Eagles to four NFC Championship appearances and one Super Bowl. Beyond the stats, his leadership and work ethic left a lasting legacy in Philadelphia and across the league. His Hall of Fame induction in 2018 was a celebration of grit, emotion, and unmatched defensive excellence.
Dawkins's Awards and Records
- 4× First-team All-Pro (2001, 2002, 2004, 2006)
- Second-team All-Pro (2009)
- 9× Pro Bowl (1999, 2001, 2002, 2004–2006, 2008, 2009, 2011)
- PFWA NFL All-Rookie Team (1996)
- Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Fame
- Philadelphia Eagles 75th Anniversary Team
- Philadelphia Eagles No. 20 retired
- Second-team All-American (1995)
- First-team All-ACC (1995)
- 2× Second-team All-ACC (1993, 1994)
NFL Records
- Most forced fumbles by a defensive back (36)
- One of only three players in NFL history with 25+ sacks and 35+ interceptions
- Named to the NFL 2000s All-Decade Team
NFL Teams
Philadelphia Eagles (1996–2008)
Denver Broncos (2009–2011)
NHL Draft:
1996: 2nd round, 61st pick
Philadelphia Eagles
Number Worn:
20
Career Stats:
Seasons:
16 (1996–2011)
Games Played:
224
Tackles:
1,131
Interceptions:
37
Sacks:
26
Forced Fumbles:
36
Fumble Recoveries:
19
Defensive Touchdowns:
4
Buck Buchanan
Inducted:
1990
Player Stats
6 ft 7 in (2.01 m)
270 lb (122 kg)
Born:
September 10, 1940
Gainesville, Alabama, U.S.
Died:
July 16, 1992
Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.
Position:
Defensive tackle
College:
Grambling (1959–1962)
Buck Buchanan was a dominant defensive force and one of the most physically imposing players of his time. Selected first overall in the 1963 AFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs, he became a cornerstone of their defense for 13 seasons.
At 6'7" and over 270 pounds, Buchanan combined rare size, strength, and speed to disrupt offenses from the defensive tackle position. He helped lead the Chiefs to two Super Bowl appearances, including a victory in Super Bowl IV.
Buchanan was a model of consistency, playing in 182 consecutive games and earning six AFL All-Star selections. A true pioneer, he was the first Black player ever taken first overall in a professional football draft.
Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990, Buchanan left behind a legacy as one of the AFL's greatest defenders and a trailblazer in pro football history.
Buchanan's Awards and Honors
- Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame
- Kansas City Chiefs No. 86 retired
- First-team Little All-American (1962)
- Pro Football Hall of Fame (1990)
NFL Records
- Super Bowl champion (IV)
- Second-team All-Pro (1971)
- 2× Pro Bowl (1970, 1971)
- NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
- AFL champion (1966)
- 6× AFL All-Star (1964–1969)
- 6× First-team All-AFL (1964–1969)
- AFL All-Time Team
NFL/AFL Teams
Kansas City Chiefs (1963–1975)
NFL draft:
1963: 19th round, 265th pick
Kansas City Chiefs
Numbers Worn:
86
NFL Stats:
Seasons Played:
13 (1963–1975)
Games Played:
182
Fumble Recoveries:
7
Sacks:
68
Interceptions:
3
Super Bowl Appearances:
2 (I, IV)
Super Bowl Champion:
1× (IV)
Sports Fan Products
NFL Hall of Fame
The NFL Hall of Fame, also known as the Pro Football Hall of Fame, is where the legacies of NFL legends and their contributions to football history are celebrated. Located in Canton, Ohio, this iconic institution honors the greatest players, coaches, and contributors through its annual Hall of Fame enshrinement and NFL Hall of Fame ceremony. From the NFL Hall of Fame Class of 2025 and its nominees to the unforgettable Hall of Fame speeches, each year brings new highlights and moments that capture the spirit of the game. Featuring Hall of Fame players, coaches, and even legendary quarterbacks, the Hall showcases the rich history of football with exhibits, stories of remarkable careers, and events like the NFL Hall of Fame game. A visit to the Hall is a journey through the most iconic NFL greats, their achievements, and the unforgettable Hall of Fame moments that define the sport we love. 🏈✨
