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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Alex Riethmiller – 310.840.4635 NFL – 12/2/19 [email protected]

NFL RELEASES , SAFETIES & SPECIALISTS TO BE NAMED FINALISTS FOR THE ‘NFL 100 ALL-TIME TEAM’

13 Defensive Backs and 6 Specialists to be Named to All-Time Team

Episode 3 of ‘NFL 100 All-Time Team’ Airs on Friday, December 6 at 8:00 PM ET on NFL Network

Following the reveal of both the defensive line and All-Time Team class last week, the NFL is proud to announce the 30 defensive backs (16 cornerbacks; 14 safeties) and 12 specialists (4 kickers; 4 punters; 4 returners) that are finalists for the NFL 100 All-Time Team.

This all-star secondary unit combined for 1,527 career ; kickers made 1,801 field goals; punters combined for a career average 44.64 yards/; and the four returners ran 32 punts and 17 kickoffs for . Of this week’s 41 finalists, 29 have been enshrined into Pro Football Hall of Fame, while two are still adding to their legacy as active NFL players.

Episode three will also reveal the fourth of 10 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 -ribbon voting panel ultimately selected seven cornerbacks, six safeties, plus a pair of kickers, punters and returners across each specialist position.

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

Player Years Played Team(s)

Herb Adderley 1961-1969; 1970-1972 ; Cowboys

Champ Bailey 1999-2003; 2004-2013 Washington Redskins; Broncos

Lem Barney 1967-1977 Lions

Mel Blount 1970-1983 Steelers Willie Brown 1963-1966; 1967-1978 ; Oakland Raiders 1983-2002 Washington Redskins ;

Mike Haynes 1976-1982; 1983-1989 Raiders

Jimmy Johnson 1961-1976 1952-1953; 1954-1959; ; Cardinals;

Dick “Night Train” Lane 1960-1965

Patrick Peterson 2011-Present Cardinals

Mel Renfro 1964-1977 Jets; ; 2007-2012; 2013; 2014;

Darrelle Revis New England Patriots; ; 2015-2016; 2017 Falcons; San Francisco 49ers; 1989-1993; 1994; 1995-

Deion Sanders Dallas Cowboys; Washington Redskins; 1999; 2000; 2004-2005 Ravens

Aeneas Williams 1991-2000; 2001-2004 Phoenix/; St. Louis Rams 1998-2005; 2006-2012; Oakland Raiders; Green Bay Packers; 2013-2015 Oakland Raiders 1987-1996; 1997; 1998- ; San Francisco 49ers; 2001; 2002-2003 ; Oakland Raiders

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

Player Years Played Team(s)

Jack Christiansen 1951-1958 Detroit Lions 1996-2008; 2009-2011 Eagles; Denver Broncos 1981-1987 Ken 1967-1972; 1973-1980 Houston Oilers; Washington Redskins 1964-1967; 1968-1979 Washington Redskins; 1952-1953; 1956-1964 Detroit Lions 1981-1990; 1991-1992; San Francisco 49ers; Los Angeles 1993-1994 Raiders; New York Jets 2003-2014 Pittsburgh Steelers Baltimore Ravens; ; New 2002-2012; 2013; 2013 York Jets 1960-1971 Dallas Texans/Kansas City Chiefs 1974-1987 Pittsburgh Steelers 1948-1958; 1959-1961 ; Green Bay Packers Larry Wilson 1960-1972 St. Louis Cardinals 1960-1971 Green Bay Packers

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

Player Years Played Team(s) 1982-1994; 1995-2000; Saints; ; New

Morten Andersen 2001; 2002-2003; 2004; York Giants; Kansas City Chiefs; 2006-2007 Minnesota Vikings; Atlanta Falcons

Lou Groza 1946-1959; 1961-1967 Browns 1967-1979; 1980-1983; Kansas City Chiefs; Green Bay Packers;

Jan Stenerud 1984-1985 Minnesota Vikings

Adam Vinatieri 1996-2005; 2006-Present New England Patriots; Colts

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

Player Years Played Team(s)

Ray Guy 1973-1986 Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders Yale Lary 1952-1953; 1956-1964 Detroit Lions

