Search By First Name of HOFers
Tony Dorsett
Inducted:
1994
Player Stats
5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
192 lb (87 kg)
Born:
April 7, 1954
Rochester, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Position:
Running back
College:
Pittsburgh (1973–1976)
Tony Dorsett was a game-changing running back whose speed, vision, and agility made him one of the NFL’s all-time greats. After winning the Heisman Trophy at Pitt, he joined the Dallas Cowboys in 1977 and made an instant impact, rushing for over 1,000 yards and helping Dallas win Super Bowl XII as a rookie.
Dorsett was the first player in football history to win a college national title, the Heisman, and a Super Bowl. He rushed for 1,000+ yards in 8 of his 12 NFL seasons, finishing with 12,739 rushing yards and 91 total touchdowns.
Known for his explosive breakaway speed, Dorsett holds the NFL record for the longest run from scrimmage — a 99-yard touchdown in 1983. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1994 and remains one of the most electrifying running backs to ever play the game.
Dorsett's Awards and Honors
- First-team All-Pro (1981)
- 2× Second-team All-Pro (1982, 1983)
- 4× Pro Bowl (1978, 1981–1983)
- 2× First-team All-American (1973, 1975)
- Second-team All-American (1974)
- 4× First-team All-East (1973−1976)
NFL Records
- NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year (1977)
- Holds the NFL record for the longest run from scrimmage
- First player in football history to win a college National Championship
- 4th all-time in rushing yards at retirement – 12,739 yards
- First Dallas Cowboys running back to rush for over 10,000 yards
NFL Teams
Dallas Cowboys (1977–1987)
Denver Broncos (1988)
NFL Draft:
1977: 1st round, 2nd pick
Dallas Cowboys
Number Worn:
33
NFL Stats
Seasons:
12 (1977–1988)
Games Played:
173
Rushing Yards:
12,739
Rushing Touchdowns:
77
Carries:
2,936
Yards per Carry:
4.3
Receptions:
398
Receiving Yards:
3,554
Receiving Touchdowns:
13
Total Touchdowns:
91
Tony Dungy
Inducted:
2016
Player Stats
6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
188 lb (85 kg)
Born:
October 6, 1955
Jackson, Michigan, U.S.
Position:
Coach
College:
Minnesota
Tony Dungy made history as both a player and coach, but he’s best known for his calm, principled leadership and lasting impact on the NFL. A former defensive back, Dungy began his career as a player with the Steelers before moving into coaching, where he became one of the most respected minds in the league.
He built the Tampa Bay Buccaneers into contenders and then made history with the Indianapolis Colts, becoming the first African American head coach to win a Super Bowl in 2007. Known for his composed sideline presence, Dungy led by example, prioritizing integrity, discipline, and team unity. Over 13 seasons as a head coach, he made the playoffs 10 times and finished with a remarkable .668 career win percentage.
Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2016, Dungy’s legacy goes far beyond wins—he helped redefine leadership in the NFL.
Dungy's Awards and Honors
- Super Bowl champion (XLI)
- 2× Greasy Neale Award (1997, 2005)
- George Halas Award (2006)
- Lamar Hunt Award (2009)
- NFL 2000s All-Decade Team
- Indianapolis Colts Ring of Honor (2010)
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers Ring of Honor (2018)
NFL Records
- First African American head coach to win a Super Bowl
- First head coach in NFL history to reach the playoffs in 10 consecutive seasons
- Architect of the "Tampa 2" defense
- One of only a few individuals to win a Super Bowl as both a player and head coach
- Fastest African American head coach to reach 100 wins
NFL Teams
Minnesota (1980)
Pittsburgh Steelers (1981–1983)
Pittsburgh Steelers (1984–1988)
Kansas City Chiefs (1989–1991)
Minnesota Vikings (1992–1995)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1996–2001)
Indianapolis Colts (2002–2008)
Number Worn:
21, 27
NFL Stats
Seasons:
13 (1996–2008)
Regular Season Record:
139 Wins – 69 Losses (.668)
Postseason Record:
9 Wins – 10 Losses
Total Career Record:
148 Wins – 79 Losses
Division Titles:
6 Playoff Appearances
Conference Titles:
1 (AFC – 2006)
Super Bowl Titles:
1 (Super Bowl XLI – 2006 season)
Coach of the Year:
1 (1997, Pro Football Weekly)
Tony Gonzalez
Inducted:
2019
Player Stats
6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
247 lb (112 kg)
Born:
February 27, 1976
Torrance, California, U.S.
