Search By First Name of HOFers
Wellington Mara
Inducted:
1997
Owner Stats
Born:
August 14, 1916
Rochester, New York, U.S.
Died:
October 25, 2005
Rye, New York, U.S.
Position:
Team Owner
College:
Fordham
Wellington Mara was one of the most respected and influential figures in NFL history, serving as co-owner of the New York Giants for over six decades. The son of Giants founder Tim Mara, Wellington joined the organization as a teenager and helped guide it through eras of transformation, both on and off the field. His leadership was marked by loyalty, fairness, and a deep commitment to the game’s integrity. Under his stewardship, the Giants became one of the league’s most stable and successful franchises, winning six NFL Championships and two Super Bowls.
Beyond team success, Mara played a key role in shaping the NFL’s rise to prominence, particularly through his advocacy for revenue sharing, which ensured league-wide parity and growth. Revered by players, coaches, and executives alike, Wellington Mara embodied class and sportsmanship throughout his life. In recognition of his lifelong contributions, Wellington Mara was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1997.
Mara's Awards and Honors
- 2× Super Bowl Champion (XXI, XXV)
- 6× NFL Champion (pre-Super Bowl era)
- Pro Football Hall of Fame (1997)
- New York Giants Ring of Honor
Notable Achievements
- Instrumental in implementing NFL revenue sharing
- Served more than 60 years in NFL leadership
- Respected as one of the league’s most influential owners and ambassadors
NFL Teams
New York Giants (1959–2005)
NFL Tenure
Executive Tenure:
1937–2005
Franchise:
New York Giants
NFL Championships:
4 (1927, 1934, 1938, 1956)
Super Bowl champion:
2 (XXI, XXV)
Will Shields
Inducted:
2015
Player Stats
6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
320 lb (145 kg)
Born:
September 15, 1971
Fort Riley, Kansas, U.S.
Position:
Guard
College:
Nebraska
Will Shields became one of the most durable and technically sound guards in NFL history, building a legendary career with the Kansas City Chiefs. Drafted in 1993, he immediately earned a starting role and never missed a single game in 14 seasons. Shields was known for his balance, power, and discipline, excelling in both run blocking and pass protection while anchoring some of the league’s most productive offenses. His reliability helped produce multiple 1,000-yard rushers and kept Kansas City among the NFL’s top rushing teams for much of his career.
Shields earned 12 straight Pro Bowl selections, one of the highest totals ever for an offensive lineman, and was widely respected for his leadership on and off the field. His consistency, professionalism, and elite technique made him a model of excellence for modern guards. Will Shields was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2015, cementing his legacy as one of the greatest interior linemen of all time.
Shields' Awards and Honors
- Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year (2003)
- 3× First-team All-Pro (1999, 2002, 2003)
- 4× Second-team All-Pro (1997, 2004–2006)
- 12× Pro Bowl (1995–2006)
- NFL 2000s All-Decade Team
NFL Records
- Never missed a game in his entire 14-year career
- One of only a few linemen with 12 straight Pro Bowl selections
- Core blocker for multiple top-ranked rushing offenses
NFL Teams
Kansas City Chiefs (1993–2006)
NFL Draft:
1993: 3rd round, 74th overall pick
Kansas City Chiefs
Number Worn:
68
NFL Stats
Seasons:
14 (1993–2006)
Games Played:
224
Games Started:
223
Fumble recoveries:
9
Super Bowl Wins:
12 (1995–2006)
Willie Brown
Inducted:
1984
Player Stats
6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
195 lb (88 kg)
Born:
December 2, 1940
Yazoo City, Mississippi, U.S.
Died:
October 21, 2019
Tracy, California, U.S.
Position:
Cornerback
College:
Grambling (1959–1962)
Willie Brown was a trailblazing cornerback whose physical style and instincts helped redefine pass defense in the NFL. Undrafted in 1963, Brown defied the odds and became a star with the Denver Broncos before finding his legendary home with the Oakland Raiders.
Known for his bump-and-run coverage and aggressive play, Brown was a cornerstone of the Raiders’ defense for over a decade. His most iconic moment came in Super Bowl XI, when he returned an interception 75 yards for a touchdown, sealing the win and delivering one of the most memorable plays in NFL history.
A five-time AFL All-Star and four-time Pro Bowler, Brown finished his career with 54 interceptions. After retiring, he remained with the Raiders in coaching and executive roles, continuing his legacy off the field. Brown was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1984.
