Search By First Name of HOFers
Charles Bidwill
Inducted:
1967
Player Stats
Born:
September 16, 1895
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Died:
April 19, 1947
Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Position:
Team owner
College:
Loyola University Chicago
Charles W. Bidwill Sr. was a visionary NFL team owner who played a major role in shaping early professional football. A successful Chicago businessman, Bidwill purchased the Chicago Cardinals in 1933 after previously owning a stake in the Chicago Bears.
Under his leadership, the Cardinals became one of the league's most competitive franchises. His most famous move came in 1947 when he signed college star Charley Trippi for a then-record $100,000, forming the famed "Million Dollar Backfield." That same year, the Cardinals won the NFL Championship, their first in 22 years.
Bidwill was also instrumental in stabilizing the NFL during the Great Depression and World War II, helping guide the league through turbulent times. Though he passed away shortly before the Cardinals’ 1947 title win, his legacy endured.
He was posthumously inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1967, honored as one of the league’s foundational figures and a driving force behind its early growth.
Bidwill's Awards and Honors
- Arizona Cardinals Ring of Honor
- Chicagoland Sports Hall of Fame
- Owner of the Chicago Cardinals (1933–1947)
- Architect of the "Million Dollar Backfield"
- Supporter of NFL Stability
- Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1967)
- Named one of the NFL’s Foundational Figures
NFL Teams
Chicago Bears (1931–1933)
Minority owner
Chicago Cardinals (1933–1947)
Owner
NFL Summary
Role:
Owner of the Chicago Cardinals (1933–1947)
Yeas Active:
1933–1947 (14 seasons)
Team Record Under Ownership:
W-L-T: 70–87–13 (Approx.)
Championships:
NFL Champion (1947)
Charles Haley
Inducted:
2015
Stats
6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
252 lb (114 kg)
Born:
January 6, 1964
Gladys, Virginia, U.S.
Position:
Defensive end
Linebacker
College:
James Madison (1982–1985)
Charles Haley is remembered as one of the most dominant pass rushers of his generation and the only player in NFL history to win five Super Bowl championships as a player. Drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in 1986, Haley quickly established himself as a relentless linebacker and defensive end, using his rare combination of size, speed, and aggression to disrupt offenses.
After winning two Super Bowls with the 49ers, he was traded to the Dallas Cowboys, where he became the defensive cornerstone of their dynasty in the 1990s, adding three more championships. Over his 13-year career, Haley recorded 100.5 sacks, earning a reputation for his intensity and game-changing ability.
Though fiery and at times controversial, his leadership and production made him invaluable to two of the NFL’s greatest dynasties. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2015, Haley’s legacy is defined by championships, consistency, and his impact as one of football’s great defensive forces.
Haley's Awards and Honors
- 8× NFL champion (1921, 1932, 1933, 1940, 1941, 1943, 1946, 1963)
- 2× AP NFL Coach of the Year (1963, 1965)
- NFL 1920s All-Decade Team
- NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
- 100 greatest Bears of All-Time
- Second-team All-Service (1918)
NFL Records
- Most career wins by a head coach at retirement (318)
- First coach to win NFL championships in four different decades
- Only figure to serve over 60 years in NFL history as player, coach, and owner
NFL Teams
San Francisco 49ers (1986–1991)
Dallas Cowboys (1992–1996)
San Francisco 49ers (1998–1999)
NFL Draft:
1986: 4th round, 96th pick
San Francisco 49ers
Number Worn:
94, 95
NFL Stats
Seasons:
13 (1986–1999)
Games Played:
169
Sacks:
100.5
Tackles:
503
Safeties:
1
Forced Fumbles:
26
Fumble Recoveries:
8
Interceptions:
2
Defensive touchdowns:
1
Charles Woodson
Inducted:
2021
Player Stats
6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
210 lb (95 kg)
Born:
October 7, 1976
Fremont, Ohio, U.S.
Position:
Cornerback
Safety
College:
Michigan (1995–1997)
Charles Woodson was one of the most versatile and dynamic defensive backs in NFL history, excelling as both a cornerback and safety. Drafted by the Oakland Raiders in 1998, Woodson quickly established himself as a shutdown corner with exceptional speed, ball skills, and tackling ability. He later played a key role for the Green Bay Packers, helping lead them to victory in Super Bowl XLV. Over his 18-season career, Woodson recorded more than 65 interceptions, forced numerous fumbles, and scored multiple defensive touchdowns, showcasing his knack for game-changing plays.
