NFL Hall of Fame

Clarke Hinkle was one of the toughest and most versatile players in NFL history, starring for the Green Bay Packers from 1932 to 1941. A powerful fullback and fierce competitor, he was equally effective on offense, defense, and special teams. Hinkle helped lead the Packers to NFL championships in 1936 and 1939, earning All-Pro honors in every one of his ten seasons.

Known for his punishing running style, he retired as the league’s all-time rushing leader with 3,860 yards. Hinkle also excelled as a linebacker, punter, and kicker, leading the league in rushing touchdowns, scoring, and field goals during his career. His durability, leadership, and two-way excellence made him one of the defining players of his era.

In 1964, he was honored with induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, securing his place among the game’s all-time greats.

Hinkle's Awards and Honors

2× NFL champion (1936, 1939)
7× First-team All-Pro (1932, 1935–1938, 1940, 1941)
3× NFL All-Star (1938–1940)
NFL rushing touchdowns co-leader (1937)
NFL scoring leader (1938)
NFL 1930s All-Decade Team

NFL Records

Retired as NFL’s all-time rushing leader (3,860 yards)
Starred on offense, defense, and special teams
Renowned for unmatched toughness and competitive spirit
Known for legendary physical battles with Bronko Nagurski

NFL Teams

Green Bay Packers (1932–1941)

Number Worn:
27, 30, 45, 41

NFL Stats

Seasons:
10 (1932–1941)
Games Played:
113
Games started:
82
Rushing yards:
3,860
Rushing touchdowns:
35
Receiving yards:
537
Receiving touchdowns:
9
Punt Returns:
2 returns for 38 yards
Kickoff Returns:
3

Claude Humphrey

Inducted:
2014

Player Stats

6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
252 lb (114 kg)

Born:
June 29, 1944
Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.

Died:
December 3, 2021
Memphis, Tennessee, U.S.

Position:
Defensive End

College:
Tennessee A&I (1964–1967)

Claude Humphrey, born February 16, 1944, in Memphis, Tennessee, was one of the most dominant defensive ends of his era. Playing primarily for the Atlanta Falcons from 1968 to 1978 and later the Philadelphia Eagles, Humphrey was known for his explosive pass rush, strength, and relentless pursuit of quarterbacks. He earned seven Pro Bowl selections and three First-Team All-Pro honors, establishing himself as a cornerstone of Atlanta’s defense.

Humphrey’s ability to disrupt offenses and generate turnovers helped his teams remain competitive in the NFL’s evolving landscape of the 1970s. Over a 13-season career, he recorded 126.5 unofficial sacks, multiple forced fumbles, and was feared for his speed off the edge.

Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2014, Humphrey’s career is celebrated for redefining the defensive end position, combining athleticism, power, and consistency to become one of the league’s premier pass rushers and a lasting influence on future generations.

Humphrey's Awards and Honors

7× Pro Bowl selection
3× First-Team All-Pro
Ranked among top pass rushers of his era
Key figure in Atlanta Falcons’ defensive development

NFL Records

Consistently disrupted opposing offenses for over a decade
Redefined the defensive end position with speed, power, and versatility
Influenced future generations of defensive linemen with his technique and athleticism
Recorded 126.5 career sacks, placing him among the top in NFL history pre-official sack tracking

NFL Teams

Atlanta Falcons (1968–1978)
Philadelphia Eagles (1979–1981)

NHL Draft:
1968: 1st round, 3rd overall
Atlanta Falcons

Number Worn:
87

NFL Stats

Seasons:
1968–1980
Games played:
171
Starts:
148
Forced fumbles:
11
Interceptions:
2
Touchdowns:
1
Pro Bowls:
7
First-Team All-Pro:
3

Cliff Battles

Inducted:
1968

Player Stats

Stats:
6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
195 lb (88 kg)

Born:
May 1, 1910
Akron, Ohio, U.S.

Died:
April 28, 1981
Clearwater, Florida, U.S.

Position:
Tailback

College:
West Virginia Wesleyan (1928–1931)

Cliff Battles was a pioneering NFL halfback whose dynamic play helped shape the early years of professional football. Joining the Boston Braves in 1932 (later the Redskins), he quickly made an impact by leading the league in rushing during his rookie season.

In 1933, he became the first NFL player to rush for over 200 yards in a single game, amassing 215 yards against the New York Giants—a record that stood for 17 years. Battles led the league in rushing again in 1937, contributing to Washington's NFL Championship victory that year.

Over six seasons, he totaled 3,511 rushing yards and 31 touchdowns, earning five All-NFL selections.