Brown's Awards and Honors
- Super Bowl champion (XI)
- AFL champion (1967)
- 3× First-team All-AFL (1964, 1968, 1969)
- 2× First-team All-Pro (1971, 1973)
- Second-team All-AFL (1967)
- Second-team All-Pro (1972)
- 5× AFL All-Star (1964, 1965, 1967–1969)
- 4× Pro Bowl (1970–1973)
- NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
- NFL 1970s All-Decade Team
- AFL All-Time Team
- 2× Super Bowl champion (XV, XVIII)
- Most passes intercepted in a game: 4 (tied)
NFL/AFL Teams
As Player
Houston Oilers (1963)
Denver Broncos (1963–1966)
Oakland Raiders (1967–1978)
As Coach
Oakland / Los Angeles Raiders (1979–1988)
Defensive backs coach
Long Beach State (1991)
Jordan HS (CA) (1994)
AFL draft:
1963: Undraftedth round
Numbers Worn:
81
NFL Stats
Games Played:
204
Game Started:
185
Interceptions:
54
Interception Return Yards:
472
Touchdowns:
2 (including a Super Bowl TD)
Fumble Recoveries:
4
Super Bowl Appearances:
3 (II, XI, XV)
Super Bowl Champion:
1× (XI)
Willie Davis
Inducted:
1981
Player Stats
6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
243 lb (110 kg)
Born:
July 24, 1934
Lisbon, Louisiana, U.S.
Died:
April 15, 2020
Santa Monica, California, U.S.
Position:
Defensive End
College:
Grambling (1954–1957)
Willie Davis was a cornerstone of the Green Bay Packers’ dynasty under Vince Lombardi. Originally drafted by the Cleveland Browns in 1956, Davis found his true impact after being traded to the Packers in 1960. A dominant defensive end, Davis became the heart of a defense that helped lead Green Bay to five NFL Championships, including victories in the first two Super Bowls.
Renowned for his intelligence, leadership, and relentless pursuit of quarterbacks, Davis was estimated to have recorded over 100 career sacks, though sacks were not an official stat during his playing days. He was also the first African American team captain in Packers history.
Durable and dependable, Davis never missed a game in ten seasons with Green Bay, earning widespread respect on and off the field. His consistency and championship pedigree cemented his legacy as one of the greatest defensive players in NFL history.
Davis' Awards and Honors
- 2× Super Bowl champion (I, II)
- 5× NFL champion (1961, 1962, 1965–1967)
- 5× First-team All-Pro (1962, 1964–1967)
- Second-team All-Pro (1963)
- 5× Pro Bowl (1963–1967)
- NFL 1960s All-Decade Team
- NFF Distinguished American Award (1982)
- Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame
NFL Records
- Member of the NFL 1960s All-Decade Team
- One of the few players to win both Super Bowl I and II
- Five NFL Championships (tied for most by a defensive player)
- First African American team captain in Green Bay Packers history
NFL Teams
Cleveland Browns (1958–1959)
Green Bay Packers (1960–1969)
NHL Draft:
1956: 15th round, 181st pick
Cleveland Browns
Number Worn:
77, 87
NFL Stats
NFL Seasons:
12 (1958–1969)
Games Played:
162
Estimated Career Sacks:
100+ (unofficial)
Fumble Recoveries:
22
Interceptions:
1
Willie Lanier
Inducted:
1986
Player Stats
6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
245 lb (111 kg)
Born:
August 21, 1945
Clover, Virginia, U.S.
Position:
Linebacker
College:
Morgan State (1963–1966)
Willie Lanier was a trailblazing middle linebacker who brought power, intelligence, and leadership to the Kansas City Chiefs defense during the late 1960s and 1970s. Known for his punishing tackles and instinctive play, Lanier became the NFL’s first African American to start at middle linebacker — a position demanding both physical and mental command of the game. He anchored a defense that led the Chiefs to victory in Super Bowl IV, solidifying their place among football’s elite.
Over his 11-season career, Lanier recorded 27 interceptions and 18 fumble recoveries, remarkable numbers for a linebacker of his era. Beyond his on-field dominance, he was respected for his professionalism and strategic understanding of the game. Lanier was named to eight Pro Bowls and three First-Team All-Pro selections. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1986, celebrated as one of the most complete linebackers in NFL history.
