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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Alex Riethmiller – 310.840.4635 NFL – 12/9/19 [email protected]

NFL RELEASES TIGHT ENDS AND OFFENSIVE LINEMEN TO BE NAMED FINALISTS FOR THE ‘NFL 100 ALL-

18 Offensive Linemen and 5 Tight Ends to be Named to All-Time Team

Episode 4 of ‘NFL 100 All-Time Team’ Airs on Friday, December 13 at 8:00 PM ET on NFL Network

Following the reveal of the and specialist All-Time Team class last week, the NFL is proud to announce the 40 offensive linemen (16 offensive tackles; 15 guards; 9 centers) and 12 tight ends that are finalists for the NFL 100 All-Time Team.

39 of the 40 offensive linemen finalists have been enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The 12 finalists at tight include eight Pro Football Hall of Famers and combine for 711 career receiving .

Episode three will also reveal four head coaches to make the NFL 100 All-Time Team.

The NFL100 All-Time Team airs every Friday at 8:00 PM ET through Week 17 of the regular season. , and reveal selections by position each week, followed by a live reaction show hosted by immediately afterward, exclusively on NFL Network.

From this group of finalists, the 26-person blue-ribbon voting panel ultimately selected seven offensive tackles, seven guards, four centers and five tight ends to the All-Time Team.

The NFL 100 All-Time Team finalists at the offensive position are:

Player Years Played Team(s) Bob “The Boomer” Brown 1964-1968; 1969-1970; 1971- Eagles; 1973 Rams; Oakland Raiders Roosevelt Brown 1953-1965 New Giants 1950-1959 Lions 1971-1983 St. Louis Cardinals 1956; 1958-1970; 1971 ; Cowboys 1927-1928; 1929-1933; 1935; ; Green Bay 1936 Packers; Pirates; New York Giants Walter Jones 1997-2008 1960-1969; 1971 Los Angeles/ Chargers; Oakland Raiders Anthony Munoz 1980-1992 1996-2007 Ravens 1997-2008; 2009 St. Louis Rams; Bears 1993-2001; 2002-2005 Saints; 1968-1982 Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders Bob St. Clair 1953-1963 49ers Joe Thomas 2007-2017 1968-1981; 1982 Minnesota ;

The NFL 100 All-Time Team finalists at the guard position are:

Player Years Played Team(s) 1994-2005; 2006-2007 ; Joe DeLamielleure 1973-1979; 1980-1984; 1985 ; Cleveland Browns; Buffalo Bills Dan Fortmann 1936-1943 John Hannah 1973-1985 1958-1968 Green Bay Packers 1967-1968; 1969-1980 San Diego Chargers; 1966-1978 Los Angeles Rams Bruce Matthews 1983-2001 Houston Oilers/ Randall McDaniel 1988-1999; 2000-2001 ; 1926; 1927-1928; 1929-1935, New York Yankees (AFL*); New 1937 York Yankees (NFL); Green Bay Packers 1982-1993 Houston Oilers Jim Parker 1957-1967 Baltimore Colts 1993-2006 Kansas City Chiefs 1952-1955; 1956-1958 ; Washington Redskins 1967-1981 Oakland Raiders

The NFL 100 All-Time Team finalists at the center position are:

Player Years Played Team(s) 1988-2000 1931-1945 New York Giants 1970-1979; 1980-1981 Miami Dolphins; Minnesota Vikings 1960-1974 Oakland Raiders 1953-1963; 1964-1967 Green Bay Packers; 1980-1987 Miami Dolphins 1962-1978 Minnesota Vikings Clyde “Bulldog” Turner 1940-1952 Chicago Bears 1974-1988; 1989-1990 Pittsburgh Steelers; Kansas City Chiefs

The NFL 100 All-Time Team finalists at the position are:

Player Years Played Team(s) 1974-1980; 1980-1983; 1983; Oakland/L.A. Raiders; Houston 1984 Oilers; Minnesota Vikings; L.A. Raiders 1961-1966; 1967-1968; 1969- Chicago Bears; Philadelphia 1972 Eagles; Dallas Cowboys 2003-2018 San Diego/L.A. Chargers 1997-2008; 2009-2013 Kansas City Chiefs; Falcons 2010-2018 New England Patriots 1957, 1959-1964; 1965-1967 Green Bay Packers; Detroit Lions John Mackey 1963-1971; 1972 Baltimore Colts; San Diego Chargers 1978-1990 Cleveland Browns 1968-1977 Detroit Lions 1990-1999; 2000-2001; 2002- ; Baltimore 2003 Ravens; Denver Broncos 1979-1987 San Diego Chargers 2003-2017, 2019 Dallas Cowboys

Previous episodes of the NFL 100 All-Time Team revealed the following players and head coaches to make the team:

Position Class Members , , , , , , , , , O.J. Simpson, , Defensive , , , , , , Linemen , , Bill Hewitt, , , Randy White, , , , , , , , , Jack Lambert, Joe Schmidt, , , Defensive , , Dick “Night Train” Lane, , , Backs Willie Brown, , , , , Larry Wilson, , Returners , Billy “White Shoes” Johnson Kickers , Punters , Bill Belichick, , ,