Shane Lechler 2000-2012; 2013-2017 Oakland Raiders; Houston Texans

Jerrel Wilson 1963-1977; 1978 Kansas City Chiefs; New England Patriots

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

Player Years Played Team(s) Los Angeles Express (USFL); New 1984-1985; 1986-1988; Orleans Saints; Detroit Lions; Houston 1989-1994; 1995-1997; Oilers/ Titans; Philadelphia 1997 Eagles 2006-2013; 2014-2015; ; Atlanta Falcons; Baltimore

Devin Hester 2016; 2016 Ravens; Seattle Seahawks Billy “White Shoes” 1974-1980; 1982-1987; Houston Oilers; Atlanta Falcons;

Johnson 1988 Washington Redskins 1990-1999; 2000-2002; Washington Redskins; Philadelphia

Brian Mitchell 2003 Eagles; New York Giants

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, , , 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 6 8:00 PM NFL 100 All-Time Team: Cornerbacks, Safeties, Specialists and 1 Head Coach 9:00 PM NFL 100 All-Time Team Reaction Show 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.

Cornerback Finalist Bios

Herb Adderley 1961-1972

1980 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee… Played in four of first six Super Bowls, winning three times… Won six championship in 12 NFL seasons (5 with Packers, 1 with Cowboys)… Had 60-yard INT return TD in II with Packers… At retirement, ranked 3rd with 1,046 INT and T-2nd with 7 INT return TD in career… Returned three interceptions for TD in 1965 (T-3rd most in season)… Made five straight Pro Bowls, 1963-1967 seasons… Four-time 1st-team All-Pro… Named to NFL All- Decade Team of … Selected by the Green Bay Packers in 1st round (12th overall) of 1961 NFL … Played in college at Michigan State, switched to CB as rookie… Born June 8, 1939, in Philadelphia, PA.

Champ Bailey 1999-2013

2019 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee… Earned 12 selections, most by CB in NFL history… Three-time 1st-team All-Pro, 2004-2006… Named to NFL All-Decade Team for 2000s… Became youngest player in NFL history to record three interceptions in a game at age 21… His 52 career INT ranked 3rd in NFL during career span, 1999-2013… Posted career-high 10 INT in 2006, tied for most in NFL… Selected by the Washington Redskins in 1st round (7th overall pick) in 1999 NFL Draft… Born June 22, 1978, in Fort Campbell, KY.

Lem Barney 1967-1977

1992 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee… Posted 56 career INTs, T-2nd most in NFL during career span… Recorded 7+ INTs in each of first four seasons, T-3rd longest streak in NFL history… Intercepted NFL-high 32 INTs passes in four-season span, 1967-1970… Made Pro Bowl in 7 of 11 NFL seasons… Two-time 1st-team All-Pro, 1968-1969… Named Defensive Rookie of Year after ranking T-1st in NFL with 10 INTs and three INT returns for TD in 1967… Selected by the Detroit Lions in 2nd round (34th overall pick) of 1967 NFL Draft… Born September 8, 1945, in Gulfport, MS.

Mel Blount 1970-1983

1989 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee… Started in four Super Bowl victories with Steelers in … Earned five Pro Bowl selections… Two-time 1st-team All-Pro… Prototype CB of era with superior speed, size, intelligence… Master of bump-and- coverage, forcing NFL to adjust pass rules… One of 11 CBs in NFL history to play 200+ career games… Named 1975 NFL Defensive Player of the Year… His 57 INTs ranked 2nd in NFL during career span… Named to NFL All-Decade Team for … Selected by Steelers in 3rd round (53rd overall pick) in 1970 NFL Draft… Born April 10, 1948, in Vidalia, GA.

Willie Brown 1963-1978

1984 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee… Scored on 75-yard INT return TD in Raiders’ Super Bowl XI win… Nine career Pro Bowls, T-6th in NFL history among CB… Five-time 1st-team All-Pro… Made Pro Bowl in each of first seven seasons after trade to Raiders, 1967-1973 seasons… Owns 54 career INTs, 39 with Raiders (tied for most in franchise history)… Member of AFL’s All-Time Team… Named to NFL All-Decade Team for 1970s… Signed by Oilers as undrafted free agent, 1963… Cut in training camp, signed with Broncos and won starting CB job by midseason as rookie… Born December 2, 1940, in Yazoo City, MS.