Lanier's Awards and Honors
- Super Bowl champion (IV)
- 8× All-Pro (1968–1975)
- 6× Pro Bowl (1970–1975)
- NFL Man of the Year (1972)
- 2× AFL All-Star (1968, 1969)
- 2× All-AFL (1968, 1969)
- NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team
- NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
NFL Records
- First African American starting middle linebacker in NFL history
- Leader of Chiefs’ dominant defense in Super Bowl IV
- Renowned for combining physical dominance with exceptional football intellect
NFL Teams
Kansas City Chiefs (1967–1977)
NFL Draft:
1967: 2nd round, 50th overall pick
Kansas City Chiefs
Number Worn:
63
NFL Stats
Seasons:
11 (1967–1977)
Games Played:
149
Games Started:
105
Interceptions:
27
Touchdowns:
2
Fumble recoveries:
18
Willie Roaf
Inducted:
2012
Player Stats
6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
320 lb (145 kg)
Born:
April 18, 1970
Pine Bluff, Arkansas, U.S.
Position:
Offensive tackle
College:
Louisiana Tech (1989–1992)
Willie Roaf was one of the most dominant and technically gifted offensive tackles in NFL history. Born in 1970, he was selected eighth overall by the New Orleans Saints in the 1993 NFL Draft. Known for his exceptional athleticism, balance, and power, Roaf quickly became one of the league’s premier left tackles, anchoring offensive lines with consistency and leadership. After nine standout seasons with the Saints, he continued his excellence with the Kansas City Chiefs, helping them field one of the most explosive offenses of the early 2000s.
Over his 13-year career, Roaf earned 11 Pro Bowl selections and six First-Team All-Pro honors, a testament to his elite performance and longevity. His ability to neutralize the game’s best pass rushers made him a cornerstone of every team he played for. Roaf’s remarkable career and lasting impact on offensive line play earned him induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2012.
Roaf's Awards and Honors
- 4× First-team All-Pro (1994, 1995, 2003, 2004)
- 5× Second-team All-Pro (1996, 1997, 2000, 2002, 2005)
- 11× Pro Bowl (1994–2000, 2002–2005)
- NFL 1990s All-Decade Team
- NFL 2000s All-Decade Team
NFL Records
- One of few players named to two All-Decade Teams (1990s & 2000s)
- Longest-serving All-Pro offensive tackle of his era
- Anchored offensive lines for multiple top-ranked rushing offenses
NFL Teams
New Orleans Saints (1993–2001)
Kansas City Chiefs (2002–2005)
NFL Draft:
1993: 1st round, 8th overall pick
New Orleans Saints
Number Worn:
77
NFL Stats
Seasons:
13 (1993–2005)
Games Played:
189
Games Started:
189
Fumble recoveries:
4
Pro Bowl selections:
11
Willie Wood
Inducted:
1989
Player Stats
5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
190 lb (86 kg)
Born:
December 23, 1936
Washington, D.C., U.S.
Died:
February 3, 2020
Washington, D.C., U.S.
Position:
Safety
College:
USC
Willie Wood was one of the most exceptional safeties in NFL history, known for his intelligence, ball-hawking ability, and leadership on the field. Playing his entire career with the Green Bay Packers from 1960 to 1971, Wood was a key figure in the Packers’ dynasty under coach Vince Lombardi. Despite being undrafted, he quickly became a starter, earning a reputation for reading offenses, making timely interceptions, and delivering precise tackles.
Wood’s speed and anticipation allowed him to change the momentum of games and create scoring opportunities for his team. He played a vital role in five NFL Championships, including the first two Super Bowls, and was often a leader both on defense and in the locker room. Willie Wood’s remarkable career and pioneering contributions to the safety position earned him induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1989.
Wood's Awards and Honors
- 2× Super Bowl champion (1966, 1967)
- 5× First-team All-Pro (1964–1967, 1969)
- 4× Second-team All-Pro (1962, 1963, 1968, 1970)
- 8× Pro Bowl (1962, 1964–1970)
- First undrafted player to become a Hall of Fame safety
- Key defensive leader in first two Super Bowls
NFL Records
- NFL Interceptions leader (1962)
- NFL 1960s All-Decade Team
- 5× NFL champion (1961, 1962, 1965, 1966, 1967)
NFL Teams
Green Bay Packers (1960–1971)
NFL Draft:
1960: undrafted
Number Worn:
24
NFL Stats
Seasons:
12 (1960–1971)
Games Played:
166
Game Started:
150
Interceptions:
48
Interception yards:
699
Defensive touchdowns:
2
Fumble Recovery:
16
Fumble Yards:
39
Winston Hill
Inducted:
2020
Player Stats
6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
270 lb (122 kg)
Born:
October 23, 1941
Joaquin, Texas, U.S.