Known for leadership, intelligence, and durability, he adapted seamlessly as he transitioned from cornerback to safety late in his career. Woodson’s impact on the field, combined with his ability to influence teammates, earned him induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2021, cementing his legacy as one of the NFL’s greatest defensive playmakers.
Woodson's Awards and Honors
- Super Bowl champion (XLV)
- 4× First-team All-Pro (1999, 2001, 2009, 2011)
- 4× Second-team All-Pro (2000, 2008, 2010, 2015)
- 9× Pro Bowl (1998–2001, 2008–2011, 2015)
- Only primarily defensive player to win the NFL Defensive Player of the Year as a cornerback
- Scored multiple defensive touchdowns in both interception and fumble returns
- Most consecutive seasons with an interception returned for touchdown
NFL Records
- NFL 2000s All-Decade Team
- NFL Defensive Player of the Year (2009)
- NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year (1998)
- 2× NFL interceptions leader (2009, 2011)
NFL Teams
Oakland Raiders (1998–2005, 2013–2015)
Green Bay Packers (2006–2012)
NFL Draft:
1998: 1st round, 4th overall pick
Oakland Raiders
Number Worn:
24, 21
NFL Stats
Seasons:
18 (1998–2015)
Games Played:
254
Game Started:
251
Total tackles:
1,120
Interceptions:
65
Interception yards:
966
Pass deflections:
155
Forced fumbles:
33
Fumble recoveries:
18
Sacks:
20
Defensive touchdowns:
13
Charley Taylor
Inducted:
1984
Stats
6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
210 lb (95 kg)
Born:
September 28, 1941
Grand Prairie, Texas, U.S.
Died:
February 19, 2022
Ashburn, Virginia, U.S.
Position:
Wide receiver
College:
Arizona State (1961–1963)
Charley Taylor was one of the most versatile and reliable offensive stars of his era, spending his entire career with Washington. Beginning as a running back before transitioning to wide receiver, Taylor showcased rare adaptability and became one of the league’s most dependable playmakers. His precise route running, strong hands, and ability to gain yards after the catch helped redefine how receivers were used in modern offenses.
Taylor retired as the NFL’s all-time leader in receptions, setting a standard for consistency and longevity. He earned the trust of multiple quarterbacks and was a key part of Washington’s NFC championship teams in the early 1970s. Beyond statistics, he was respected for his work ethic, toughness, and leadership. After retiring as a player, Taylor continued contributing as a longtime assistant coach.
Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1984, he remains one of the franchise’s most celebrated offensive pillars.
Taylor's Awards and Honors
- First-team All-Pro (1967)
- 5× Second-team All-Pro (1964, 1966, 1968, 1969, 1974)
- 8× Pro Bowl (1964–1967, 1972–1975)
- Only Washington player with 10+ TDs rushing and 75+ TDs receiving
- 2× NFL receptions leader (1966, 1967)
- NFL 1960s All-Decade Team
NFL Records
- NFL Rookie of the Year (1964)
- Retired as the NFL’s all-time leader in receptions
- First player with three straight 70+ reception seasons
NFL Teams
Washington Redskins (1964–1975, 1977)
NFL Draft:
1964: 1st round, 3rd overall pick
Washington Redskins
Number Worn:
42
NFL Stats
Seasons:
13 (1964–1975, 1977)
Games Played:
165
Game Started:
157
Receptions:
649
Receiving yards:
9,110
Yards per reception:
14.0
Receiving touchdowns:
79
Rushing yards:
1,488
Rushing touchdowns:
11
Charley Trippi
Inducted:
1968
Player Stats
6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
186 lb (84 kg)
Born:
December 14, 1921
Pittston, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Died:
October 19, 2022
Athens, Georgia, U.S.
Position:
Halfback
Quarterback
Punter
College:
Georgia (1942, 1945—1946)
Charley Trippi was one of the NFL’s most versatile and electrifying players, starring as a halfback, quarterback, and defensive back for the Chicago Cardinals. Drafted first overall in 1945, Trippi quickly made an impact with his rare combination of speed, agility, and football intelligence. He excelled in multiple phases of the game—running, passing, receiving, and returning kicks—making him one of the league’s first true all-purpose stars.
Trippi helped lead the Cardinals to their only NFL Championship in 1947, earning recognition as one of the era’s most complete athletes. His durability, leadership, and game-changing ability made him a standout in both regular and postseason play. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1968, Charley Trippi remains remembered as a pioneering two-way player whose skill set influenced the development of versatile offensive strategies in professional football.
