1963
The Pro Football Hall of Fame names its first inductees. How many names can you recognize? Do you recall which one was “Johnny Blood”, the “Galloping Ghost”, the “Old Master”, “Old Indestructible”, or the “Big Dog”? In alphabetical order they are:
“Slingin” Sammy Baugh, quarterback, punter, and defensive back with the Washington Redskins, 1937-52.
Bert Bell, founder and coach of the Philadelphia Eagles, and NFL Commissioner, 1933-59.
Joseph Carr, owner of the Columbus Panhandles and NFL President, 1920-39.
Dutch Clark, running back with the Portsmouth Spartans/Detroit Lions, 1931-38.
Harold “Red” Grange, halfback with the Chicago Bears and New York Yankees, 1925-34.
George Halas, end, coach, and owner, Chicago Bears, 1920-83.
Mel Hein, centre, New York Giants, 1931-45.
Pete Henry, tackle, Canton Bulldogs, Pottsville Maroons, and New York Giants, 1920-28.
Cal Hubbard, tackle, Green Bay Packers, New York Giants, Pittsburgh Pirates, 1927-36.
Don Hutson, end, safety, and kicker, Green Bay Packers, 1935-45.
Earl “Curly” Lambeau, halback, coach, and manager, Green Bay Packers, 1919-53.
Tim Mara, owner New York Giants, 1925-59.
George Preston Marshall, owner Boston Braves/Washington Redskins, 1932-69.
John McNally, halfback,Milwaukee Badgers, Duluth Eskimos, Pottsville Maroons, Green Bay Packers, Pittsburgh Pirates, 1925-38.
Bronko Nagurski, fullback, linebacker, Chicago Bears, 1930-37, 1943.
Ernie Nevers, fullback and coach, Duluth Eskimos, Chicago Cardinals, 1926-39.
Jim Thorpe, halback, coach, first NFL President, Canton Bulldogs, Cleveland Indians, Oorang Indians, Rock Island Independents, New York Giants, Chicago Cardinals, 1915-28.