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Nick Buoniconti
Inducted:
2001
Player Stats
5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
220 lb (100 kg)
Born:
December 15, 1940
Springfield, Massachusetts, U.S.
Died:
July 30, 2019
Bridgehampton, New York, U.S.
Position:
Linebacker
College:
Notre Dame
Nick Buoniconti was the heart of two dominant defenses—first with the Boston Patriots and later with the Miami Dolphins’ legendary "No-Name Defense." Despite being considered undersized for a linebacker at just 5'11", Buoniconti used intelligence, toughness, and elite instincts to become one of the game’s premier defenders.
He played 14 seasons, making five AFL All-Star teams and earning two Pro Bowl nods in the NFL. With the Dolphins, he was a key leader during their perfect 1972 season and back-to-back Super Bowl championships. Known for his fierce tackling and leadership on and off the field, Buoniconti finished his career with 32 interceptions—a high mark for a linebacker.
He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2001 and later became a noted advocate for spinal cord research following his son’s injury, founding The Buoniconti Fund to Cure Paralysis.
Buoniconti's Awards and Honors
- Boston Patriots All-1960s Team
- New England Patriots 35th Anniversary Team
- New England Patriots 50th Anniversary Team
- New England Patriots Hall of Fame
- Miami Dolphins Honor Roll
- Dolphins Walk of Fame (2011)
- Second-team All-American (1961)
- 2× Super Bowl champion (VII, VIII)
- 2× Second-Team All-Pro (1972, 1973)
- 2× Pro Bowl (1972, 1973)
- 5× First-Team All-AFL (1964–1967, 1969)
- 3× Second-Team All-AFL (1962, 1963, 1968)
- 6× AFL All-Star (1963–1967, 1969)
- AFL All-Time Team
NFL/AFL Teams
Boston Patriots (1962–1968)
Miami Dolphins (1969–1974, 1976)
AFL draft:
1962: 13th round, 102nd pick
Boston Patriots
Numbers Worn:
86
NFL Stats
Seasons Played:
14 (1962–1976)
Games Played:
183
Interceptions:
32
Fumble Recoveries:
17
Super Bowl Titles:
2 (VII, VIII)
Norm Van Brocklin
Inducted:
1971
Player Stats
6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
190 lb (86 kg)
Born:
March 15, 1926
Parade, South Dakota, U.S.
Died:
May 2, 1983
Social Circle, Georgia, U.S.
Position:
Quarterback
College:
Oregon (1946–1948)
Norm Van Brocklin was one of the NFL’s earliest great quarterbacks, known for his powerful arm, sharp decision-making, and competitive spirit. Starting his career with the Los Angeles Rams in 1949, he became part of one of the league’s most dynamic passing attacks, sharing time with Bob Waterfield before taking full command of the offense. Van Brocklin led the Rams to the 1951 NFL Championship and later guided the Philadelphia Eagles to the 1960 title in his final season.
His 554-yard passing game in 1951 remains one of the NFL’s longest-standing single-game records. A nine-time Pro Bowler, he consistently elevated his teams with precision deep throws and strong leadership. After retiring, he went on to coach, further shaping the league’s development. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1971, Van Brocklin is remembered as one of the most influential passers of football’s early modern era.
Brocklin's Awards and Honors
- 2× NFL champion (1951, 1960)
- NFL Most Valuable Player (1960)
- 2× First-team All-Pro (1955, 1960)
- 2× Second-team All-Pro (1952, 1954)
- 9× Pro Bowl (1950–1955, 1958–1960)
- NFL passing yards leader (1954)
- NFL completion percentage leader (1952)
NFL Records
- Holds NFL record for most passing yards in a single game (554)
- Only quarterback to win championships with two different franchises
- Led Eagles to their last pre-Super Bowl NFL title in 1960
NFL Teams
Los Angeles Rams (1949–1957)
Philadelphia Eagles (1958–1960)
NFL Draft:
1949: 4th round, 37th overall pick
Los Angeles Rams
Number Worn:
25, 11
NFL Stats
Seasons:
12 (1949-1960)
Games Played:
140
Game Started:
101
Passing attempts:
2,895
Passing completions:
1,553
Completion percentage:
53.6%
TD–INT:
173–178
Passing yards:
23,611
Passer rating:
75.1
Punting yards:
22,313
Punting average:
42.7
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. 🏈✨