Trippi's Awards and Honors
- NFL champion (1947)
- First-team All-Pro (1948)
- Second-team All-Pro (1947)
- 2× Pro Bowl (1952, 1953)
- NFL 1940s All-Decade Team
- 2× First-team All-SEC (1945, 1946)
NFL Records
- Only player to contribute significantly as runner, passer, receiver, and returner for Cardinals
- Key player in 1947 NFL Championship team
- Recognized as one of the first true two-way stars of the NFL
NFL Teams
Chicago Cardinals (1947–1955)
NFL Draft:
1945: 1st round, 1st overall pick
Chicago Cardinals
Number Worn:
62, 2
NFL Stats
Seasons:
9 (1947–1955)
Games Played:
99
Game Started:
76
Rushing yards:
3,506
Rushing average:
5.1
Passing yards:
2,547
TD–INT:
16–31
Receptions:
130
Receiving yards:
1,321
Return yards:
2,321
Total touchdowns:
37
Charlie Sanders
Inducted:
2007
Player Stats
6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)225 lb (102 kg)
Born:
August 25, 1946
Richlands, North Carolina, U.S.
Died:
July 2, 2015
Royal Oak, Michigan, U.S.
Position:
Tight End
College:
Minnesota (1965–1967)
Charlie Sanders was one of the premier tight ends of his era, known for his exceptional hands, athleticism, and leadership with the Detroit Lions. Born in 1946, Sanders played his entire 10-year career with the Lions from 1968 to 1977, redefining the tight end position with his combination of blocking strength and wide-receiver-like agility. A consistent target and clutch performer, he recorded 336 receptions for 4,817 yards and 31 touchdowns — remarkable numbers for his time.
Sanders was selected to seven Pro Bowls and earned two First-Team All-Pro honors, becoming a cornerstone of Detroit’s offense through a decade of transition. His dedication to the game extended beyond his playing days as a coach, scout, and mentor for the Lions organization. Beloved by fans and peers alike, Sanders represented class, skill, and loyalty. Charlie Sanders was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2007.
Sanders' Awards and Records
- 3× First-team All-Pro (1969–1971)
- 7× Pro Bowl (1968–1971, 1974–1976)
- NFL 1970s All-Decade Team
- Pride of the Lions
- Detroit Lions 75th Anniversary Team
Notable Achievements
- Among the first tight ends to blend elite receiving and blocking skills
- Ranked among league leaders in receptions for tight ends during the 1970s
- Spent entire career with Detroit Lions
- Continued serving the organization in coaching and front-office roles after retirement
NFL Teams
Detroit Lions (1968–1977)
NFL Draft:
1968: 3rd round, 74th overall pick
Detroit Lions
Number Worn:
88
NFL Stats
Seasons:
10 (1968–1977)
Games Played:
128
Games Started:
122
Receptions:
336
Receiving yards:
4,817
Receiving touchdowns:
31
Yards per reception:
14.3
Chris Doleman
Inducted:
2012
Player Stats
6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)
289 lb (131 kg)
Born:
October 16, 1961
Indianapolis, Indiana, U.S.
Died:
January 28, 2020
Duluth, Georgia, U.S.
Position:
Defensive End
College:
Pittsburgh (1981–1984)
Chris Doleman was one of the most feared and productive pass rushers in NFL history. A versatile and explosive defensive end, Doleman played 15 seasons, primarily with the Minnesota Vikings, and recorded 150.5 career sacks — ranking among the top five all-time at the time of his retirement. He began his career as an outside linebacker before switching to defensive end, where his speed, hand technique, and relentless pursuit made him dominant off the edge.
His 1989 season was legendary: 21 sacks, 6 forced fumbles, and an NFC-best defense. Doleman also played for the Atlanta Falcons and San Francisco 49ers, earning 8 Pro Bowl selections and 3 First-Team All-Pro honors. Known for his consistency and leadership, he finished his career with 8 double-digit sack seasons. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2012, Doleman remains one of the most impactful edge rushers the NFL has ever seen.
Doleman's Awards and Honors
- 2× First-team All-Pro (1989, 1992)
- 2× Second-team All-Pro (1987, 1993)
- 8× Pro Bowl (1987–1990, 1992, 1993, 1995, 1997)
- PFWA All-Rookie Team (1985)
- Minnesota Vikings Ring of Honor
- 50 Greatest Vikings
- Second-team All-East (1983)
- Sugar Bowl champion (1981)
NFL Records
- NFL sacks leader (1989)
- NFL 1990s All-Decade Team
- Only player in NFL history with 20+ sacks in a season for the Minnesota Vikings
- One of just six players with 150+ career sacks
- Recorded at least 7 sacks in 11 of his 15 seasons
NFL Teams
Minnesota Vikings (1985–1993)
Atlanta Falcons (1994–1995)
San Francisco 49ers (1996–1998)
Minnesota Vikings (1999)
NFL Draft:
1985: 1st round, 4th pick
Minnesota Vikings
Number Worn:
56
NFL Stats
Seasons:
15 (1985–1999)
Games Played:
232
Total Sacks:
150.5
Total Tackles:
975
Forced Fumbles:
44
Fumble Recoveries:
24
Interceptions:
2
Touchdowns:
3
Chris Hanburger
Inducted:
2011
Player Stats
6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)
218 lb (99 kg)
Born:
August 13, 1941
Fort Bragg, North Carolina, U.S.
