Search By First Name of HOFers
Larry Little
Inducted:
1993
Player Stats
6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
265 lb (120 kg)
Born:
November 2, 1945
Groveland, Georgia, U.S.
Position:
Guard
College:
Bethune–Cookman
Larry Little was one of the most dominant and respected offensive guards in NFL history, serving as a cornerstone of the Miami Dolphins’ powerhouse teams of the 1970s. Undrafted in 1967, Little began his career with the San Diego Chargers before becoming a key piece of the Dolphins’ legendary offensive line under coach Don Shula. Known for his strength, intelligence, and aggressive blocking, he opened running lanes for Larry Csonka and Mercury Morris during Miami’s historic 1972 perfect season — the only undefeated season in NFL history.
Little’s blend of power and agility made him a nightmare for defenders and a model of consistency for more than a decade. A five-time Pro Bowler and three-time First-Team All-Pro, he was the leader of one of football’s most balanced and efficient offenses. Larry Little was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993, celebrated as one of the greatest guards ever to play the game.
Little's Awards and Records
- 2× Super Bowl champion (VII, VIII)
- 5× First-team All-Pro (1971–1975)
- 2× Second-team All-Pro (1977, 1978)
- 5× Pro Bowl (1969, 1971–1974)
- NFL 1970s All-Decade Team
Notable Achievements
- Starting guard during Dolphins’ 17–0 perfect season (1972)
- Key blocker for two 1,000-yard rushers in 1972
- Renowned for unmatched power and leadership on Miami’s offensive line
NFL Teams
San Diego Chargers (1967–1968)
Miami Dolphins (1969–1980)
Larry Wilson
Inducted:
1978
Player Stats
6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
190 lb (86 kg)
Born:
March 24, 1938
Rigby, Idaho, U.S.
Died:
September 17, 2020
Scottsdale, Arizona, U.S.
Position:
Safety
College:
Utah
Larry Wilson became one of the NFL’s most influential safeties, known for his toughness, instincts, and revolutionary style of play. Spending his entire career with the St. Louis Cardinals from 1960 to 1972, Wilson redefined the safety position by attacking the line of scrimmage, jumping routes, and creating turnovers in key moments. He gained national attention for playing through injuries, including intercepting passes with casts on both hands, showcasing unmatched grit and competitive spirit.
Wilson finished his career with more than 50 interceptions and became the emotional leader of the Cardinals’ defense for over a decade. His aggressive approach inspired future generations of defensive backs and helped shape modern safety play. His remarkable career, leadership, and lasting impact led to his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1978, securing his place as one of the greatest safeties in league history.
Wilson's Awards and Honors
- 6× First-team All-Pro (1963, 1966–1970)
- Second-team All-Pro (1965)
- 8× Pro Bowl (1962, 1963, 1965–1970)
- Famous for interceptions while playing with casts on both hands
- One of the earliest safeties to consistently blitz and attack the run
- Among the highest interception totals of his era
NFL Records
- NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1966)
- NFL interceptions leader (1966)
- NFL 1960s All-Decade Team
- NFL 1970s All-Decade Team
- NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team
- NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
NFL Teams
St. Louis Cardinals (1960–1972)
NFL Draft:
1960: 7th round, 74th overall pick
St. Louis Cardinals
Number Worn:
8
NFL Stats
Seasons:
13 (1960–1972)
Games Played:
169
Game Started:
163
Interceptions:
52
Interception yards:
800
Fumble recoveries:
14
Safeties:
1
Total touchdowns:
8
Lawrence Taylor
Inducted:
1999
Player Stats
6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
237 lb (108 kg)
Born:
February 4, 1959
Williamsburg, Virginia, U.S.
Position:
Linebacker
College:
North Carolina (1977–1980)
Lawrence Taylor, widely regarded as the most dominant defensive player in NFL history, revolutionized the linebacker position with his speed, power, and relentless pursuit. Playing his entire career for the New York Giants (1981–1993), Taylor redefined pass rushing and defensive schemes, forcing offenses to alter their blocking strategies. He earned 10 Pro Bowl selections, 8 First-Team All-Pro honors, and was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year three times.
Taylor’s peak came in 1986 when he won both the NFL MVP and Defensive Player of the Year—the only defensive player ever to earn league MVP honors. Known for game-changing plays, he could disrupt both the run and pass, creating turnovers and setting the tone for his team. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1999, Lawrence Taylor remains a transformative figure whose influence reshaped modern defensive football and set a new standard for athletic linebackers.