The NFL 100 All-Time Team serves as the marquee series within the NFL’s slate of original programming and content developed to celebrate ’s 100th season. Remaining episodes of the series are:

December 13 8:00 PM NFL 100 All-Time Team: Tight Ends & Offensive Line and 4 Head Coaches 9:00 PM NFL 100 All-Time Team Reaction Show December 20 8:00 PM NFL 100 All-Time Team: Wide Receivers and 2 Head Coaches 9:00 PM NFL 100 All-Time Team Reaction Show December 27 8:00 PM NFL 100 All-Time Team: (2-hour series finale) 10:00 PM NFL 100 All-Time Team Reaction Show

As the official site for all things NFL 100, NFL.com/100 is the primary destination to stay up to date with all the initiatives, activities and content taking place throughout the league and at the club level. Fans have the opportunity to view the finalists of that week's episode of the NFL 100 All-Time Team and cast their predictions of who will be introduced as part of the NFL 100 All- Time Team in that Friday's episode. Once the show airs on Friday night, the official All-Time Team roster will be available at NFL.com/all-time-team.

Offensive Tackle Finalist Bios

Bob “The Boomer” Brown 1964-1973

2004 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee. Selected by Eagles in 1st round (2nd overall pick) in 1964 draft. Nicknamed “Boomer.” Aggressive blocker who utilized great size and strength. Battled knee injury for much of career. Named NFL/NFC Offensive Lineman of Year 3 times by NFLPA, 1968-1970 seasons. Elected to 6 Pro Bowls with 3 different teams (3 with Eagles, 2 with Rams, 1 with Raiders). 5-time 1st- team All-Pro selections. Named to NFL’s All-Decade Team for . Born December 8, 1941, in Cleveland, Ohio.

Roosevelt Brown 1953-1965

1975 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee. Selected by Giants in 27th round of 1953 draft. Joined Giants as raw 20-year-old but quickly won starting role, held it for entire 13-year career. Excellent downfield blocker, classic pass protector, fast, mobile. Helped power Giants to 6 division titles and 1956 NFL championship. Named NFL Lineman of Year, 1956. Elected to 9 career teams (T-2nd most among Giants franchise). 6-time 1st-team All-Pro selection (2nd-most in Giants history). Member of 75th Anniversary All-Time Team. Named to NFL’s All-Decade Team for 1950s. Born October 20, 1932, in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Lou Creekmur 1950-1959

1996 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee. Selected by Eagles in 26th round of 1948 draft, but remained in college until being traded to Lions in 1950. Primarily an OL, used on defense in short-yardage situations. Flamboyant, versatile, strong blocker. Workhorse, played every game of his first 9 seasons, 1950-1958. 3-time NFL champion with Lions, 1952-1953, 1957. Made Pro Bowl in each of first 8 years (6 times as tackle, twice as guard), 1950-1957 seasons. 6-time 1st-team All-Pro selection (T-2nd most in Lions history). Born January 22, 1927, in Hopelawn, New Jersey.

Dan Dierdorf 1971-1983

1996 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee. Selected by Cardinals in 2nd round (43rd overall pick) in 1971 draft. Possessed size, speed, quickness, discipline, intelligence, consistency. Equally effective as passing, rushing blocker. Right tackle who anchored Cardinals offensive line for over a decade. Named NFL Offensive Lineman of Year 3 times by NFLPA, 1976-1978 seasons. Elected to 6 career Pro Bowls, including 5 straight, 1974-1978 seasons. Earned 3 straight 1st-team All-Pro selections. Named to NFL’s All-Decade Team for 1970s. Born June 29, 1949, in Canton, Ohio.

Forrest Gregg 1956; 1958-1971

1977 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee. Selected by Packers in 2nd round (20th overall pick) in 1956 draft. Vince called him “best player I ever coached.” Versatile, durable, hard-working. Played in 188 straight games, 1956-1971. Member of 6 NFL titles teams, including 3 champions (2 with Packers, 1 with Cowboys). Made 9 Pro Bowls in 10-year span, 1959-1968 seasons. 7-time 1st-team All- Pro selection (T-5th among OL in NFL history). Member of 75th Anniversary All-Time Team. Named to NFL’s All-Decade Team for 1960s. Born October 18, 1933, in Birthright, Texas.

Cal Hubbard 1927-1933; 1935-1936

1963 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee. Most feared lineman of his time. Rookie star with Giants defense, 1927. Played end with Giants, switched to tackle with Packers. Key member of 4 NFL championship teams (1 with Giants, 3 with Packers). Only member of Hall of Fames for pro football and (as ). Earned 4 1st-team All-Pro selections, including 3 straight, 1931-1933. Member of 75th Anniversary All-Time Team. Named to NFL’s All-Decade Team for 1920s. Born October 31, 1900, in Keytesville, Missouri.