His exceptional performance and contributions to the game were recognized in 1968 when he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Battles' Awards and Honors

3× First-team All-Pro (1933, 1936, 1937)
2× Second-team All-Pro (1932, 1934)
NFL rushing touchdowns co-leader (1937)
NFL 1930s All-Decade Team
Washington Commanders 90 Greatest
Washington Commanders Ring of Fame

NFL Records

NFL champion (1937)
2× NFL rushing yards leader (1932, 1937)
NFL rushing touchdowns co-leader (1937)
First NFL player to rush over 200 yards in a game (215 yards in 1933)
Member of the 1937 NFL Championship team

NFL Teams

Boston Braves/ Redskins/ Washington Redskins (1932–1937)

Numbers Worn:
20

NFL Stats

Seasons:
6
Games Played:
60
Rushing yards:
3,511
Rushing average:
4.2
Rushing touchdowns:
23
Receptions:
38
Receiving yards:
546
Receiving touchdowns:
4

Cliff Branch

Inducted:
2022

Player Stats

5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
170 lb (77 kg)

Born:

August 1, 1948
Houston, Texas, U.S.

Died:
August 3, 2019
Bullhead City, Arizona, U.S.

Position:
Wide receiver

College:
Wharton County (1968–1969)
Colorado (1970–1971)

Cliff Branch was a game-changing wide receiver known for his blazing speed, deep-play ability, and clutch postseason performances with the Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders.

Drafted in the 4th round of the 1972 NFL Draft from the University of Colorado, Branch spent his entire 14-season NFL career (1972–1985) with the Raiders.

A three-time Super Bowl champion (XI, XV, XVIII), he was instrumental in stretching defenses and redefining the vertical passing game. Branch recorded over 1,000 receiving yards in three different seasons and led the league in receiving touchdowns twice (1974, 1976).

Despite often being overlooked for individual honors, his impact was undeniable—especially in the postseason, where he ranks among the Raiders' all-time leaders in playoff receptions and touchdowns.

In 2022, Branch was posthumously inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, cementing his place among football's greatest.

Branch's Awards and Honors

NFL 1970s All-Decade Team
Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (Class of 2022)
Raiders All-Time Playoff Leader in Receptions and Receiving Yards at Retirement
First player with a 99-yard TD catch in the postseason (1977 vs. Colts)

NFL Records

3× Super Bowl champion (XI, XV, XVIII)
3× First-team All-Pro (1974–1976)
4× Pro Bowl (1974–1977)
NFL receiving yards leader (1974)
2× NFL receiving touchdowns leader (1974, 1976)
Second-team All-Big Eight (1971)

NFL Teams

Oakland / Los Angeles Raiders (1972–1985)

NFL draft:
1972: 4th round, 98th pick
Oakland Raiders

Numbers Worn:
21

NFL Stats

Seasons Played:
14 (1972–1985)
Games Played:
183
Receptions:
501
Receiving Yards:
8,685
Yards per Reception:
17.3
Receiving Touchdowns:
67
Playoff Receptions:
73
Playoff Receiving Yards:
1,289
Playoff TDs:
5
Super Bowls Won:
3 (XI, XV, XVIII)

Cliff Harris

Inducted:
2020

Player Stats

6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
188 lb (85 kg)

Born:
November 12, 1948
Fayetteville, Arkansas, U.S.

Position:
Safety

College:
Ouachita Baptist (1966–1969)

Cliff Harris, affectionately known as “Captain Crash,” was a dynamic and fearless free safety for the Dallas Cowboys from 1970 to 1979. Undrafted out of Ouachita Baptist University, Harris defied expectations by securing a starting role and becoming a cornerstone of the Cowboys' defense. He played in five Super Bowls, winning two, and was a six-time Pro Bowl selection.

Renowned for his hard-hitting style and exceptional ball skills, Harris recorded 29 interceptions and 16 fumble recoveries over his career. His contributions were instrumental in the Cowboys' dominance during the 1970s, earning him a spot on the NFL 1970s All-Decade Team.

In 2020, Harris was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as part of the Centennial Class, solidifying his legacy as one of the game's greats.

Harris' Awards and Record

6× Pro Bowl Selection (1974–1979)
4× First-Team All-Pro (1974–1978)
NFL 1970s All-Decade Team
Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor (2004)
Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (2020)
Known for Hard-Hitting Play

NFL Teams

Dallas Cowboys (1970–1979)

NFL Draft:
1970: undrafted

Number Worn:
43

NFL Stats

Games played:
141
Interceptions:
29
Interception yards:
281
Touchdowns:
1
Fumble Recoveries:
16
Punt returns:
66
Punt return yards:
418
Kick return yards:
1,622
Sacks:
3
Super Bowl Appearances:
5 (VI, X, XII, XIII, XIV)
Super Bowl Victories:
2

Cortez Kennedy

Inducted:
2012

Player Stats

6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
306 lb (139 kg)

Born:
August 23, 1968
Osceola, Arkansas, U.S.

Died:
May 23, 2017
Orlando, Florida, U.S.