Taylor's Awards and Honors
- 2× Super Bowl champion (XXI, XXV)
- 3× NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1981, 1982, 1986)
- 2× UPI NFC Player of the Year (1983, 1986)
- 8× First-team All-Pro (1981–1986, 1988, 1989)
- 2× Second-team All-Pro (1987, 1990)
- 10× Pro Bowl (1981–1990)
NFL Records
- NFL Most Valuable Player (1986)
- NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (1981)
- NFL sacks leader (1986)
- NFL 1980s All-Decade Team
- NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team
- NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
NFL Teams
New York Giants (1981–1993)
NFL Draft:
1981: 1st round, 2nd overall pick
New York Giants
Number Worn:
56
NFL Stats
Seasons:
13 (1981-1993)
Games Played:
184
Games Started:
180
Tackles:
1,088
Sacks:
142
Fumble recoveries:
11
Interceptions:
9
Defensive touchdowns:
2
Lee Roy Selmon
Inducted:
1995
Player Stats
6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
256 lb (116 kg)
Born:
October 20, 1954
Eufaula, Oklahoma, U.S.
Died:
September 4, 2011
Tampa, Florida, U.S.
Position:
Defensive end
College:
Oklahoma (1972–1975)
Lee Roy Selmon was the first true superstar in Tampa Bay Buccaneers history and one of the most dominant defensive ends of his era. Born in 1954, Selmon joined the Buccaneers as the franchise’s first-ever draft pick in 1976 and quickly became the foundation of their defense. His rare combination of strength, speed, and technique made him almost unstoppable, earning him widespread respect throughout the league. Selmon helped lead Tampa Bay from expansion struggles to the 1979 NFC Championship Game, anchoring one of the NFL’s toughest defenses.
A six-time Pro Bowler and three-time First-Team All-Pro, he was named the 1979 NFL Defensive Player of the Year. Known for his leadership, humility, and relentless work ethic, Selmon became an icon both on and off the field in Tampa Bay. His legacy remains central to the Buccaneers’ history. Lee Roy Selmon was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1995.
Selmon's Awards and Honors
- 2× National champion (1974, 1975)
- 3× First-team All-Pro (1979, 1980, 1982)
- 2× Second-team All-Pro (1978, 1984)
- 6× Pro Bowl (1979–1984)
- Buccaneers Ring of Honor Member
NFL Records
- NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1979)
- NFL 1980s All-Decade Team
- NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
- First-ever draft pick in Tampa Bay Buccaneers history
NFL Teams
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1976–1984)
NFL Draft:
1976: 1st round, 1st overall pick
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Number Worn:
63
NFL Stats
Seasons:
9 (1976–1984)
Games Played:
121
Game Starts:
117
Tackles:
742
Sacks:
78.5
Fumbles forced:
28.5
Lem Barney
Inducted:
1992
Player Stats
Stats:
6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
188 lb (85 kg)
Born:
September 8, 1945
Gulfport, Mississippi, U.S.
Position:
Cornerback
College:
Jackson State (1964–1966)
Lem Barney was one of the most electrifying cornerbacks in NFL history. Drafted by the Detroit Lions in 1967, he made an instant impact by intercepting a pass in his very first NFL game—off none other than Bart Starr.
Known for his speed, instinct, and ball-hawking ability, Barney spent his entire 11-year career (1967–1977) with the Lions, earning a reputation as one of the most feared defensive backs of his time.
He recorded 56 interceptions, returning seven for touchdowns, and was a key contributor on special teams with impressive punt and kick return skills. Barney was named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and earned seven Pro Bowl selections. Off the field, he was known for his charisma and even sang backup vocals on Marvin Gaye’s hit “What’s Going On.”
He was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1992, forever remembered as a game-changing presence in the Lions’ secondary.
Barney's Awards and Honors
- NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (1967)
- 2× First-team All-Pro (1968, 1969)
- 7× Pro Bowl (1967–1969, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1976)
- NFL interceptions co-leader (1967)
- NFL 1960s All-Decade Team
- Detroit Lions 75th Anniversary Team
- Detroit Lions All-Time Team
- Pride of the Lions
- Detroit Lions No. 20 retired
NFL Records
- Most interceptions returned for touchdown in a rookie season: 3 (1967; tied)
- Intercepted a pass in his first NFL game — Against Hall of Famer Bart Starr.
- Member of the NFL 1960s All-Decade Team.