Walter Jones 1997-2008

2014 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee. Selected by Seahawks in 1st round (6th overall pick) in 1997 draft. Started all 180 career games. called him the best offensive player he’s ever coached. Team leader and integral part of ’s MVP season in 2005 when RB ran for franchise-record and NFL-high 1,880 yards, setting NFL mark for total TDs (28) in a season (since broken). Seahawks credited him with just 23.0 sacks allowed in 12-year career. Named to 9 Pro Bowls (most in Seahawks franchise history). 4-time 1st-team All-Pro (Seahawks record). Named to NFL’s All- Decade Team for 2000s. Born January 19, 1974 in Aliceville, Alabama.

Ron Mix 1960-1969; 1971

1979 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee. Selected by Colts in 1st round (10th overall pick) in 1960 NFL Draft. Picked AFL’s Chargers (No. 1 overall pick in AFL Draft) over NFL’s Colts. Nicknamed “The Intellectual Assassin.” Noted for quick charge, accomplished blocking on both passing, running plays. Chargers credited him with only 2 holding penalties in 10 years with the team. Made 8 straight Pro Bowls, 1961-1968 seasons. 9-time 1st-team All-Pro selection (T-2nd among OL in NFL history). Member of AFL’s All-Time Team. Born March 10, 1938, in Los Angeles, California.

Anthony Munoz 1980-1992

1998 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee. Selected by Bengals in 1st round (3rd overall pick) in 1980 draft. Won national championship in football, College World Series as pitcher at USC, 1978. Great agility, exceptional straight-on blocker. Caught 7 career passes, scored 4 touchdowns on tackle-eligible plays. Earned 11 Pro Bowl selections from 1981-1991 seasons (T-5th most all-time among OL). 9-time 1st-team All-Pro selection (T-2nd among OL in NFL history). Member of 75th Anniversary All-Time Team. Named to NFL’s All-Decade Team for . Won NFL Man of Year award, 1991. Born August 19, 1958, in Ontario, California.

Jonathan Ogden 1996-2007

2013 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee. Selected by Ravens in 1st round (4th overall pick) in 1996 draft. Highly decorated OL in college at UCLA as All-American, winner (best interior lineman), 1995. Dominant pass protector, run blocker. One of NFL’s tallest players ever at 6-foot-9. Won Super Bowl XXXV with Ravens, 2000 season. Paved way for , who became 5th player in NFL history to rush for 2,000 yards in a season, 2003. Earned 11 Pro Bowl selections from 1997-2007 seasons (T-5th most all-time among OL). 4-time 1st-team All-Pro. Named to NFL’s All-Decade Team for 2000s. Born July 31, 1974 in Washington, D.C.

Orlando Pace 1997-2009

2016 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee. Selected by Rams with 1st overall pick in 1997 draft. Was 1st OL selected as top pick of draft since 1968. 2-time All-American, 2-time winner at Ohio State, 1995-1996. Blocked for 3 straight NFL MVPs, 1999-2001 (QB twice, RB once). Anchored Rams OL that helped QB eclipse 3,000 pass yards 7 times, including 3 times surpassing 4,000 yards. Blocked for 7 RBs with 1,000+ rush yards. Named to 7 straight Pro Bowls, 1999- 2005 seasons. 3-time 1st-team All-Pro. Named to NFL’s All-Decade Team for 2000s. Born November 4, 1975, in Sandusky, Ohio.

Willie Roaf 1993-2005

2012 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee. Selected by Saints in 1st round (8th overall pick) in 1993 draft. All-American tackle at Tech, 1992. Known for surprising speed for his 320-pound size, remarkable consistency. Started at right tackle as rookie, never missed an offensive snap. Switched to left tackle, 1994. Started all 189 games of NFL career. Earned 11 Pro Bowl selections (T-5th most all-time among OL). 4-time 1st-team All-Pro (twice with Saints, twice with Chiefs). Named to NFL’s All-Decade Team for 1990s and 2000s. Born April 18, 1970, in Pine Bluff, Arkansas.

Art Shell 1968-1982

1989 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee. Selected by Raiders in 3rd round (80th overall pick) in 1968 draft pick. Possessed size, speed, agility, intelligence, strength to be premier OT. Mild-mannered, hard- working, reputation as great team player. Played in 207 regular season games, 23 in postseason. Won 2 Super Bowl titles with Raiders, 1976, 1980. Became NFL’s 2nd all-time black head coach (1st in modern era), 1989. Made 8 Pro Bowls, including 7 straight from 1972-1978 seasons. 2-time 1st-team NFL All-Pro. Named to NFL’s All-Decade Team for 1970s. Born November 26, 1946, in Charleston, South Carolina.

Bob St. Clair 1953-1963

1990 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee. Selected by 49ers in 3rd round (32nd overall pick) in 1953 draft. Nicknamed “Geek” by teammates because of flamboyant lifestyle. Had size, speed, intelligence, love of hitting. Excelled as both running, passing blocker. Played on goal-line defense, superb on special teams. Long-time 49ers team captain. One of NFL’s tallest players ever at 6-foot-9. Unofficially credited with 10 blocked FG, 1956. Earned 5 Pro Bowl selections, including 4 straight from 1958-1961 seasons. Named to NFL’s All-Decade Team for 1950s. Born February 18, 1931, in San Francisco, California.