Position:
Tight End
College:
California (1994–1996)
Tony Gonzalez is widely regarded as one of the greatest tight ends in NFL history. Over 17 seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs and Atlanta Falcons, Gonzalez redefined the position with his combination of size, athleticism, and consistency. He finished his career with 1,325 receptions, the most ever by a tight end and second-most by any player at the time of his retirement.
Known for his durability, Gonzalez missed only two games in his entire career and was a reliable target in every offensive scheme. He was selected to 14 Pro Bowls, earned 6 First-Team All-Pro honors, and recorded over 1,000 receiving yards in four different seasons.
Beyond statistics, Gonzalez helped usher in the era of the modern receiving tight end. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2019, a fitting honor for a player whose excellence, leadership, and longevity raised the bar for future generations.
Gonzalez's Awards and Honors
- 6× First-team All-Pro (1999–2001, 2003, 2008, 2012)
- 4× Second-team All-Pro (2002, 2004, 2006, 2007)
- 14× Pro Bowl (1999–2008, 2010–2013)
- Member of NFL 2000s All-Decade Team
NFL Records
- NFL receptions leader (2004)
- NFL 2000s All-Decade Team
- NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
- Most career receiving yards by a tight end: 15,127
- Most career receptions by a tight end: 1,325
NFL Teams
Kansas City Chiefs (1997–2008)
Atlanta Falcons (2009–2013)
NFL Draft:
1997: 1st round, 13th pick
Kansas City Chiefs
Number Worn:
88
NFL Stats
Seasons:
1997–2013
Games Played:
270
Games Started:
254
Receptions:
1,325
Receiving Yards:
15,127
Receiving Touchdowns:
111
100+ Yard Games:
31
Troy Aikman
Inducted:
2006
Troy Aikman was the cornerstone of the Dallas Cowboys' dominance in the 1990s. As the first overall pick in the 1989 NFL Draft, Aikman endured a rough rookie season but quickly developed into a poised and accurate passer.
Under his leadership, the Cowboys won three Super Bowls (XXVII, XXVIII, XXX), with Aikman earning Super Bowl XXVII MVP honors. His precision passing, leadership, and ability to perform in clutch moments made him one of the most reliable quarterbacks of his era.
Aikman finished his 12-year career with over 32,000 passing yards and six Pro Bowl selections. His ability to manage the game efficiently, combined with the dominance of the Cowboys' offensive line and skill players, made Dallas nearly unstoppable in the early ‘90s.
After retiring, Aikman transitioned into broadcasting, becoming a respected NFL analyst.
Aikman's Awards and Honors
- 3× Super Bowl Champion (XXVII, XXVIII, XXX)
- Super Bowl XXVII MVP
- 6× Pro Bowl Selection (1991–1996)
- Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor
- Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (2006)
NFL Records
- Most Wins by a Cowboys Quarterback (Until 2006) – 94 career wins
- Highest Completion Percentage in a Single Super Bowl – 70% (Super Bowl XXVII)
- 21 Career Game-Winning Drives
- 16 Fourth Quarter Comebacks
- Led Cowboys to Three Super Bowl Wins in Four Years (1992, 1993, 1995)
- Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (2006)
- Inducted into the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor
NFL Teams
Dallas Cowboys (1989–2000)
NFL draft:
1989: 1st round, 1st pick
Dallas Cowboys
Numbers Worn:
08
NFL Stats
Seasons:
12
Games Played:
165
Passing Touchdowns:
165
Passing Yards:
32,942
Completion %:
61.5
Interceptions:
58
QB Rating:
81.6
Pro Bowls:
6
Troy Polamalu
Inducted:
2020
Player Stats
5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)
207 lb (94 kg)
Born:
April 19, 1981
Garden Grove, California, U.S.