Darrell Green 1983-2002

2008 Pro Football Hall of Fame inductee…Won two Super Bowl titles with Redskins… Earned seven Pro Bowl selections… 1991 1st-team All-Pro… Despite lack of size, played in remarkable 20 seasons and 295 career games, both most by DB in NFL history… Intercepted pass in NFL record 19 consecutive seasons, 1983-2001… Only player age 40 or older in NFL history to record and … Redskins all-time leader with 54 INT, six INTs return TD… Won NFL Man of the Year award, 1996… Named to NFL All-Decade Team for … Selected by the Washington Redskins in 1st round (28th overall pick) in 1983 NFL Draft… Born February 15, 1960 in Houston, TX.

Mike Haynes 1976-1989

1997 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee… Notched INT in Raiders’ Super Bowl XVIII win… Nine career Pro Bowls, T-6th in NFL history among CBs… Two-time 1st-team All-Pro, 1984-1985… With Raiders, teamed with HOF to form one of most dominant CB tandems in NFL history… Named to NFL All-Decade Team for 1980s. Member of NFL’s 75th Anniversary Team… Named 1976 NFL Defensive Rookie of Year after ranking T-3rd in NFL with eight INTs… Selected by the New England Patriots in 1st round (5th overall pick) in 1976 NFL Draft… Born July 1, 1953, in Denison, TX.

Jimmy Johnson 1961-1976

1994 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee… Helped 49ers reach two NFC championship games… Earned five Pro Bowl selections… Made four consecutive 1st-team All-Pro teams, 1969-1972… Played on offense and at safety before moving to CB permanently, 1963… Garnered reputation as one of toughest man-to-man coverage cornerbacks in NFL history… Retired as 49ers’ all-time leader in interceptions (47) and INT return yards (615)… Named to NFL All-Decade Team for 1970s… Selected by 49ers in the 1st round (6th overall pick) in 1961 NFL Draft… Born March 31, 1938, in Dallas, TX.

Dick “Night Train” Lane 1952-1965

1974 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee… Set NFL single-season record with 14 INT in rookie season, a record that still stands… Also led NFL with 10 INT, 1954… Ranks 4th in NFL history with 68 career INT, 6th with 1,207 INT return yards… Known for gambling style on field and deadly open-field tackler… Earned seven Pro Bowl selections… First-team All-Pro three times… Named to NFL All-Decade Team for 1950s… Member of NFL’s 75th Anniversary Team… Signed by Rams as undrafted free agent in 1952 after four years in Army… Born April 16, 1928, in Austin, TX.

Patrick Peterson 2011-Present

Tied NFL single-season record with four punt return TDs, 2011… Returned game-winning 99-yard punt return TD in OT win vs. Rams in rookie season… Entered 2019 season with 23 career INT, T-3rd-most since entering NFL in 2011… Joined HOFers Jim Brown, Barry Sanders as only players in NFL history to make eight Pro Bowls before 29th birthday… Three-time 1st-team All-Pro… Selected by the Arizona Cardinals in the first round (5th overall) of 2011 NFL Draft… All-American, Award (nation’s best DB) & winner at LSU, 2010… Born July 11, 1990, in Ft. Lauderdale, FL.

Mel Renfro 1964-1977

1996 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee… Led NFL with 10 interceptions, 1969… Won two Super Bowl championships with Cowboys… Began NFL career as safety before moving to cornerback… Cowboys all- time leader in INT (52), INT return yards (626)… Earned Pro Bowl selections in each of first 10 years, 1964-1973 seasons… Ranks T-4th among DB in NFL history in Pro Bowls… 1969 1st-team All-Pro… Selected by the Dallas Cowboys in 2nd round (17th overall pick) in 1964 NFL Draft… Garnered All- American honors in football and track at Oregon… Born December 30, 1941, in Houston, TX.

Darrelle Revis 2007-2017

29 career INTs, T-13th in NFL during career span (139 passes defensed, 4th in NFL)… Four-time 1st- team All-Pro… Made seven Pro Bowls in eight-year span from 2008-2015… By 2nd season, developed reputation as elite, shutdown -- garnering nickname “Revis Island” due to QBs avoiding throws to his side of field… Heart of Jets defense that ranked 1st in both scoring and total defense, 2009… Selected by the New York Jets in 1st round (14th overall) of 2007 NFL Draft… Born July 14, 1985, in Aliquippa, PA.