Position:
Defensive tackle

College:
Miami (FL)

Cortez Kennedy was one of the most dominant defensive tackles in NFL history, known for his rare combination of power, quickness, and leadership. Born on August 23, 1968, he spent his entire 11-year career with the Seattle Seahawks from 1990 to 2000. Kennedy quickly established himself as the cornerstone of Seattle’s defense, earning eight Pro Bowl selections and three First-Team All-Pro honors.

In 1992, he was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year, an extraordinary achievement given the Seahawks’ losing record that season—showing just how impactful he was on the field. Over his career, Kennedy recorded 58 sacks and was respected for his relentless work ethic and sportsmanship. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2012, he remains one of the greatest defensive linemen in league history.

Kennedy's Awards and Honors

8× Pro Bowl Selection (1991–1997, 1999)
3× First-Team All-Pro (1992–1994)
2× Second-team All-Pro (1991, 1996)
NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1992)
NFL 1990s All-Decade Team
Seattle Seahawks Ring of Honor

NFL Records

Named NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1992) despite team’s 2–14 record
Played his entire career with Seattle, symbolizing loyalty and consistency
Recognized as one of the top interior defenders of the 1990s era

NFL Teams

Seattle Seahawks (1990–2000)

NFL Draft:
1990: 1st round, 3rd overall pick
Seattle Seahawks

Number Worn:
96, 99

NFL Stats

Seasons:
11 (1990–2000)
Games Played:
167
Game Started:
153
Tackles:
668
Sacks:
58.0
Interceptions:
3
Forced Fumbles:
6
Fumble Recoveries:
11

Cris Carter

Inducted:
2013

Player Stats

6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
208 lb (94 kg)

Born:
November 25, 1965
Troy, Ohio, U.S.

Position:
Wide receiver

College:
Ohio State (1984–1986)

Cris Carter was one of the most precise route runners and sure-handed receivers in NFL history. Over a 16-season career, primarily with the Minnesota Vikings, Carter became known for his sideline footwork, body control, and ability to make clutch catches—especially in the red zone.

After early struggles in Philadelphia, Carter revived his career in Minnesota and became the team’s all-time leader in receptions and touchdowns. He recorded eight straight 1,000-yard seasons and posted double-digit touchdown totals in five consecutive years. By the time he retired, Carter ranked second all-time in receptions and receiving touchdowns.

He was named to eight Pro Bowls and twice led the league in touchdown catches. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2013, Carter’s legacy is built on consistency, discipline, and production at the highest level.

Carter's Awards and Honors

Minnesota Vikings Ring of Honor
Minnesota Vikings No. 80 retired
Bart Starr Award (1995)
Consensus All-American (1986)
2× First-team All-Big Ten (1985, 1986)
Florida Citrus Bowl champion (1985)
Cotton Bowl champion (1987)

NFL Records

Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year (1999)
2× First-team All-Pro (1994, 1999)
Second-team All-Pro (1995)
8× Pro Bowl (1993–2000)
NFL receptions leader (1994)
3× NFL receiving touchdowns leader (1995, 1997, 1999)
NFL 1990s All-Decade Team

NFL Teams

As a player:
Philadelphia Eagles (1987–1989)
Minnesota Vikings (1990–2001)
Miami Dolphins (2002)

As a coach:
Florida Atlantic (2023)
Volunteer coach

As an administrator:
Florida Atlantic (2024–present)
Executive director of player engagement

Supplemental draft:
1987: 4th round
Philadelphia Eagles

Numbers Worn:
80

NFL Stats

Seasons:
16 (1987–2002)
Games Played:
234
Game Started:
209
Receptions:
1,101
Receiving Yards:
13,899
Touchdowns:
130
100-Yard Games:
42

Curley Culp

Inducted:
2013

Player Stats

6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
265 lb (120 kg)

Born:

March 10, 1946
Yuma, Arizona, U.S.

Died:
November 27, 2021
Pearland, Texas, U.S.

Position:
Defensive tackle

College:
Arizona State

Curley Culp was a dominant force up front, renowned for transforming the defensive tackle position. After excelling in college, he joined the Kansas City Chiefs in 1968 and starred as part of the “Kansas City Sack Exchange.” In 1969, he helped the Chiefs win Super Bowl IV with disruptive pressure that choked opposing backfields. Traded to the Houston Oilers and later the Detroit Lions, Culp’s power and low-center-of-gravity technique made him nearly unblockable.

Playing 183 NFL games over 16 seasons, he earned All-Pro honors and Pro Bowl selections repeatedly. In 1988, he became the first defensive tackle enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Culp's impact is seen today in every inside pass rusher, making him not just a star of his era, but a foundational figure in defensive line play.