Joe Thomas 2007-2017

Selected by Browns in 1st round (3rd overall pick) of 2007 draft. Named All-American at Wisconsin and Outland Trophy winner as NCAA’s best interior lineman, 2006. Started first 167 straight games in career, included unofficial streak of 10,363 consecutive snaps with Browns. Earned 10 consecutive Pro Bowl selections in each of first 10 NFL seasons. Has more Pro Bowl berths than any NFL OL since 2000. 6- time 1st-team All-Pro, 2009-2011, 2013-2015. Born December 4, 1984, in Brookfield, Wisconsin.

Ron Yary 1968-1982

2001 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee. Selected by Vikings with 1st overall pick in 1968 draft. Won national title in college at USC as All-American, Outland Trophy winner (best interior lineman), 1967. Possessed speed, agility, hard-work ethic. Became starter at right tackle in 2nd season. Extremely durable, missed only 2 games due to injury in 12-year stretch, 1970-1981. Started for Vikings in 4 Super Bowl appearances in 1970s. Earned 7 straight Pro Bowl selections, 1971-1977 seasons. 6-time 1st-team All-Pro selection (T-10th among OL in NFL history). Named to NFL’s All-Decade Team for 1970s. Born July 16, 1946, in Chicago, .

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Guard Finalist Bios

Larry Allen 1994-2007

2013 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee. Selected by Cowboys in 2nd round (46th overall pick) in 1994 draft. Versatile, played every position on OL except center in 12 seasons with Cowboys. Won Super Bowl XXX with Cowboys, 1995 season. Blocked for HOF QB , HOF RB Emmitt Smith with Cowboys. Helped Cowboys rank in top 5 with fewest sacks in season 5 times in first 6 seasons. Earned 11 Pro Bowl selections (T-5th most all-time among OL). 6-time 1st-team All-Pro selection (T-10th among OL in NFL history). Named to NFL’s All-Decade Team for 1990s and 2000s. Born November 27, 1971 in Los Angeles, California.

Joe DeLamielleure 1973-1985

2003 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee. Selected by Bills in 1st round (26th overall pick) in 1973 draft. Durable, played in 185 consecutive games, did not miss game until 13th/final season. Anchored Bills’ famed “Electric Company” offensive line. Best known as lead blocker for O.J. Simpson, NFL’s first 2000- yard rusher, 1973. Helped Bills to 3,088 rush yards in 1973, NFL record for 14-game season. Earned 6 straight Pro Bowl selections, 1975-1980 seasons. 1st-team All-Pro in 3 consecutive seasons, 1975-1977. Named to NFL’s All-Decade Team for 1970s. Born March 16, 1951, in Detroit, Michigan.

Dan Fortmann 1936-1943

1965 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee. Selected by Bears in 9th round (78th overall pick) of 1936 draft (1st NFL draft in history). At 20, became youngest starter in NFL at the time. Famous for being 60-minute line leader, battering-ram blocker. Deadly tackler, genius at diagnosing enemy plays. Earned medical degree while playing in NFL. Team captain for 3 NFL championship Bears teams, 1940, 1942-1943. Made 3 straight Pro Bowl teams, 1940-1942 seasons. 6-time 1st-team All-Pro selection (T-10th among OL in NFL history). Named to NFL’s All-Decade Team for 1930s. Born April 11, 1916, in Pearl River, New York.

John Hannah 1973-1985

1991 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee. Selected by Patriots in 1st round (4th overall pick) in 1973 draft. Possessed size, speed, competitiveness. Excelled as pass protector, run blocker, pulling guard on sweeps. Renowned as premier guard of era. 4-time NFLPA Offensive Lineman of Year. Helped Patriots to NFL single-season record 3,165 rush yards, 1978. Elected to 9 Pro Bowls, including 8 straight from 1978-1985 seasons. 7-time 1st-team All-Pro selection (T-5th among OL in NFL history). Member of 75th Anniversary All-Time Team. Named to NFL’s All-Decade Team for 1970s and 1980s. Born April 4, 1951, in Canton, Georgia.

Jerry Kramer 1958-1968

2018 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee. Selected by Packers in 4th round (39th overall pick) in 1958 draft. Anchored offensive line as starting right guard for Lombardi-era Packers that won 5 NFL championships, including Super Bowls I and II. Famous for leading iconic “Packer sweep” running play as pulling guard. Also handled team’s placekicking duties in 1962-63, briefly in 1968. 3-time Pro Bowl selection. 5-time 1st-team All-Pro. Named to NFL’s 50th Anniversary Team, and Super Bowl Silver Anniversary Team. Named to NFL’s All-Decade Team for 1960s. Born January 23, 1936 in Jordan, .

