Search By First Name of HOFers
Greasy Neale
Inducted:
1969
Player Stats
Born:
November 5, 1891
Parkersburg, West Virginia, U.S.
Died:
November 2, 1973
Lake Worth, Florida, U.S.
Position:
Coach
College:
West Virginia Wesleyan
Earle “Greasy” Neale was a brilliant strategist and one of the NFL’s most successful early head coaches. Best known for leading the Philadelphia Eagles (1941–1950), Neale built one of football’s first true dynasties through discipline, innovation, and defensive mastery. After guiding the Eagles to steady improvement, he led them to back-to-back NFL Championships in 1948 and 1949, with both victories coming by shutout — a feat still unmatched in league history.
Neale was a pioneer of modern defensive schemes, including the five-man line that later evolved into the 4–3 defense. Before coaching, he enjoyed a versatile athletic career, even appearing in Major League Baseball and the early NFL as a player. Known for his fiery personality and attention to detail, Neale’s leadership helped shape Philadelphia into a championship team.
Greasy Neale was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1969, recognized as one of the game’s great innovators and championship architects.
Neale's Awards and Records
- 2× NFL Champion (1948, 1949)
- NFL Coach of the Year (1949)
- Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Fame
- NFL 1940s All-Decade Team (Coach)
Notable Achievements
- Only coach to win consecutive championship shutouts (1948–1949)
- Pioneer of modern defensive formations
- Built the Eagles into a postwar NFL powerhouse
NFL Teams
As a coach:
Philadelphia Eagles (1941-1950
NFL Stats
Season Coached:
10 (1941–1950)
Win:
63
Lose:
43
Tie:
5
Win(%):
.590
Playoff Record:
3–1
Guy Chamberlin
Inducted:
1965
Player Stats
6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
196 lb (89 kg)
Born:
January 16, 1894
Blue Springs, Nebraska, U.S.
Died:
April 4, 1967
Lincoln, Nebraska, U.S.
Position:
End
Coach
College:
Nebraska
Guy Chamberlin was one of the NFL’s earliest stars, known for his leadership, toughness, and excellence as both a player and coach. He played from 1920 to 1927, starring at end while also serving as a head coach for much of his career.
Chamberlin won five NFL championships, the most by any player-coach in league history. A versatile and physical player, he excelled on both sides of the ball in an era when players played offense and defense.
His teams compiled an astounding .784 winning percentage under his leadership—a mark that still ranks among the best in NFL history. He helped elevate teams like the Canton Bulldogs and Frankford Yellow Jackets into dominant franchises.
Chamberlin was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1965 for his unmatched success during the NFL's early years.
Chamberlin's Awards and Honors
- Ohio League champion (1919)
- 5× NFL champion (1921–1924, 1926)
- 4× First-team All-Pro (1920, 1922–1924)
- NFL 1920s All-Decade Team
- Consensus All-American (1915)
- First-team All-Western (1915)
- 5× NFL Champion (Most by any player-coach in history)
- Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1965)
- NFL Coaching Winning Percentage: .784 (Among highest all-time)
- First player-coach to win three consecutive NFL titles
- Led four different franchises as head coach
- Charter member of NFL's early dynasties (Canton Bulldogs, Frankford Yellow Jackets, etc.)
- One of the NFL’s earliest two-way stars
NFL Teams
As Player
Canton Bulldogs (1919)
Decatur / Chicago Staleys (1920–1921)
Canton Bulldogs (1922–1923)
Cleveland Bulldogs (1924)
Frankford Yellow Jackets (1925–1926)
Chicago Cardinals (1927)
As Coach:
Canton Bulldogs (1922–1923)
Cleveland Bulldogs (1924)
Frankford Yellow Jackets (1925–1926)
Chicago Cardinals (1927)
Numbers Worn:
23
NFL Stats
Seasons:
8 (1920–1927)
Games Played:
60
Career Record as Coach:
58–16–7
Win%
.759
NFL Championships:
5 (1922, 1923, 1924, 1926, 1927)
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. 🏈✨
