Search By First Name of HOFers
Bruce Smith
Inducted:
2009
Player Stats
6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)
262 lb (119 kg)
Born:
June 18, 1963
Norfolk, Virginia, U.S.
Position:
Defensive End
College:
Virginia Tech (1981–1984)
Bruce Smith stands as one of the most dominant defensive players in NFL history and the league’s all-time sack leader. Drafted first overall by the Buffalo Bills in 1985, he quickly became a cornerstone of their defense with unmatched quickness, power, and technique. Smith anchored the Bills teams that reached four straight Super Bowls in the early 1990s, consistently disrupting offenses and commanding double teams.
His ability to pressure quarterbacks, stop the run, and deliver in big moments made him the league’s most complete edge rusher of his era. Across 19 seasons with Buffalo and Washington, he earned widespread respect for his work ethic and longevity. Smith finished his career with 200 sacks, a record that still stands.
His sustained excellence led to 11 Pro Bowls, multiple Defensive Player of the Year awards, and recognition as a true defensive icon. Bruce Smith was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2009.
Smith's Awards and Honors
- 2× NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1990, 1996)
- 8× First-team All-Pro (1987, 1988, 1990, 1993–1997)
- 3× Second-team All-Pro (1989, 1992, 1998)
- 11× Pro Bowl (1987–1990, 1992–1998)
- 2× NFL forced fumbles co-leader (1994, 1996)
NFL Records
- NFL’s all-time sack leader (200)
- Only player with 13 seasons of 10+ sacks
- NFL 1980s All-Decade Team
- NFL 1990s All-Decade Team
- NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
NFL Teams
Buffalo Bills (1985–1999)
Washington Redskins (2000–2003)
NFL Draft:
1985: 1st round, 1st overall pick
Buffalo Bills
Number Worn:
78
NFL Stats
Seasons:
19 (1985–2003)
Games Played:
279
Game Started:
267
Total tackles:
1,224
Sacks:
200
Safeties:
2
Forced fumbles:
43
Fumble recoveries:
15
Interceptions:
2
Defensive touchdowns:
1
Bruiser Kinard
Inducted:
1971
Stats
6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
216 lb (98 kg)
Born:
October 23, 1914
Pelahatchie, Mississippi, U.S.
Died:
September 7, 1985
Jackson, Mississippi, U.S.
Position:
Offensive tackle
College:
Ole Miss
Bruiser Kinard was one of the most dominant offensive tackles of the 1940s, renowned for his strength, agility, and leadership on the line. Born on February 10, 1914, Kinard played the majority of his professional career with the Brooklyn Dodgers (NFL) from 1937 to 1945 and later with the New York Yankees (AAFC).
A six-time All-Pro selection, he was widely regarded as a cornerstone of his teams’ offensive success, combining power blocking with intelligent play recognition. Kinard also served as a player-coach, showcasing his deep understanding of the game.
Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1971, he is remembered as one of the early NFL greats who helped set the standard for modern offensive linemen.
Kinard's Awards and Records
- 6× First-team All-Pro (1938, 1940–1944)
- 5× NFL All-Star (1938–1942)
- First-team All-AAFC (1946)
- 2× First-team All-American (1936, 1937)
- 2× First-team All-SEC (1936, 1937)
Notable Achivement
- Recognized for pioneering intelligent, agile offensive line play
- One of the few linemen of his era to also serve as player-coach
- Key contributor to Brooklyn Dodgers’ competitive teams in the 1940s
NFL Teams
As Player-
Brooklyn Dodgers / Tigers (1938–1944)
New York Yankees (1946–1947)
As Coach-
New York Yankees (1947)
As Operator-
Ole Miss (1948–1970)
NFL Draft:
1938: 3rd round, 18th overall pick
Brooklyn Dodgers
Number Worn:
25, 44
NFL Stats
Seasons:
7 (1938–1944)
Games played:
101
Games started:
89
Receiving Yards:
62
Receiving Touchdowns:
1
Bryant Young
Inducted:
2022
Player Stats
6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
291 lb (132 kg)
Born:
January 27, 1972
Chicago Heights, Illinois, U.S.