Deion Sanders 1989-2000; 2004-2005

2011 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee… Won Super Bowls in 1994 with 49ers, 1995 with Cowboys… Earned eight Pro Bowl selections… Six-time 1st-team All-Pro, tied-most among DB… NFL Defensive Player of Year, 1994… Including , one of two players with TD in six different ways (9 INT return, 6 punt return, 3 kickoff return, 1 return, 3 receiving, 1 rushing)… Among 53 career INT, ranks T-5th in INT return TD (9) and 4th in INT return yards (1,331)… Named to NFL All-Decade Team for 1990s as CB, PR… Selected by the Atlanta Falcons in 1st round (5th overall pick) in 1989 NFL Draft… Born August 9, 1967, in Fort Myers, FL.

Aeneas Williams 1991-2004

2014 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee… Among 55 career INT, ranks T-5th in INT return TD (9)… Registered 6+ INT in five different seasons, tied for most in NFL history… Posted 41 INTs during 1990s, 3rd-most in NFL… Had six INTs in six career postseason games, including two interception returns for TD… Named to Pro Bowl seven times as CB, once as safety… Three-time 1st-team All-Pro… Named to NFL All-Decade Team for 1990s… Starred at cornerback for 12 seasons before switching to safety… Selected by Cardinals in 3rd round of 1991 NFL Draft… Born January 29, 1968 in New Orleans, LA.

Charles Woodson 1998-2015

Won Super Bowl XLV with the Green Bay Packers... Nine-time Pro Bowl selections, T-6th all-time among DB. 3-time 1st-team All-Pro… Named 2009 NFL Defensive Player of Year… Ranks in top five in NFL history with 65 INTs (5th), 13 defensive TDs (T-1st) and 11 INT return TD (T-2nd)… Finished T-1st in INT twice in career, 2009, 2011… Named to NFL All-Decade Team of 2000s. Selected by Raiders in 1st round (4th overall) of 1998 draft… Won and national championship at Michigan in 1997… Born October 7, 1976, in Fremont, OH.

Rod Woodson 1987-2003

2009 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee… Had 71 career INT, 3rd-most in NFL history… Owns NFL- record 12 career INT return TD, ranks 2nd with 1,483 INT return yards… Named 1993 NFL Defensive Player of Year… Ranked T-1st in INT twice, 1999, 2002… 11 career Pro Bowls, 3rd among DB in NFL history… Six-time 1st-team All-Pro, tied-most all-time among DB… Named to NFL All-Decade Team for 1990s… Member of NFL’s 75th Anniversary Team… Selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1st round (10th overall pick) in 1987 NFL Draft… Born March 10, 1965, in Fort Wayne, IN.

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Safety Finalist Bios

Jack Christiansen 1951-1958

1970 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee… Won three NFL championships with the Detroit Lions, 1952- 1953, 1957… Made five straight Pro Bowls, 1953-1957 seasons… Six-time 1st-team All-Pro, tied-most all-time among DB… Earned reputation as dominant safety, punt returner… Had 46 career INT in just eight seasons (5.8 INT per season)… One of seven players in NFL history with 10+ INT in single season twice, 1953 (12), 1957 (10)… NFL INT leader, 1953, co-leader in 1957… Owns NFL single-season record for punt return average (21.5), 1952… Eight career punt returns for TD, T-4th in NFL history… Named to NFL All-Decade Team for 1950s… Selected by the Detroit Lions in 6th round of 1951 NFL Draft… Born December 20, 1928, in Sublette, KS.

Brian Dawkins 1996-2011

2018 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee… Recorded INT in 15 consecutive seasons, 1996-2010… Registered sack in 12 different seasons, 2nd-most among DB in NFL history… Earned nine Pro Bowl selections, T-6th all-time among DB… Four-time 1st-team All-Pro… Captained Eagles defense that ranked top five in scoring defense five times in nine-season span from 2000-2009… One of four players in NFL history with 30+ INT (37) and 25.0+ sacks (26.0)… Named to NFL All-Decade Team for 2000s… Selected by the in 2nd round (61st overall pick) in 1996 NFL Draft… Born October 13, 1973 in Jacksonville, FL.