Larry Little 1967-1980

1993 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee. Signed with Chargers as undrafted free agent in 1967. Immediately won starting right guard job after being traded to Dolphins in 1969. Epitome of powerful Dolphins rushing teams of 1970s that appeared in 3 straight Super Bowls, winning twice, 1972-1973 seasons. Fast, quick on pass protection, intimidating as pulling guard on sweeps. Made 5 Pro Bowls teams, including 4 straight from 1971-1974 seasons. Earned 1st-team All-Pro selections 5 consecutive seasons, 1971-1975. Named to NFL’s All-Decade Team for 1970s. Born November 2, 1945, in Groveland, Georgia.

Tom Mack 1966-1978

1999 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee. Selected by Rams in 1st round (2nd overall pick) in 1966 draft. As one of only two rookies on veteran-laden Rams team, earned starting role as rookie and held left guard position for next 13 seasons. Extremely durable, never missed a game in 13-year, 184-game career. Helped Rams to .720 winning pct (3rd in NFL over span with Rams, 1966-1978), 8 division titles, 4 NFC championship game appearances. Earned 11 Pro Bowl selections (T-5th most all-time among OL), including 9 straight from 1967-1975 seasons. 1st-team All-Pro selection, 1969. Born November 1, 1943, in Cleveland, Ohio.

Bruce Matthews 1983-2001

2007 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee. Selected by Oilers in 1st round (9th overall pick) in 1983 draft. Played in more games (296) than any positional player in NFL history at time of retirement (currently 3rd all-time). Played at every position on offensive line, known as arguably most versatile OL in league history. Never missed a game due to injury. Earned Pro Bowl selections in each of final 14 seasons (NFL record among OL, T-1st in NFL history for all players). 7-time 1st-team All-Pro selection (T-5th all-time among OL). Named to NFL’s All-Decade Team for 1990s. Born August 8, 1961, in Raleigh, .

Randall McDaniel 1988-2001

2009 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee. Selected by Vikings 1st round (19th overall pick) in 1988 draft. Extremely durable, started 202 consecutive games in regular season for Vikings. Blocked for 6 RBs with 1,000+ rush yards, 5 QBs with 3,000+ pass yards in single season. Anchored OL on explosive Vikings team that scored then-record 556 points, 1998. Earned 12 Pro Bowl selections from 1989-2000 seasons (NFL record for most consecutive Pro Bowls, T-2nd all-time among OL). 7-time 1st-team All-Pro (T-5th among OL in NFL history). Named to NFL’s All-Decade Team for 1990s. Born December 19, 1964 in Phoenix, .

Mike Michalske 1926-1935; 1937 1964 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee. Was the 1st guard elected to Pro Football Hall of Fame. Known as 60-minute workhorse who specialized in blitzing on defense. Pioneered idea of using fullbacks at guard to capitalize on size, speed. Anchored Packers offensive lines on 3 NFL championship teams, 1929-1931 seasons. Earned 1st-team All-Pro selections in each of first 5 NFL seasons, 1927-1931. Named to NFL’s All-Decade Team for 1920s. Born April 24, 1903, in Cleveland, Ohio.

Mike Munchak 1982-1993

2001 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee. Selected by Oilers in 1st round (8th overall pick) of 1982 draft (was the 1st OL selected). Earned starting left guard position during rookie season, held position for next 12 seasons. Devastating blocker, anchored Oilers line that helped team perennially rank near top of NFL’s offensive categories (23.8 points per game, 2nd in NFL from 1987-1993). Equally effective as pass or run blocker. Elected to 9 career Pro Bowls, including 7 straight from 1987-1993 seasons. 2-time 1st- team All-Pro. Named to NFL’s All-Decade Team for 1980s. Born March 5, 1960, in Scranton, .

Jim Parker 1957-1967

1973 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee. Selected by Colts in 1st round (8th overall pick) in 1957 draft. All-American, Outland Trophy winner at Ohio State, 1956. Was 1st full-time offensive lineman named to Hall of Fame. Played half of 11-year career at tackle, half at guard. Exceptional blocker, specialized in protecting . Elected to 8 consecutive Pro Bowls, 1958-1965 seasons. Earned 8 straight 1st- team All-Pro selections, 1958-1965 (4th in NFL history among OL). Member of 75th Anniversary All-Time Team. Named to NFL’s All-Decade Team for 1950s. Born April 3, 1934, in Macon, Georgia.

Will Shields 1993-2006

2015 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee. Selected by Chiefs in 3rd round (74th overall pick) of 1993 draft. All-American, Outland Trophy winner (best interior lineman) at Nebraska, 1992. Inserted into lineup in 1st NFL game, never missed a game in career. Played in 224 games with 223 starts, both figures being franchise records among Chiefs position players. As rookie in 1993, helped Chiefs to 1st division title since 1971. Elected to 12 consecutive Pro Bowls from 1995-2006 seasons (T-2nd in NFL history among OL). 2-time 1st-team All-Pro, 2002-2003. Named to NFL’s All-Decade Team for 2000s. Born September 15, 1971, in Fort Riley, Kansas.

