Bronko Nagurski, Class of 1963

 

Chicago Bears fullback Bronko Nagurski was the symbol of power football during the 1930s.

Many eyewitness observers insisted that for sheer brutal line-smashing, no one came close to Nagurski.

Never fancy, he just ran straight ahead, over and through the opposition. Although he is best remembered for his bull-like running, he had no peer as a blocker and his tackling was as effective as any the game has seen.

Late in the 1943 season, with Chicago trailing in a must-win game, he went back to the fullback position. The 35-year old Nagurski’s line plunges keyed a drive to the tying touchdown and then set up the winning score.

In the 1943 NFL title game against the Washington Redskins, Bronko, - who was named a first- or second-team All-NFL in seven of his first eight seasons – ended his career by scoring the touchdown that put the Bears ahead to stay.

Nagurski was a charter member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Bronko Nagurski's Hall of Fame mural.

Bronko Nagurski's Hall of Fame bust.