Position:
Defensive tackle
Defensive end
College:
Notre Dame (1989–1993)
Bryant Young was one of the most dominant defensive linemen of his era, anchoring the San Francisco 49ers’ defensive front with power, technique, and relentless effort. Drafted in 1994, Young quickly established himself as a premier defensive tackle, known for his ability to collapse the pocket, stop the run, and make plays behind the line of scrimmage. Over his 14-season career—all with the 49ers—he was a consistent force against elite offensive lines.
Young’s leadership, durability, and professionalism made him the emotional core of San Francisco’s defense, earning respect across the league. Despite suffering major injuries, he returned to perform at an elite level, exemplifying resilience and toughness. His remarkable career and lasting impact on defensive line play earned him induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2022.
Young's Awards and Honors
- Super Bowl champion (XXIX)
- 2× First-team All-Pro (1996, 1998)
- 2× Second-team All-Pro (1999, 2001)
- 4× Pro Bowl (1996, 1999, 2001, 2002)
- Most safeties in a season: 2 (1996; tied)
- Key leader of 49ers’ defensive line for over a decade
NFL Records
- NFL Comeback Player of the Year (1999)
- NFL 1990s All-Decade Team
- One of the most dominant defensive tackles of the 1990s and 2000s
NFL Teams
San Francisco 49ers (1994–2007)
NFL Draft:
1994: 1st round, 7th overall pick
San Francisco 49ers
Number Worn:
97
NFL Stats
Seasons:
14 (1994–2007)
Games Played:
208
Starts:
208
Total tackles:
627
Sacks:
89.5
Forced fumbles:
12
Fumble recoveries:
7
Passes defended:
20
Buck Buchanan
Inducted:
1990
Player Stats
6 ft 7 in (2.01 m)
270 lb (122 kg)
Born:
September 10, 1940
Gainesville, Alabama, U.S.
Died:
July 16, 1992
Kansas City, Missouri, U.S.
Position:
Defensive tackle
College:
Grambling (1959–1962)
Buck Buchanan was a dominant defensive force and one of the most physically imposing players of his time. Selected first overall in the 1963 AFL Draft by the Kansas City Chiefs, he became a cornerstone of their defense for 13 seasons.
At 6'7" and over 270 pounds, Buchanan combined rare size, strength, and speed to disrupt offenses from the defensive tackle position. He helped lead the Chiefs to two Super Bowl appearances, including a victory in Super Bowl IV.
Buchanan was a model of consistency, playing in 182 consecutive games and earning six AFL All-Star selections. A true pioneer, he was the first Black player ever taken first overall in a professional football draft.
Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990, Buchanan left behind a legacy as one of the AFL's greatest defenders and a trailblazer in pro football history.
Buchanan's Awards and Honors
- Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame
- Kansas City Chiefs No. 86 retired
- First-team Little All-American (1962)
- Pro Football Hall of Fame (1990)
NFL Records
- Super Bowl champion (IV)
- Second-team All-Pro (1971)
- 2× Pro Bowl (1970, 1971)
- NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
- AFL champion (1966)
- 6× AFL All-Star (1964–1969)
- 6× First-team All-AFL (1964–1969)
- AFL All-Time Team
NFL/AFL Teams
Kansas City Chiefs (1963–1975)
NFL draft:
1963: 19th round, 265th pick
Kansas City Chiefs
Numbers Worn:
86
NFL Stats
Seasons Played:
13 (1963–1975)
Games Played:
182
Fumble Recoveries:
7
Sacks:
68
Interceptions:
3
Super Bowl Appearances:
2 (I, IV)
Super Bowl Champion:
1× (IV)
Bud Grant
Inducted:
1994
Player Stats
6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
199 lb (90 kg)
Born:
Harry Peter Grant Jr.
May 20, 1927
Superior, Wisconsin, U.S.
Died:
March 11, 2023
Bloomington, Minnesota, U.S.