- One of only a few players in NFL history with touchdowns via: Interception return, Fumble return, Kickoff return, Punt return
NFL Teams
Detroit Lions (1967–1977)
Numbers Worn:
20
NFL draft:
1967: 2nd round, 34th pick
Detroit Lions
NFL Stats
Seasons:
11 (1967–1977)
Games Played:
140
Interceptions:
56
Interception yards:
1,077
Fumble recoveries:
17
Defensive touchdowns:
8
Return yards:
2,586
Return touchdowns:
3
Len Dawson
Inducted:
1987
Player Stats
6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
190 lb (86 kg)
Born:
June 20, 1935
Alliance, Ohio, U.S.
Died:
August 24, 2022
Kansas City, Kansas, U.S.
Position:
Quarterback
College:
Purdue (1953–1956)
Len Dawson was the face of the Kansas City Chiefs for over a decade and one of the AFL’s most accomplished quarterbacks. Known for his calm under pressure, sharp accuracy, and football IQ, Dawson led the Chiefs to three AFL titles and a historic victory in Super Bowl IV, earning game MVP honors. Originally drafted by the Steelers in 1957, Dawson’s early NFL career was quiet until he found his stride in the AFL under coach Hank Stram.
He became a seven-time AFL All-Star and led the league in passer rating six times, finishing his career with over 28,000 passing yards and 239 touchdowns. Dawson’s poised leadership helped legitimize the AFL as a competitive league before the NFL merger. After retiring, he enjoyed a long broadcasting career as a respected analyst. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1987 for his exceptional impact on the field and beyond.
Dawson's Awards and Honors
- Super Bowl champion (IV)
- 3× AFL champion (1962, 1966, 1969)
- Super Bowl MVP (IV)
- AFL championship MVP (1966)
- AFL Most Valuable Player (1962)
- NFL Man of the Year (1973)
- 2× First-team All-AFL (1962, 1966)
- 2× Second-team All-AFL (1964, 1968)
- 6× AFL All-Star (1962, 1964, 1966–1969)
- Pro Bowl (1971)
- NFL completion percentage leader (1975)
- AFL All-Time Team
- 2× Second-team All-Big Ten (1955, 1956)
NFL Records
- First quarterback to win both an AFL Championship and a Super Bowl
- Led the AFL in passer rating six times
- First quarterback to win both an AFL Championship and a Super Bowl
- Career 57.1% completion rate — among the top for 1960s QBs
NFL Teams
Pittsburgh Steelers (1957–1959)
Cleveland Browns (1960–1961)
Dallas Texans / Kansas City Chiefs (1962–1975)
NFL Draft:
1957: 1st round, 5th pick
Pittsburgh Steelers
Number Worn:
18, 16
NFL Stats
Seasons:
19 (1957–1975)
Games Played:
211
Passing Attempts:
3,741
Completions:
2,136
Completion percentage:
57.1%
Passing Yards:
28,711
Touchdowns:
239
Interceptions:
183
Passer Rating:
82.6
Rushing TDs:
9
Len Ford
Inducted:
1976
Player Stats
6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
245 lb (111 kg)
Born:
February 18, 1926
Washington, D.C., U.S.
Died:
March 14, 1972
Detroit, Michigan, U.S.
Position:
Defensive End
College:
Morgan State
Michigan
Len Ford was one of the most feared and physically dominant defensive ends in NFL history, helping redefine how the position was played. A former college tight end, Ford began his pro career with the AAFC’s Los Angeles Dons before joining the Cleveland Browns in 1950. With his rare combination of size, speed, and aggression, he became a key force on a Browns defense that helped lead the team to three NFL championships.
Ford had a relentless motor, often overwhelming blockers and disrupting plays in the backfield before they could develop. Though double-teamed constantly, he still found ways to pressure quarterbacks and force turnovers. He was also one of the first African American stars to thrive in a prominent defensive role in pro football.
Ford’s toughness and impact left a lasting legacy, and his contributions to one of the NFL’s earliest dynasties earned him a place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1976.