Position:
Safety
College:
USC (1999–2002)
Troy Polamalu was one of the most electrifying and instinctive safeties in NFL history, known for his explosive playmaking and fearless style. Playing his entire 12-year career (2003–2014) with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Polamalu became the emotional and defensive leader of a team that won two Super Bowls (XL, XLIII) and appeared in three. His unique blend of speed, anticipation, and athleticism allowed him to disrupt plays all over the field—leaping over linemen, intercepting passes, and delivering highlight-reel tackles.
Polamalu earned eight Pro Bowl selections, four First-Team All-Pro honors, and was named NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2010. Beyond his athletic brilliance, he was admired for his humility, intelligence, and leadership both on and off the field. His trademark flowing hair became as iconic as his game-changing presence. Troy Polamalu was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2020, forever remembered as a cornerstone of Pittsburgh’s defensive legacy.
Polamalu's Awards and Honors
- 2× Super Bowl champion (XL, XLIII)
- NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2010)
- 4× First-team All-Pro (2005, 2008, 2010, 2011)
- 2× Second-team All-Pro (2004, 2007)
- 8× Pro Bowl (2004–2008, 2010, 2011, 2013)
- NFL 2000s All-Decade Team
Notable Achievements
- Known for leaping over offensive lines to stop plays
- Key leader of Pittsburgh’s dominant 2000s defense
- Renowned for instincts, humility, and highlight-reel plays
NFL Teams
Pittsburgh Steelers (2003–2014)
NFL Draft:
2003: 1st round, 16th overall pick
Pittsburgh Steelers
Number Worn:
43
NFL Stats
Seasons:
12 (2003–2014)
Games Played:
158
Game Started:
142
Tackles:
783
Sacks:
12
Interceptions:
32
Forced fumbles:
14
Defensive touchdowns:
5
Pass deflections:
107
Tuffy Leemans
Inducted:
1978
Player Stats
6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
195 lb (88 kg)
Born:
November 12, 1912
Superior, Wisconsin, U.S.
Died:
January 19, 1979
Hillsboro Beach, Florida, U.S.
Position:
Fullback
Coach
College:
Oregon (1942)
George Washington (1933–1935)
Alphonse “Tuffy” Leemans was one of the NFL’s early stars, known for his toughness, versatility, and leadership as the backbone of the New York Giants offense in the 1930s and 1940s. A complete back, Leemans excelled at rushing, passing, and defense during an era when players did it all. He led the NFL in rushing as a rookie in 1936 and guided the Giants to an NFL Championship in 1938, earning a reputation for his relentless running style and team-first mentality.
Over eight seasons, he amassed more than 3,000 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns, remarkable totals for his era’s short seasons and physical play. Leemans was a two-time Pro Bowler and a First-Team All-Pro, admired by peers for his durability and consistency. His contributions helped solidify the Giants as one of the league’s early powerhouses.
Leemans' Awards and Honors
- NFL champion (1938)
- 2× First-team All-Pro (1936, 1939)
- 2× NFL All-Star Game (1938, 1941)
- NFL rushing yards leader (1936)
- NFL 1930s All-Decade Team
- New York Giants Ring of Honor
NFL Records
- Led NFL in rushing as a rookie (1936)
- Among the first true two-way stars in Giants history
- Known for exceptional durability and all-around play
NFL Teams
As Player
New York Giants (1936–1943)
As Coach
New York Giants (1943–1944)
George Washington (1946)
NFL Draft:
1936: 2nd round, 18th overall pick
New York Giants
Number Worn:
4
NFL Stats
Seasons:
8 (1936–1943)
Games Played:
80
Games Started:
37
Rushing yards:
3,130
Yards per carry:
3.4
Rushing touchdowns:
17
TD–INT:
25–32
Passing yards:
2,318
Interceptions:
4
Turk Edwards
Inducted:
1969
Player Stats
6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
255 lb (116 kg)
Born:
September 28, 1907
Mold, Washington, U.S.