Died:
April 26, 2016
Denver, Colorado, U.S.
Position:
Offensive tackle
College:
Texas Southern
Winston Hill was a formidable and consistently reliable offensive tackle whose extraordinary durability and grace defined a Hall of Fame career. From his roots at Texas Southern University—where he starred on both lines and earned three All-SWAC honors—he transitioned to the pro ranks in 1963 with the New York Jets. Over 14 seasons, he became the anchor of their offensive line, playing a franchise-record 195 consecutive games with 174 straight starts.
An ironman protector of Joe Namath, Hill helped pave the way to the historic win in Super Bowl III. He earned eight all-star nods—four AFL and four Pro Bowls—and was named to the AFL’s All-Time Team. After a final brief stint with the Rams, he retired and was posthumously inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2020. His legacy endures as one of the greatest linemen in Jets history, remembered for his strength, consistency, and championship pedigree.
Hill's Awards and Honors
- Super Bowl champion (III)
- AFL champion (1968)
- First-team All-AFL (1969)
- 3× Second-team All-Pro (1970–1972)
- Second-team All-AFL (1968)
- 4× Pro Bowl (1970–1973)
- 4× AFL All-Star (1964, 1967–1969)
NFL Records
- Most Consecutive Games Played by a New York Jets Player
- Most Consecutive Starts by a New York Jets Player
- Most Seasons Played with the New York Jets: 14 seasons
- Only Offensive Lineman in Jets History with Eight All-Star/Pro Bowl Selections
- One of Only Two Jets Players to Start in Both an AFL Championship Game and a Super Bowl Victory
NFL Teams
New York Jets (1963–1976)
Los Angeles Rams (1977)
NFL Draft:
1963: 11th round, 145th overall
New York Jets
Number Worn:
75, 73
NFL Stats
Seasons:
15 (1963–1977)
Games Played:
198
Games Started:
182
Consecutive Games Played (Jets record):
195
Consecutive Starts (Jets record):
174
Fumble Recoveries:
4
Y. A. Tittle
Inducted:
1971
Player Stats
6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
192 lb (87 kg)
Born:
October 24, 1926
Marshall, Texas, U.S.
Died:
October 8, 2017
Stanford, California, U.S.
Position:
Quarterback
College:
LSU (1944-1947)
Y. A. Tittle was one of the NFL’s premier quarterbacks of the 1950s and 1960s, known for his accuracy, leadership, and competitive spirit. Playing for the Baltimore Colts, San Francisco 49ers, and New York Giants, Tittle became a prolific passer who consistently led his teams to winning records and championship contention. He set numerous passing records, including leading the league in touchdown passes multiple seasons, and was renowned for his poise in high-pressure situations.
Tittle’s iconic image, bloodied yet determined in a 1964 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers, symbolizes his toughness and dedication. Over his career, he was a seven-time Pro Bowler and three-time First-Team All-Pro. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1971, Tittle’s influence helped shape the modern passing game and left a lasting legacy as one of football’s most cerebral and resilient quarterbacks.
Tittle's Awards and Honors
- NFL Most Valuable Player (1963)
- 3× First-team All-Pro (1957, 1962, 1963)
- 7× Pro Bowl (1953, 1954, 1957, 1959, 1961–1963)
- 3× NFL passing touchdowns leader (1955, 1962, 1963)
- 2× NFL completion percentage leader (1957, 1963)
- NFL passer rating leader (1963)
NFL Records
- 7 touchdown passes in a game
- 3× NFL passing touchdowns leader
- Set multiple single-season passing yard records
- Known for iconic “bloodied” 1964 game symbolizing toughness and perseverance
- Helped popularize the modern vertical passing attack
NFL Teams
Baltimore Colts (1948–1950)
San Francisco 49ers (1951–1960)
New York Giants (1961–1964)
NFL Draft:
1948: 1st round, 6th overall
Detroit Lions
1951: 1st round, 3rd overall (Redrafted)
San Francisco 49ers
Number Worn:
63, 64, 14
NFL Stats
Seasons:
17 (1948–1964)
Games Played:
204
Game Started:
152
TD–INT:
242–248
Passing yards:
33,070
Completion percentage:
55.2%
Passer rating:
74.3
Rushing yards:
1,245
Rushing touchdowns:
39
Yale Lary
Inducted:
1979
Player Stats
5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
185 lb (84 kg)
Born:
November 24, 1930
Fort Worth, Texas, U.S.