Dick Stanfel 1952-1958

2016 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee. Selected by Lions in 2nd round (19th overall pick) in 1951 draft. Injured left knee preparing for College All-Star Game and missed entire season, 1951. Lions advanced to NFL championship game in each of first 3 seasons Stanfel played, winning back-to-back titles, 1952-53. Named team MVP in 1953 title season, rare honor for OL. Retired in prime to pursue coaching career. Made 5 career Pro Bowls, including 4 straight from 1955-1958. 5-time 1st-team All-Pro. Named to NFL’s All-Decade Team for 1950s. Born July 20, 1927 in San Francisco, California.

Gene Upshaw 1967-1981

1987 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee. Selected by Raiders in 1st round (17th overall) in 1967 draft. Was 1st player who played guard exclusively to enter Hall of Fame. Won regular left guard job as rookie with Raiders. Possessed size, speed, intelligence, intensity, exceptional leadership ability. Extremely effective leading sweeps. Played in 10 AFL/AFC title games, 3 Super Bowls in 3 different decades -- including 2 championships, 1976, 1980. Served as longtime head of NFLPA. Made 7 career Pro Bowls, including 6 straight from 1972-1977 seasons. 5-time 1st-team All-Pro. Born August 15, 1945, in Robstown, Texas.

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Center Finalist Bios

Dermontti Dawson 1998-2000

2012 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee. Selected by Steelers in 2nd round (44th overall pick) in 1988 draft. Became starting center in 1989, replacing eventual Hall of Famer Mike Webster. Nicknamed “Dirt” for his unique method of attempting to drive opposing pass rushers into the ground. Played in all 16 games for 10 straight regular seasons, 1989-1998. Saw action in 170 consecutive games. Elected to 7 consecutive Pro Bowls from 1992-1998 seasons. Earned 6 straight 1st-team All-Pro selections (T-10th most all-time among OL). Named to NFL’s All-Decade Team for 1990s. Born June 17, 1965 in Lexington, Kentucky.

Mel Hein 1931-1945

1987 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee. Initially wrote to 3 NFL clubs offering services, with Giants making high bid at $150 per game. Developed into 60-minute regular for 15 years in NFL (also played DL). Injured only once, never missed game in career. Flawless ball-snapper, powerful blocker, superior pass defender. Won Joe F. Carr Trophy as NFL’s MVP, 1938. Played in 7 NFL championship games, winning 2 titles with Giants, 1934, 1938. Made 4 consecutive Pro Bowls, 1938-1941. 5-time 1st-team All- Pro. Member of 75th Anniversary All-Time Team. Named to NFL’s All-Decade Team for 1930s. Born August 22, 1909, in Redding, California.

Jim Langer 1970-1981

1987 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee. Signed by Dolphins as undrafted free agent, 1970. Became starter, played every offensive down in Dolphins’ perfect 1972 season, when he needed help on just 3 of 500 blocking assignments, per the team’s unofficial tracking. Lauded for “professional, no frills” demeanor. Hard-working, quick, low-driving blocker. Played in 3 AFC championship games, 3 Super Bowls, winning titles in 1972-1973. Made 6 straight Pro Bowls, 1973-1978. 4-time 1st-team All-Pro. Born May 16, 1948, in Little Falls, Minnesota.

Jim Otto 1960-1974

1980 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee. Selected by Minneapolis franchise in 2nd round of 1960 AFL Draft (team folded; rights reverted to Raiders). Anchored Raiders’ offensive line for 15 seasons. Noted for pride, dedication, leadership, intelligence. Sure-handed ball-snapper, superior blocker with wide range. Played in 6 AFL/AFC title games, Super Bowl II loss vs Packers. Never missed a game in AFL/NFL career (210 career games). Made 12 straight Pro Bowls (T-2nd all-time among OL). Earned NFL/AFL record 10 1st-team All-Pro selections, 1960-1965, 1967-1970. Named to AFL’s All-Time Team. Born January 5, 1938, in Wausau, Wisconsin.

Jim Ringo 1953-1967

1981 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee. Selected by Packers in 7th round (80th overall pick) in 1953 draft. Small for OL, but quick, determined, intelligent, superb leader. Excellent downfield blocker, pass protector. Ignored several injuries to start in then-record 181 straight games, 1954-1967. Member of 2 NFL title teams with Packers, 1961-1962. Made 10 career Pro Bowls (T-10th all-time among OL), including 9 straight from 1957-1965 seasons. 6-time 1st-team All-Pro, including five in a row, 1959-1963. Named to NFL’s All-Decade Team for 1960s. Born November 21, 1931, in Orange, New Jersey.

Dwight Stephenson 1980-1987

1998 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee. Selected by Dolphins in 2nd round (48th overall pick) in 1980 draft. Exceptionally quick blocker with explosive charge off snap. Recognized as premier center of his time. Started for Dolphins at center in 3 AFC championship games, 2 Super Bowls (XVII, XIX). Dolphins longtime offensive captain. Career cut short by severe knee injury. Made Pro Bowls in each of last 5 NFL years, 1983-1987 seasons. Earned 4 straight 1st-team All-Pro selections, 1984-1987. Named to NFL’s All-Decade Team for 1980s. Named NFL Man of the Year, 1985s. Born November 20, 1957, in Murfreesboro, North Carolina.