Died:
January 10, 1973
Kirkland, Washington, U.S.
Position:
Tackle
College:
Washington State
Turk Edwards was one of the NFL’s original giants—both in size and in impact. A dominant two-way tackle during the 1930s, Edwards spent his entire nine-year career with the Boston/Washington franchise, helping establish the team as a perennial contender. Known for his strength, smarts, and clean play, he was a three-time All-NFL selection and a key part of Washington's first championship team.
His career ended in a freak injury during a coin toss in 1940, yet his legacy remained strong. Edwards was named to the NFL 1930s All-Decade Team and became a symbol of early pro football excellence. He later coached Washington and continued to shape the game from the sidelines. In 1969, he was honored as one of the inaugural inductees into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Edwards' Awards and Honors
- 3× First-team All-Pro (1934, 1936, 1937)
- 70 Greatest Redskins
- First-team All-American (1930)
- 2× First-team All-PCC (1930, 1931)
NFL Records
- NFL champion (1937)
- Played entire 9-year career with one franchise – Boston/Washington
- Named to the NFL 1930s All-Decade Team
- NFL All-Star (1939)
NFL Teams
Boston Braves / Redskins / Washington Redskins (1932–1940)
Number Worn:
17
NFL Stats
Seasons:
9 (1932–1940)
Games played:
86
Starts:
77
Touchdowns:
2
Games Played:
86
Ty Law
Inducted:
2019
Player Stats
5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
200 lb (91 kg)
Born:
February 10, 1974
Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Position:
Cornerback
College:
Michigan (1992–1994)
Ty Law was one of the premier shutdown cornerbacks of his era, known for his physical coverage, football intelligence, and ability to rise in big moments. Drafted by the New England Patriots in 1995, Law became the cornerstone of a defense that powered the franchise’s early 2000s dynasty. His aggressive press coverage and knack for reading quarterbacks made him a constant threat to opposing offenses. Law played 15 NFL seasons with the Patriots, Jets, Chiefs, and Broncos, recording 53 interceptions, including five returned for touchdowns.
A three-time Super Bowl champion and five-time Pro Bowler, he was especially dominant in postseason play — his pick-six against Peyton Manning in the 2003 AFC Championship remains iconic. Law’s combination of toughness and leadership set the tone for New England’s defensive identity. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2019, honored as one of the most complete cornerbacks of his generation.
Law's Awards and Honors
- 3× Super Bowl champion (XXXVI, XXXVIII, XXXIX)
- 2× First-team All-Pro (1998, 2003)
- 5× Pro Bowl (1998, 2001–2003, 2005)
- 2× NFL interceptions leader (1998, 2005)
- NFL 2000s All-Decade Team
- First-team All-American (1994)
- 2× First-team All-Big Ten (1993, 1994)
NFL Records
- Led NFL in interceptions twice (1998, 2005)
- Scored 6 postseason interceptions, including 3 in Super Bowl runs
- Key defensive leader in Patriots’ first championship dynasty
NFL Teams
New England Patriots (1995–2004)
New York Jets (2005)
Kansas City Chiefs (2006–2007)
New York Jets (2008)
Denver Broncos (2009)
NFL Draft:
1995: 1st round, 23rd overall pick
New England Patriots
Number Worn:
24, 22, 26
NFL Stats
Seasons:
15 (1995–2009)
Games Played:
203
Game Started:
189
Total tackles:
845
Forced fumbles:
7
Fumble recoveries:
5
Passes defended:
108
Interceptions:
53
Defensive touchdowns:
7
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. 🏈✨