Kenny Easley 1981-1987

2017 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee… Named 1984 NFL Defensive Player of Year after league- leading and career-high 10 INTs… Made five Pro Bowls in seven NFL seasons… Three-time 1st-team All-Pro, 1983-1985… Earned reputation as punishing tackler… Despite career ending prematurely due to kidney disease, notched 32 career INTs in seven seasons (5.0 INT per season)…Named to NFL All- Decade Team for 1980s… Selected by the Seattle Seahawks in 1st round (4th overall pick) in 1981 NFL Draft… Born January 15, 1959 in Chesapeake, VA.

Ken Houston 1967-1980

1986 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee… Set NFL single-season record with five defensive TDs in 1971… Earned 12 Pro Bowl selections from 1968-1979 seasons, tied for most by DB in NFL history… Two-time 1st-team All-Pro… Acclaimed as NFL’s premier strong safety of 1970s… Among 49 career INT, ranks T-5th in INT return TD (9)… Traded to Redskins for five players in 1973… Named to NFL All- Decade Team for 1970s… Member of NFL’s 75th Anniversary Team… Selected by the Houston Oilers in 9th round of 1967 NFL Draft… Born November 12, 1944, in Lufkin, .

Paul Krause 1964-1979

1988 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee… Started at free safety in four Super Bowls, five NFL/NFC championship games… Earned eight Pro Bowl selections, including five straight, 1971-1975 seasons… Three-time 1st-team All-Pro… Owns NFL all-time record with 81 career INT… One of 7 players in NFL history with 10+ INT in single season twice, 1964 (12), 1975 (10)… Led NFL with career-high 12 INT as rookie, 1964… Selected by the Washington Redskins in 2nd round (18th overall pick) in 1964 NFL Draft… Born February 19, 1942, in Flint, MI.

Yale Lary 1952-1953; 1956-1964

1979 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee… Major contributor to three NFL championship teams with Lions, 1952-1953, 1957… Was 11-year fixture at safety, exceptional punter, long-distance threat on kick returns… His 50 career INT ranked T-3rd all-time at time of retirement… Posted career 44.3 yard punting average, four NFL punting crowns (1959, 1961-1963)… Made Pro Bowl in nine of 11 NFL seasons (T-6th most by DB in NFL history)… Three-time 1st-team All-Pro… Named to NFL All-Decade Team for 1950s… Selected by Lions in 3rd round (34th overall pick) in 1952 NFL Draft… Born November 24, 1930, in Fort Worth, TX.

Ronnie Lott 1981-1994

2000 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee… Driving force on 49ers defense as one of NFL’s most physical safeties during four Super Bowl seasons, 1981, 1984, 1988-1989… His 63 career INTs rank T-8th in NFL history… Led NFL in INTs twice, 1986 (10), 1991 (8)… Nine career playoff INTs, tied for most in NFL history… Earned 10 Pro Bowl selections, T-4th all-time among DB… Made 1st-team All-Pro six times, tied for NFL record by DB… Named to NFL All-Decade Team for 1980s… Member of NFL’s 75th Anniversary Team… Selected by the San Francisco 49ers in 1st round (8th overall pick) in 1981 NFL Draft… Born May 8, 1959, in Albuquerque, NM.

Troy Polamalu 2003-2014

Won two Super Bowls in three appearances with the Pittsburgh Steelers… Earned eight Pro Bowl selections, including five straight from 2004-2008… Named 2010 NFL Defensive Player of Year… One of 13 players in NFL history with 30+ INTs (32) and 10.0+ sacks (12.0)… Finished T-2nd in NFL with 7 INTs twice in career, 2008, 2010… Four-time 1st-team All-Pro… Named to NFL All-Decade Team of 2000s… Selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1st round (16th overall) of 2003 NFL Draft… Named All-American during final season at USC, 2002… Born April 19, 1981, in Garden Grove, CA.

Ed Reed 2002-2013

2019 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee… Named 2004 NFL Defensive Player of Year… Earned nine Pro Bowl selections, five 1st-team All-Pro berths (both T-6th by DB in NFL history)… Known as one of football’s best playmaking safeties in league history… Ranks 7th with 64 career INTs and NFL record 1,590 INT return yards… Scored seven TDs on INT returns, with nine defensive TDs ranking T-10th all- time… Nine career playoff INTs tied for most in NFL history… Led NFL in INTs three times, 2004, 2008, 2010… Named to NFL All-Decade Team for 2000s… Selected by the Baltimore Ravens in 1st round (24th overall pick) in 2002 NFL Draft… Born September 11, 1978, in St. Rose, LA.