Culp's Awards and Records

Super Bowl champion (IV)
AFL champion (1969)
NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1975)
First-team All-Pro (1975)
4× Second-team All-Pro (1971, 1977–1979)
6× Pro Bowl (1969, 1971, 1975–1978)
Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame
First-team All-American (1967)
First defensive tackle ever inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (1988)

NFL Teams

Denver Broncos (1968)
Kansas City Chiefs (1968–1974)
Houston Oilers (1974–1980)
Detroit Lions (1980–1981)

NFL Draft:
1968: 2nd round, 31st pick
Denver Broncos

Number Worn:
61, 78, 77

NFL Stats

Seasons:
16 (1968–1981)
Games Played:
183
Forced fumbles:
14
Fumble recoveries:
10
Safeties:
1
Pro Bowls:
3 (1975–1977)
First-Team All-Pro:
1975
Second-Team All-Pro:
1971, 1976, 1977
Super Bowl Titles:
1

Curly Lambeau

Inducted:
1963

Player Stats

5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
185 lb (84 kg)

Born:
April 9, 1898
Green Bay, Wisconsin, U.S.

Died:
June 1, 1965
Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, U.S.

Position:
Halfback
Coach
General Manager

College:
Notre Dame

Earl “Curly” Lambeau was one of the true founding fathers of professional football. Born on April 9, 1898, in Green Bay, Wisconsin, Lambeau co-founded the Green Bay Packers in 1919 and became both their first head coach and star player. He led the team from its humble beginnings to NFL dominance, guiding the Packers to six NFL championships (1929–1931, 1936, 1939, 1944) — a record unmatched in his era.

Known for his innovative passing strategies, Lambeau helped evolve football from a run-heavy game into one where aerial attacks thrived. As a player-coach, he was a fierce competitor; as a coach, a visionary strategist. His legacy endures not just in records and titles, but in the very stadium that bears his name — Lambeau Field, one of the most iconic venues in sports.

Lambeau's Awards and Honors

6× NFL champion (1929–1931, 1936, 1939, 1944)
3× Second-team All-Pro (1922–1924)
NFL 1920s All-Decade Team
NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame
Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame

NFL Records

Introduced and popularized the forward pass in the NFL
One of the NFL’s founding figures and original visionaries
Helped make the Packers one of the league’s most storied franchises
First Packer to throw a pass, throw a touchdown pass, and make a field goal in Green Bay Packer franchise history

NFL Teams

As Player
Green Bay Packers (1919–1929)
As Coach
Green Bay East HS (WI) (1919)
Green Bay Packers (1920–1949)
Chicago Cardinals (1950–1951)
Washington Redskins (1952–1953)

Number Worn:
1, 14, 42, 20

NFL Stats

As Player-
Seasons:
8 (1922–1929)
Games Played:
71
Game Started:
45
Touchdown passes:
24
Field Goal:
3
Extra Points:
13
As Coach-
Coaching Career:
1921–1953
Regular season:
226–132–22 (.624)
Postseason:
3–2 (.600)
Career:
229–134–22 (.623)
NFL Titles:
6 (1929–1931, 1936, 1939, 1944)

Curtis Martin

Inducted:
2012

Player Stats

5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
210 lb (95 kg)

Born:
May 1, 1973
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, U.S.

Position:
Running back

College:
Pittsburgh (1991–1994)

Curtis Martin was one of the most consistent and dependable running backs in NFL history, known for his vision, durability, and quiet leadership. Over an 11-season career with the New England Patriots and New York Jets, Martin became the definition of reliability, rushing for over 1,000 yards in each of his first 10 seasons. Selected in the 1995 NFL Draft, he quickly established himself as a complete back who could run, catch, and block with equal excellence.

His patience and toughness made him one of the league’s most respected players both on and off the field. In 2004, at age 31, Martin led the NFL in rushing with 1,697 yards, showcasing his longevity and skill. He retired with over 14,100 rushing yards, ranking among the top five all-time at the time.

Admired for his humility as much as his talent, Curtis Martin was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2012, solidifying his place among football’s elite.

Martin's Awards and Honors

NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year (1995)
First-team All-Pro (2004)
2× Second-team All-Pro (1999, 2001)
5× Pro Bowl (1995, 1996, 1998, 2001, 2004)
NFL rushing yards leader (2004)
NFL 1990s All-Decade Team
New York Jets Ring of Honor

NFL Records

Rushed for 1,000+ yards in 10 straight seasons
Retired as fourth all-time leading rusher
Known for elite durability and professionalism

NFL Teams

New England Patriots (1995–1997)
New York Jets (1998–2005)

NFL Draft:
1995: 3rd round, 74th overall pick
New England Patriots

Number Worn:
28

NFL Stats

Seasons:
11 (1995–2005)
Games Played:
168
Game Started:
166
Rushing yards:
14,101
Yards per carry:
4.0
Rushing touchdowns:
90
Receptions:
484
Receiving yards:
3,329
Receiving touchdowns:
10

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. 🏈✨