Mick Tingelhoff 1962-1978

2015 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee. Signed by Vikings as undrafted free agent by Vikings, 1962. Moved from to starting center in rookie camp. Never missed a game during entire career, started all 240 games over 17-season career. Arguably considered greatest center of his era. Opened holes for 4 different Vikings Pro Bowl RBs. Key component of Vikings teams that claimed 10 division titles. Starting center in 4 Super Bowl appearances. Made 6 straight Pro Bowls, 1964-1969 seasons. Earned 5 1st-team All-Pro selections in 6-year span from 1964-1969. Born May 22, 1940 in Lexington, Nebraska.

Clyde "Bulldog" Turner 1940-1952

1966 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee. Selected by Bears in 1st round (7th overall pick) of 1940 draft. Rookie starter at age of 20. Known for being terrific blocker, superb pass defender, flawless ball-snapper with halfback speed. Also known as ball-hawking linebacker on defense with 17 career INT, including career-best and NFL-leading 8 INT, 1942. Led Bears to 4 NFL championships in 1940s, 1940-1941, 1943, 1946. Intercepted four passes in five NFL title games. Made 4 career Pro Bowls. Earned 7 1st-team All-Pro selections over 8-year span from 1941-1948. Born March 10, 1919, in Plains, Texas.

Mike Webster 1974-1990

1997 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee. Selected by Steelers in 5th round of 1974 draft. Full-time regular by 3rd season. Started every game in 10 straight seasons, 1976-1985. Durable, missed 4 games in first 16 seasons. Steelers’ team captain for 9 seasons. Played in 6 AFC championship games, won 4 Super Bowl titles with Steelers. 9 career Pro Bowls, including 8 straight from 1978-1985 seasons. Earned 5 1st-team All-Pro selections in 6-year span from 1978-1983. Member of 75th Anniversary All-Time Team. Named to NFL’s All-Decade Team for 1970s and 1980s. Born March 18, 1952, in Tomahawk, Wisconsin.

Tight End Finalist Bios

Dave Casper 1974-1984

2002 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee. Selected by Raiders in 2nd round (45th overall pick) of 1974 draft. Consensus All-American and won national title at Notre Dame, 1973. Led NFL tight ends in receptions (345), yards (4,839), TD (46) over 7-season span, 1976-1982. Had 7 receiving TD in playoff career (T-2nd among TE), including NFL-record by TE in single postseason (5, 1977). Won Super Bowl XI with Raiders. Made 5 straight Pro Bowls, 1976-1980 seasons. 1st-team All-Pro in 4 consecutive years, 1976-1979. Named to NFL All-Decade Team of 1970s. Born February 2, 1952, in Bemidji, Minnesota.

Mike Ditka 1961-1972

1988 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee. Selected by Bears in 1st round (5th overall pick) of 1961 draft. 1st TE elected to Hall of Fame. NFL Offensive Rookie of Year after becoming 1st TE with 1,000+ rec yards (1,076) in a season, 1961. Led TE in receptions in each of 1st 4 NFL seasons, 1961-1964. At retirement ranked 1st among TE in receptions (427), 2nd in rec yards (5,812) and rec TD (43) in NFL history. Won NFL title as player, asst coach and head coach. 5 straight Pro Bowls, 1961-1965 seasons. 2-time 1st-team All-Pro. Member of NFL’s 75th Anniversary Team. Born October 18, 1939, in Carnegie, Pennsylvania.

Antonio Gates 2003-2018

Signed as undrafted in 2003. Never played , instead starred on State team (led to Elite Eight in 2002 NCAA Tournament). NFL TE record 116 career receiving TD, which ranks 7th among all players in NFL history. Ranks 3rd all-time among TE in receptions (955), receiving yards (11,841). Chargers’ all-time leading receiver. Led NFL TE in receptions once, receiving yards 3 times, receiving TD 5 times. Made 8 straight Pro Bowls, 2004-2011 seasons. 1st-team All-Pro 3 times. Named to NFL All-Decade Team for 2000s. Born June 18, 1980, in Detroit, Michigan.

Tony Gonzalez 1997-2013

2019 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee. Selected by Chiefs in 1st round (13th overall pick) in 1997 draft. Also played basketball in college at Cal. Holds all-time TE records with 1,325 receptions (3rd among all players), 15,127 rec yards (6th). Ranks 2nd among TE all-time with 111 rec TD. Led NFL with 102 receptions, 2004. 4-time 1,000-yard receiver, tied for most among TE in NFL history. Played in 270 of possible 272 possible games in career. Named to 14 Pro Bowls, NFL record for TE (T-1st in NFL history among all players). 6-time 1st-team All-Pro, NFL record for TE. Named to NFL All-Decade Team for 2000s. Born February 27, 1976, in Torrance, California.

Rob Gronkowski 2010-2018

Selected by Patriots in 2nd round (42nd overall pick) of 2010 draft. Ranks 3rd among TE with 79 career receiving TD, which leads all NFL players since 2010. Leads NFL TE with 12 career receiving TD in playoffs, 2nd only to HOF among all players. Set NFL single-season record for TE with 17 receiving TD, 2011. 4-time 1,000-yard receiver, tied for most among TE in NFL history. Owns NFL record 5 seasons with 10+ receiving TD by TE. 3-time Super Bowl champion with Patriots. Earned 5 Pro Bowl selections. 4-time 1st-team All-Pro. Born May 14, 1989, in Amherst, New York.