Position:
End
Coach
College:
Minnesota
Bud Grant was a legendary figure in pro football, known for his calm leadership and remarkable success as head coach of the Minnesota Vikings. After a brief playing career in both the NFL and CFL, Grant became a coaching icon, leading the Vikings from 1967 to 1985. Under his guidance, Minnesota won 11 division titles and appeared in four Super Bowls. Grant's teams were known for their discipline, strong defense, and cold-weather toughness.
His stoic presence on the sidelines—often in short sleeves despite freezing temperatures—became part of NFL folklore. He was also the first coach to take teams to both the Grey Cup and the Super Bowl, cementing his place in football history. Beyond wins and losses, Grant built a culture of consistency and class. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1994, leaving behind one of the most respected legacies in the sport.
Grant's Awards and Honors
- 4× Grey Cup champion (1958, 1959, 1961, 1962)
- NFL championship (1969)
- NFL Coach of the Year (1969)
- CFL Coach of the Year (1965)
- Minnesota Vikings Ring of Honor
NFL Records
- One of only a few coaches to win 100+ games in both the NFL and CFL
- First coach to lead teams to both a Grey Cup (CFL) and Super Bowl (NFL)
- One of the winningest coaches in Minnesota Vikings franchise history
NFL Teams
As a player:
Philadelphia Eagles (1951–1952)
Winnipeg Blue Bombers (1953–1956)
As a coach:
Winnipeg Blue Bombers (1957–1966)
Minnesota Vikings (1967–1983; 1985)
As a staff member/executive:
Minnesota Vikings (1986–2022)
NFL draft:
1950: 1st round, 14th pick
Philadelphia Eagles
Number Worn:
86
NFL Stats
Playing Seasons:
1951-1952
Game Played:
24
Receptions:
56
Receiving yards:
997
Receiving touchdowns:
7
Coaching Seasons:
1967–1983, 1985
Regular season:
NFL: 158–96–5 (.620)
Postseason:
NFL: 10–12 (.455)
Bulldog Turner
Inducted:
1966
Player Stats
6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
237 lb (108 kg)
Born:
March 10, 1919
Plains, Texas, U.S.
Died:
October 30, 1998
Gatesville, Texas, U.S.
Position:
Center
Linebacker
College:
Hardin–Simmons (1937–1939)
Clyde “Bulldog” Turner was one of the most dominant and reliable two-way players of the NFL’s early era. Joining the Chicago Bears in 1940, he immediately became a cornerstone at center and linebacker, combining toughness, intelligence, and rare athleticism for his size. Turner excelled in George Halas’ system, helping guide the Bears to four NFL Championships during the 1940s.
On offense, he was known for his precise snapping and strong blocking; on defense, he was a playmaker with excellent instincts, finishing his career with 17 interceptions—an impressive feat for a linebacker of that era. Turner’s leadership, durability, and consistency made him one of the Bears’ most trusted players throughout his 13 seasons.
Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1966, he remains a symbol of Chicago’s championship legacy and a standard for early NFL two-way excellence.
Turner's Awards and Honors
- 4× NFL champion (1940, 1941, 1943, 1946)
- 7× First-team All-Pro (1941–1944, 1946–1948)
- 4× Pro Bowl (1940, 1941, 1950, 1951)
- NFL interceptions leader (1942)
- NFL 1940s All-Decade Team
- Chicago Bears No. 66 retired
NFL Records
- One of the NFL’s most accomplished two-way players of the 1940s
- Anchored Bears teams that set early standards for dominance
- Among the few centers with double-digit career interceptions
- Key contributor to four championship-winning squads
NFL Teams
Chicago Bears (1940–1952)
NFL Draft:
1940: 1st round, 7th overall pick
Chicago Bears
Number Worn:
66
NFL Stats
Seasons:
13 (1940–2052)
Games Played:
138
Games Started:
127
Interceptions:
17
Interception yards:
298
Fumble recoveries:
5
Total touchdowns:
4
NFL Championships:
4
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. 🏈✨