Died:
May 11, 2017
Fort Worth, Texas, U.S.
Position:
Safety
Punter
Return specialist
College:
Texas A&M
Yale Lary was one of the most versatile and intelligent players of his era, starring for the Detroit Lions throughout the 1950s and early 1960s. A complete athlete, he excelled as a safety, punter, and return specialist, combining athleticism with sharp football instincts. Lary played a key role in the Lions’ defensive dominance, helping them capture three NFL Championships (1952, 1953, 1957).
As a safety, he recorded 50 interceptions, showcasing his anticipation and field awareness, while as a punter, he consistently flipped field position with accuracy and distance. Renowned for his consistency and leadership, he was named to nine Pro Bowls and multiple All-Pro teams during his 11-season career. Beyond his on-field excellence, Lary was respected for his integrity and football IQ.
He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979, recognized as one of the most complete players in Detroit Lions history.
Lary's Awards and Honors
- 3× NFL champion (1952, 1953, 1957)
- 3× First-team All-Pro (1956, 1958, 1962)
- 2× Second-team All-Pro (1957, 1959)
- 9× Pro Bowl (1953, 1956–1962, 1964)
- NFL 1950s All-Decade Team
NFL Records
- One of few players to excel as safety, punter, and returner
- Led NFL in punting average three times
- Key defensive leader in Lions’ 1950s championship dynasty
NFL Teams
Detroit Lions (1952–1953, 1956–1964)
NFL Draft:
1952: 3rd round, 34th overall pick
Detroit Lions
Number Worn:
28
NFL Stats
Seasons:
11 (1952–1953, 1956–1964)
Games Played:
133
Game Started:
129
Interceptions:
50
Interception yards:
787
Punts:
503
Punting yards:
22,279
Punt Return Touchdowns:
2
Zach Thomas
Inducted:
2023
Player Stats
5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
242 lb (110 kg)
Born:
September 1, 1973
Pampa, Texas, U.S.
Position:
Linebacker
College:
Texas Tech (1992–1995)
Zach Thomas became one of the NFL’s most dependable and instinctive middle linebackers, building a remarkable career through elite preparation, toughness, and outstanding football intelligence. Drafted in the fifth round in 1996, he quickly established himself as the heart of the Miami Dolphins’ defense. Thomas had a rare ability to diagnose plays before the snap, shed blocks, and pursue ball carriers with unmatched effort. He recorded more than 100 tackles in 10 different seasons and consistently ranked among the league’s most productive defenders.
Despite being undersized for his position, his speed, discipline, and leadership made him one of the defining linebackers of his era. Thomas earned seven Pro Bowl selections, multiple All-Pro honors, and helped anchor some of the NFL’s top defensive units. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2023, he is remembered as a relentless competitor who maximized every snap and set the standard for modern inside linebacker play.
Thomas' Awards and Honors
- 5× First-team All-Pro (1998, 1999, 2002, 2003, 2006)
- 2× Second-team All-Pro (2001, 2005)
- 7× Pro Bowl (1999–2003, 2005, 2006)
- 10 seasons with 100+ tackles
- 2× NFL Alumni Linebacker of the Year (1998, 2006)
- 2× NFL combined tackles leader (2002, 2006)
NFL Records
- NFL 2000s All-Decade Team
- One of the highest career tackle totals among linebackers
- Key leader of multiple top-ranked Dolphins defenses
NFL Teams
Miami Dolphins (1996–2007)
Dallas Cowboys (2008)
Kansas City Chiefs (2009)
NFL Draft:
1996: 5th round, 154th overall pick
Miami Dolphins
Number Worn:
54, 55
NFL Stats
Seasons:
13 (1996-2008)
Games Played:
184
Games Started:
182
Total tackles:
1,734
Sacks:
20.5
Forced fumbles:
16
Fumble recoveries:
8
Interceptions:
17
Defensive touchdowns:
4
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