Ford's Awards and Honors
- 3× NFL champion (1950, 1954, 1955)
- 4× First-team All-Pro (1951–1954)
- 4× Pro Bowl (1951–1954)
- NFL 1950s All-Decade Team
- Cleveland Browns Ring of Honor
- National champion (1947)
NFL Records
- One of the First Dominant Pass Rushers in NFL History
- First African American Defensive Star in Pro Football
- Member of the NFL 1950s All-Decade Team
- Contributed to 3 NFL Championships in 6 Seasons
- 13 Career Interceptions as a Defensive End
NFL Teams
Los Angeles Dons (1948–1949)
Cleveland Browns (1950–1957)
Green Bay Packers (1958)
NFL Draft:
1948: undrafted
Number Worn:
50, 53, 80, 83
NFL Stats
Games Played:
103
Receiving Touchdowns:
20 (early career as end)
Receptions:
133
Interceptions:
13
Fumble Recoveries:
8
Receptions:
67
Receiving yards:
1,175
Championships:
3× NFL Champion (1950, 1954, 1955)
Lenny Moore
Inducted:
2006
Player Stats
6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
191 lb (87 kg)
Born:
November 25, 1933
Reading, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Position:
Halfback
Flanker
College:
Penn State (1952–1955)
Lenny Moore was one of the most versatile and electrifying players of his era, redefining what it meant to be an offensive weapon in the NFL. Spending his entire career with the Baltimore Colts (1956–1967), Moore thrived as both a running back and receiver, creating matchup nightmares for defenses. His combination of speed, balance, and elusiveness made him a perfect complement to quarterback Johnny Unitas in one of football’s most potent offenses.
Moore helped lead the Colts to two NFL Championships (1958, 1959) and was known for his ability to break long plays from anywhere on the field. His consistency was unmatched — he once scored touchdowns in 18 consecutive games, a record that stood for decades.
Beyond his stats, Moore was admired for his professionalism, resilience, and quiet leadership. Lenny Moore was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1975, forever honored as one of the most dynamic dual-threat players in NFL history.
Moore's Awards and Honors
- 2× NFL champion (1958, 1959)
- 5× First-team All-Pro (1958–1961, 1964)
- 2× Second-team All-Pro (1956, 1957)
- 7× Pro Bowl (1956, 1958–1962, 1964)
- 2× Second-team All-American (1954, 1955)
- 3× First-team All-Eastern (1953–1955)
NFL Records
- Scored touchdowns in 18 consecutive games (NFL record for decades)
- Among the first great dual-threat offensive players
- Key member of the Colts’ championship dynasty
- NFL Most Valuable Player (1964)
- NFL Comeback Player of the Year (1964)
- NFL Rookie of the Year (1956)
NFL Teams
Baltimore Colts (1956–1967)
NFL Draft:
1956: 1st round, 9th overall pick
Baltimore Colts
Number Worn:
24
NFL Stats
Seasons:
12 (1956–1967)
Games Played:
143
Game Started:
118
Rushing yards:
5,174
Rushing average:
4.8
Rushing touchdowns:
63
Receptions:
364
Receiving yards:
6,039
Receiving touchdowns:
48
Leo Nomellini
Inducted:
1969
Player Stats
6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
259 lb (117 kg)
Born:
June 19, 1924
Lucca, Tuscany, Italy
Died:
October 17, 2000
Stanford, California, U.S.
Position:
Defensive tackle
College:
Minnesota (1946–1949)
Leo Nomellini was one of the toughest and most durable linemen in NFL history, excelling on both sides of the ball for the San Francisco 49ers (1950–1963). Known as “The Lion,” Nomellini played in every game of his 14-year career, demonstrating unmatched strength, stamina, and versatility. A first-round pick in the 1950 NFL Draft, he was equally dominant as a defensive tackle and offensive guard, earning 10 Pro Bowl selections and 6 First-Team All-Pro honors.
Nomellini’s rare ability to overpower opponents on defense while anchoring the offensive line when needed made him one of the most complete players of his era. Beyond his football achievements, he also had a career as a professional wrestler, where his physical prowess was equally legendary. His consistency, endurance, and leadership helped define the early years of the 49ers franchise.
Leo Nomellini was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1969, recognized as one of the NFL’s all-time great iron men.
Nomellini's Awards and Honors
- 6× First-team All-Pro (1951–1954, 1957, 1959)
- 3× Second-team All-Pro (1960–1962)
- 10× Pro Bowl (1950–1953, 1956–1961)
- NFL 1950s All-Decade Team
- NFL 50th Anniversary All-Time Team
- San Francisco 49ers Hall of Fame
- San Francisco 49ers No. 73 retired
NFL Records
- Played both offense and defense at an elite level
- Never missed a game in 14 seasons
- One of the most durable and versatile linemen in NFL history
NFL Teams
San Francisco 49ers (1950–1963)
NFL Draft:
1950: 1st round, 11th overall pick
San Francisco 49ers
Number Worn:
42, 73
NFL Stats
Seasons:
14 (1950–1963)
Games played:
174
Game Starts:
166
Sacks:
13.5
Safeties:
2
Fumble recoveries:
13
Total touchdowns:
1
LeRoy Butler
Inducted:
2022
Player Stats
6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
204 lb (93 kg)
Born:
July 19, 1968
Jacksonville, Florida, U.S.