Position:
Linebacker
College:
North Carolina (1962–1964)
Chris Hanburger, a tenacious linebacker for the Washington Redskins from 1965 to 1978, earned his place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011. As head of Washington’s defense and recognized as its “defensive quarterback,” he was the bedrock of the Redskins’ success in the 1970s. His standout 1972 season helped lead the team to their first Super Bowl, as he hauled in four interceptions and anchored a dominant defense. Over his 14-year career, Hanburger intercepted 19 passes, returned two for touchdowns, and tied an NFL record with three fumble-recovery touchdowns.
A nine-time Pro Bowler and four-time First-team All-Pro, he was also honored repeatedly as All-Eastern Conference and All-NFC. Playing in 187 games with consistent grit and intelligence, Hanburger became one of the most reliable defenders of his generation. In 2011, after years of quiet excellence, he received long-overdue recognition with his Hall of Fame induction.
Hanburger's Awards and Honors
- 5× First-team All-Pro (1969, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1976)
- Second-team All-Pro (1974)
- 9× Pro Bowl (1966–1969, 1972–1976)
- 80 Greatest Redskins
- Washington Commanders Ring of Fame
- 2× First-team All-ACC (1963, 1964)
NFL Records
- Tied the NFL record for most fumble recoveries returned for touchdowns in a career (3)
- Set a Washington franchise record for most fumble recovery touchdowns at the time of his retirement
- Among linebackers, ranked among the all-time leaders in games played for a single team (187)
- One of the few linebackers in NFL history selected to nine Pro Bowls
NFL Teams
Washington Redskins (1965–1978)
NFL Draft:
1965: 18th round, 245th pick
Washington Redskins
Number Worn:
55
NFL Stats
Seasons:
14
Games Played:
187
Games Started:
175
Interceptions:
19
Touchdowns:
5
Receptions:
1 for 1 yard
Kickoff Returns:
3 for 33 yards
Chuck Bednarik
Inducted:
1967
Player Stats
6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
233 lb (106 kg)
Born:
May 1, 1925
Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Died:
March 21, 2015
Coopersburg, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Position:
Linebacker
Center
College:
Penn (1945–1948)
Chuck Bednarik, famously known as "Concrete Charlie," was a legendary figure in NFL history and is celebrated as one of the last great two-way players.
Spending his entire 14-season career (1949–1962) with the Philadelphia Eagles, he excelled both as a center and linebacker. His toughness and endurance were epitomized during the 1960 NFL Championship, where he played nearly every snap, leading the Eagles to victory over the Green Bay Packers.
Bednarik's relentless playing style and leadership earned him eight Pro Bowl selections and ten All-Pro honors.
In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the game, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1967.
Bednarik's Awards and Honors
- 10× First-team All-Pro (1950–1957, 1960, 1961)
- 8× Pro Bowl (1950–1954, 1956, 1957, 1960)
- Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Fame
- Philadelphia Eagles 75th Anniversary Team
- Philadelphia Eagles No. 60 retired
- Maxwell Award (1948)
- Unanimous All-American (1948)
- Consensus All-American (1947)
- Second-team All-American (1946)
- 3× First-team All-Eastern (1946, 1947, 1948)
NFL Records
- NFL 1950s All-Decade Team
- NFL 50th Anniversary All-Time Team
- NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team
- NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
- 2× NFL champion (1949, 1960)
NFL Teams
Philadelphia Eagles (1949–1962)
NFL draft:
1949: 1st round, 1st pick
Philadelphia Eagles
Number Worn:
60
NFL Stats
Super Bowl Victories: Games played:
169
Games started:
166
Interceptions:
20
Interception yards:
268
Fumble recoveries:
21
Defensive touchdowns:
1
Punt Returns:
2 for 26 yards
Kickoff Returns:
4 for 57 yards
Chuck Howley
Inducted:
2023
Player Stats
6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)
228 lb (103 kg)
Born:
June 28, 1936
Wheeling, West Virginia, U.S.