Ron Kramer 1957; 1959-1967

Selected by Packers in 1st round (4th overall pick) of 1957 draft. 3-sports star at Michigan (football, basketball, track). Missed entire 1958 season due to U.S. Air Force service. Considered pivotal blocker in famed “Packer Sweep.” Ranked 3rd among NFL TE in both receptions (193) and receiving yards (2,840) over 6-season span, 1961-1966. Won 2 NFL championships with Packers, 1961-1962. Earned Pro Bowl selection and 1st-team All-Pro, 1962 season. Born June 24, 1935, in Gerard, Kansas.

John Mackey 1963-1972

1992 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee. Selected by Colts in 2nd round (19th overall pick) in 1963 draft. 2nd TE elected to Hall of Fame. Helped revolutionize TE position as offensive weapon in addition to being great blocker. Long-distance threat who scored 6 TDs of 50+ yards, 1966. Averaged 20+ yards per reception twice, 1963, 1965. Caught deflected pass for 75-yard TD in victory with Colts. Was 1st NFLPA President, 1970-1973. Made Pro Bowl in 5 of first 6 seasons. 3-time 1st-team All-Pro, 1966-1968. Named to NFL All-Decade Team for 1960s. Born September 24, 1941, in New York, New York.

Ozzie Newsome 1978-1990

1999 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee. Selected by Browns in 1st round (23rd overall pick) in 1978. Nicknamed “Wizard of Oz.” Became instant team leader with Browns. Led all NFL TE in career receptions (662) and receiving yards (7,980) at time of retirement. Browns all-time leader in receptions and receiving yards. 2-time 1,000-yard receiver, 1981, 1984. Caught pass in 152 consecutive games between 1979- 1989 seasons. Won Super Bowl XLVII as Ravens GM, 2012 season. Made 3 career Pro Bowls. 1st-team All-Pro selection, 1984. Named to NFL All-Decade Team for 1980s. Born March 16, 1956, in Muscle Shoals, Alabama.

Charlie Sanders 1968-1977

2007 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee. Selected by Lions in 3rd round (74th overall pick) in 1968 draft. Combined great leaping ability, big hands, strength, speed and elusiveness. Led all NFL TE with 4,817 receiving yards, ranked T-1st with 336 receptions during career span. Lions’ all-time receptions leader (336) at time of retirement. Team’s leader or co-leader in receptions 6 times in 10 career seasons. Made 7 career Pro Bowl teams (5th-most all-time among TE). Earned 3 straight All-Pro selections, 1969-1971. Named to NFL All-Decade Team for 1970s. Born August 25, 1946 in Richlands, North Carolina.

Shannon Sharpe 1990-2003

2011 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee. Selected by Broncos in 7th round of 1990 draft. Led all NFL TE 815 career receptions, 10,060 rec yards and 62 rec TDs at time of retirement (currently 4th in receptions and yards). 3-time 1,000-yard receiver (T-4th most among TE). Key part of 3 Super Bowl-winning teams (Broncos, 1997-1998; Ravens, 2000). Owns 62 career receptions in playoffs (T-3rd all-time among TE). Made 8 career Pro Bowls (T-3td all-time among TE). 4-time 1st-team All-Pro selection (T-2nd among TE). Named to NFL All-Decade Team for 1990s. Born June 26, 1968, in Chicago, Illinois.

Kellen Winslow 1979-1987

1995 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee. Selected by Chargers in 1st round (13th overall pick) in 1979 draft. Became premier TE of his era. Led all NFL TE with 541 receptions, 6,741 rec yards and 45 rec TDs during career span. 3-time 1,000-yard receiver (T-4th most among TE). Led NFL in receptions twice, 1980-1981. Had 13 receptions, blocked in epic 1981 AFC playoff win in OT vs Dolphins. 5 career Pro Bowls, including 4 straight, 1980-1983 seasons. 3-time 1st-team All-Pro (T-5th all-time among TE). Member of 75th Anniversary All-Time Team. Named to NFL’s All-Decade Team for 1980s. Born November 5, 1957, in St. Louis, Missouri.

Jason Witten 2003-2017; 2019

Selected by Cowboys in 3rd round (69th overall pick) of 2003 draft. Ranks 2nd among TE in NFL history in receptions and receiving yards. 4-time 1,000-yard receiver, tied for NFL record among TE. Caught 90 passes in season 4 times, 2nd-most by TE in NFL history. Posted career-high 110 receptions in 2012, which set NFL single-season record by TE (since broken). Owns NFL single-game record for TE with 18 receptions, Week 8, 2012. Cowboys all-time leader in receptions, receiving yards. Made 11 Pro Bowls, 2nd-most by TE in NFL history. 2-time 1st-team All-Pro. Born May 6, 1982, in Elizabethton, Tennessee.

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