Position:
Safety
College:
Florida State (1986–1989)
LeRoy Butler was a dynamic, hard-hitting safety who helped redefine the position with his blend of coverage skills, tackling, and playmaking. Spending his entire 12-year career with the Green Bay Packers, Butler was a cornerstone of the team’s dominant defense in the 1990s.
He recorded over 950 tackles, 38 interceptions, and 20.5 sacks — becoming the first player in NFL history to join the 20-sack/20-interception club. Butler was a key leader in Green Bay's Super Bowl XXXI championship team and was known for his game-changing plays and consistency.
He was named to the NFL 1990s All-Decade Team and selected to four Pro Bowls. Off the field, Butler is also credited with inventing the iconic “Lambeau Leap.” Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2022, he remains one of the most beloved figures in Packers history.
Butler's Awards and Honors
- Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame
- Consensus All-American (1989)
- Inducted into Pro Football Hall of Fame (2022)
- First player with 20 INTs & 20 sacks in career
NFL Records
- Super Bowl champion (XXXI)
- 4× First-team All-Pro (1993, 1996–1998)
- 4× Pro Bowl (1993, 1996-1998)
- NFL 1990s All-Decade Team
NFL Teams
Green Bay Packers (1990–2001)
NFL draft:
1990: 2nd round, 48th pick
Green Bay Packers
Numbers Worn:
36
NFL Stats
Seasons:
12 (1990–2001)
Games Played:
181
Tackles:
953
Sacks:
20.5
Interceptions:
38
Forced Fumbles:
13
Touchdowns:
4
Leroy Kelly
Inducted:
1994
Player Stats
6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
202 lb (92 kg)
Born:
May 20, 1942
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Position:
Running back
College:
Morgan State (1960-1963)
Leroy Kelly was one of the most consistent and explosive running backs of the late 1960s, known for his balance, vision, and scoring ability. Born on May 20, 1942, he joined the Cleveland Browns in 1964, initially serving as a backup to the legendary Jim Brown. When Brown retired in 1966, Kelly took over and immediately became one of the league’s top rushers.
Over a 10-year career, he rushed for 7,274 yards and 74 touchdowns, earning six consecutive Pro Bowl selections and two NFL rushing titles. Kelly’s blend of speed, agility, and durability made him a cornerstone of the Browns’ offense. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1994, he remains one of the franchise’s all-time greats.
Kelly's Awards and Honors
- NFL champion (1964)
- 4× First-team All-Pro (1966–1968, 1971)
- Second-team All-Pro (1969)
- 6× Pro Bowl (1966–1971)
- 2× NFL rushing yards leader (1967, 1968)
- 3× NFL rushing touchdowns leader (1966–1968)
- NFL scoring leader (1968)
- NFL 1960s All-Decade Team
NFL Records
- Succeeded Jim Brown and maintained Cleveland’s dominance in the run game
- Led the NFL in total touchdowns three straight seasons (1966–1968)
- Retired as one of the top 10 all-time rushers of his era
NFL Teams
Cleveland Browns (1964–1973)
NFL Draft:
1964: 8th round, 110th overall pick
Cleveland Browns
Number Worn:
44
NFL Stats
Seasons:
10 (1964–1973)
Games Played:
136
Game Started:
110
Rushing yards:
7,274
Average:
4.2
Rushing touchdowns:
74
Receptions:
190
Receiving yards:
2,281
Receiving touchdowns:
13
Return yards:
2,774
Return touchdowns:
3
Les Richter
Inducted:
2011
Player Stats
6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
238 lb (108 kg)
Born:
October 6, 1930
Fresno, California, U.S.
Died:
June 12, 2010
Riverside, California, U.S.
Position:
Linebacker
Guard
Placekicker
College:
California
Les Richter was one of the toughest and most respected linebackers of the 1950s and early 1960s. Born in 1930, he was selected second overall in the 1952 NFL Draft and became the heart of the Los Angeles Rams’ defense for nearly a decade. Known for his physical strength, relentless work ethic, and leadership, Richter played both linebacker and center early in his career, showcasing his versatility and football intelligence.