Position:
Linebacker
College:
West Virginia (1954–1957)
Chuck Howley, born June 28, 1936, in Wheeling, West Virginia, was one of the NFL’s most versatile and dominant linebackers. Selected by the Chicago Bears in 1958, his early career was interrupted by a severe knee injury, leading him to briefly retire. He returned in 1961 with the Dallas Cowboys, where he became a cornerstone of their defense for over a decade. Known for his exceptional speed, instinct, and coverage skills, Howley earned six Pro Bowl selections and five First-Team All-Pro honors.
He remains the only player in Super Bowl history to win MVP honors while playing for the losing team (Super Bowl V) and was a key force in Dallas’ first championship victory in Super Bowl VI. Over 15 seasons, he recorded 25 interceptions, 26 fumble recoveries, and countless game-changing plays. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2023, Howley’s career is celebrated for resilience, athleticism, and game-breaking defensive brilliance.
Howley's Awards and Honors
- 6× Pro Bowl selection (1965–1967, 1969–1971)
- 5× First-Team All-Pro (1966–1970)
- Super Bowl V MVP (only losing team MVP)
- Super Bowl VI Champion
- Member of Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor
NFL Records
- First defensive player ever named Super Bowl MVP
- First non-quarterback to win Super Bowl MVP
- Only player in NFL history to win Super Bowl MVP while playing for the losing team
- One of only two players in NFL history to have an interception in three different Super Bowls
NFL Teams
Chicago Bears (1958–1959)
Dallas Cowboys (1961–1973)
NHL Draft:
1958: 1st round, 7th overall
Chicago Bears
Number Worn:
54
NFL Stats
Seasons Played:
15 (1958–1973)
Games played:
180
Interceptions:
25
Interception yards:
399
Fumble recoveries:
18
Total touchdowns:
3
Super Bowl MVP:
V
Super Bowls Won:
1 (VI)
Chuck Noll
Inducted:
1993
Player Stats
6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)
220 lb (100 kg)
Born:
January 5, 1932
Cleveland, Ohio, U.S.
Died:
June 13, 2014
Sewickley, Pennsylvania, U.S.
Position:
Guard
Linebacker
Coach
College:
Dayton
Chuck Noll transformed the Pittsburgh Steelers from perennial underachievers into one of the greatest dynasties in sports history. Serving as head coach from 1969 to 1991, Noll built a culture of discipline, intelligence, and excellence that redefined professional football. His calm leadership and eye for talent led to the drafting of legends like Terry Bradshaw, Joe Greene, Franco Harris, and Jack Lambert — players who formed the backbone of the Steelers’ success.
Under his guidance, Pittsburgh won four Super Bowl titles in six years (IX, X, XIII, XIV), a record at the time and a benchmark for sustained dominance. Noll’s teams were known for their precision, preparation, and toughness, reflecting his belief in doing every detail right. A former player and assistant coach himself, he combined technical knowledge with quiet authority.
Chuck Noll was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993, remembered as the architect of the Steelers’ championship legacy and a model of coaching excellence.
Noll's Awards and Honors
- 4× Super Bowl champion (IX, X, XIII, XIV)
- Greasy Neale Award (1989)
- UPI AFC Coach of the Year (1972)
- NFL 1970s All-Decade Team
- NFL 1980s All-Decade Team
- NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team
- NFL champion (1968)
- AFL champion (1963)
NFL Records
- First coach to win four Super Bowls
- Architect of the Steelers’ “Steel Curtain” dynasty
- Known for discipline, talent development, and quiet leadership
NFL Teams
As Player-
Cleveland Browns (1953–1959)
As Coach-
Los Angeles Chargers (1960–1961)
San Diego Chargers (1962–1965)
Baltimore Colts (1966–1968)
Pittsburgh Steelers (1969–1991)
NFL Draft:
1953: 20th round, 239th overall pick
Cleveland Browns
Number Worn:
65
NFL Stats
Season Coached:
23 (1969–1991)
Game Managed:
342
Win:
193
Lose:
148
Tie:
1
Win(%):
.566
Playoff Record:
16–8
Super Bowl Titles:
4 (IX, X, XIII, XIV)
Clarke Hinkle
Inducted:
1964
Player Stats
5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)
202 lb (92 kg)
Born:
April 10, 1909
Toronto, Ohio, U.S.
Died:
November 9, 1988
Steubenville, Ohio, U.S.
Position:
Fullback
Linebacker
College:
Bucknell (1929–1931)
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)
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. 🏈✨