Over nine seasons, he appeared in 112 consecutive games — never missing one — and earned eight Pro Bowl selections. His impact went beyond statistics; he anchored a defense that defined the Rams’ identity throughout the decade. After retiring from football, Richter continued serving the sport through various executive and motorsport roles. His enduring influence and dedication to the game earned him induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011.
Richter's Awards and Honors
- 4× First-team All-Pro (1955–1958)
- 3× Second-team All-Pro (1959, 1960)
- 8× Pro Bowl (1954–1961)
- NFL 1950s All-Decade Team
- Louis Football Ring of Fame
NFL Records
- Played 112 consecutive games without missing one
- One of few players to star on both defense and offense
- Ranked among Rams’ all-time leaders in interceptions for a linebacker
NFL Teams
Los Angeles Rams (1954–1962)
NFL Draft:
1952: 1st round, 2nd overall pick
New York Yanks
Number Worn:
67, 48
NFL Stats
Seasons:
9 (1954–1962)
Games Played:
112
Games Started:
104
Fumble recoveries:
12
Interceptions:
16
Points:
193
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
Lou Creekmur
Inducted:
1996
Player Stats
6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
246 lb (112 kg)
Born:
January 22, 1927
Hopelawn, New Jersey, U.S.
Died:
July 5, 2009
Tamarac, Florida, U.S.
Position:
Offensive tackle
College:
William & Mary (1944; 1947–1949)
Lou Creekmur was the cornerstone of the Detroit Lions' dominant offensive line in the 1950s. After serving in the Army during WWII, he joined the Lions in 1950 and played every single snap from his rookie season through 1958—a streak of 165 consecutive games.
Versatile and durable, he began as a guard before moving to tackle, earning All-Pro honors six times and Pro Bowl nods eight straight years. Creekmur anchored the line during Detroit’s three NFL championship runs in 1952, 1953, and 1957. Known as "The Spirit," he protected quarterbacks like Bobby Layne and paved the way for powerful rushers like Doak Walker.
Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1996, Creekmur is remembered as one of the toughest, most reliable linemen in NFL history.
Creekmur's Awards and Records
- 3× NFL champion (1952, 1953, 1957)
- 6× First-team All-Pro (1951–1954, 1956, 1957)
- 2× Second-team All-Pro (1955, 1958)
- 8× Pro Bowl (1950–1957)
- Pride of the Lions
- Detroit Lions 75th Anniversary Team
- Detroit Lions All-Time Team
- Second-team All-SoCon (1949)
NFL Teams
Detroit Lions (1950–1959)
NFL Draft:
1948: 26th round, 243rd pick
Detroit Lions
Number Worn:
76
NFL Stats
NFL Seasons:
10 (1950–1959)
Games Played:
116
Games Started:
107
Positions:
Offensive Guard (1950–51)
Offensive Tackle (1952–59)
Consecutive Games Played:
165 (1950–58)
Fumble Recoveries:
3
Lou Groza
Inducted:
1974
Player Stats
6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
240 lb (109 kg)
Born:
January 25, 1924
Martins Ferry, Ohio, U.S.
Died:
November 29, 2000
Middleburg Heights, Ohio, U.S.
Position:
Offensive tackle
Placekicker
College:
Ohio State
Lou Groza was one of the NFL’s earliest and most versatile stars, known both as a dominant offensive tackle and a pioneering placekicker. Playing his entire career for the Cleveland Browns from 1946 to 1967, Groza helped lead the team to multiple championships in the All-America Football Conference (AAFC) and the NFL.
Nicknamed "The Toe," he was one of the first players to popularize the use of the placekick, revolutionizing scoring in professional football. Groza’s longevity and consistency made him a key figure for the Browns, contributing to their dominance in the 1950s. His strong blocking and reliable kicking helped shape the modern NFL, and he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1974.
Groza's Awards and Honors
- NFL Most Valuable Player (1954)
- 4× NFL champion (1950, 1954, 1955, 1964)
- 4× AAFC champion (1946–1949)
- 4× First-team All-Pro (1952–1955)
- 2× Second-team All-Pro (1956, 1957)
NFL Records
- NFL 1950s All-Decade Team
- NFL 50th Anniversary All-Time Team
- NFL scoring leader (1957)
- Most seasons played with a single team at the time of his retirement
- First offensive lineman to also lead the league in scoring (1957)
- First player in NFL history to be recognized as an elite dual-position athlete
NFL Teams
Cleveland Browns (1946–1959; 1961–1967)
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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. 🏈✨