Johnny Robinson 1960-1971

2019 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee… Helped Chiefs to four division titles and three AFL Championship victories… Started in two Super Bowls, including winning Super Bowl IV despite playing with three broken ribs… His 57 career INT ranked T-4th all-time at time of retirement… One of seven players in NFL history with 10+ INT in single season twice, 1966 (10), 1970 (10)… Earned seven Pro Bowl selections, including six straight, 1963-1968 seasons… Made 1st-team All-Pro six times, tied for NFL record by DB… Member of AFL All-Time Team… Selected by Texans in 1st round of 1960 AFL Draft… Born September 9, 1938, in Delhi, LA.

Donnie Shell 1974-1987

Member of famed “” defense that led Steelers to four Super Bowl titles in 1970s… Earned five consecutive Pro Bowl selections, 1978-1982… Three-time 1st-team All-Pro… Posted 51 career INT, 2nd in NFL during career span… Recorded six straight seasons with 5+ INT, T-2nd longest streak in NFL history… Signed with Pittsburgh Steelers as undrafted free agent after stellar college career at South Carolina State (teammates with HOF LB )… Born August 26, 1952, in Whitmire, SC.

Emlen Tunnell 1948-1961

Became 1st black player inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1967… Retired as NFL’s all-time INT leader with 79 (currently ranks 2nd)… Won two NFL titles, with Giants in 1956 and Packers in 1961… Posted NFL record 6+ INT in each of first 10 seasons, 1948-1957… Earned nine Pro Bowl selections, including eight straight in 1950-1957 seasons… Four-time 1st-team All-Pro… Named to NFL All-Decade Team for 1950s… Signed as undrafted free agent as 1st African American player on Giants in 1948… Born March 29, 1925, in Bryn Mawr, PA.

Larry Wilson 1960-1072

1978 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee… Cat-like defender, exceptional team leader… Became NFL’s top free safety, made “safety ” famous… Famous for once intercepting pass with both hands in casts… Had 52 career interceptions… Posted career-high 10 INTs in 1966, T-1st in NFL, including streak of seven straight games with INTs… Made Pro Bowl eight times in nine-season span from 1962-1970 seasons… Five 1st-team All-Pro berths (T-6th by DB in NFL history)… Named to NFL All-Decade Team for 1960s and 1970s… Member of NFL’s 75th Anniversary Team… Selected by Cardinals in 7th round in 1960 NFL Draft… Born March 24, 1938, in Rigby, ID.

Willie Wood 1960-1971

1989 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee… Won five NFL championships with Packers, including Super Bowls I and II… Quickly developed into premier free safety under coach Vince … Scored on 50- yard INT return in SB I vs. Chiefs… Posted 48 career INTs, 2nd in Packers history… Led NFL with career-high nine INTs, 1962… Made eight Pro Bowls, including seven straight from 1964-1970 seasons… Earned five 1st-team All-Pro berths (T-6th by DB in NFL history). Named to NFL All-Decade Team for 1960s… Signed by Packers as undrafted free agent, 1960… Played QB in college at USC… Born December 23, 1936, in Washington, D.C.

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Kicker Finalist Bios

Morten Andersen 1982-2007

2017 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee… Played in NFL-record 382 games… Ranks 2nd all-time in points (2,544) and FG made (565), 3rd in extra points made (849)… Topped 100 points 14 times, T-3rd most in NFL history… Became 1st player to kick three FG of 50+ yards in same game, 1995… Retired at age 47, 2nd-oldest player in NFL history… Made seven Pro Bowls, NFL record by a kicker… Earned three 1st-team All-Pro honors, tied for NFL-high by kicker… Named to NFL All-Decade Team for 1980s and 1990s… Selected by the in the 4th round of the 1982 NFL Draft… Born August 19, 1960 in , .

Lou Groza 1946-1959; 1961-1967

1974 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee… Won four AAFC, four NFL titles with Browns… Made last- second FG to win 1950 NFL title game… Retired as all-time leading scorer (1,608). Made nine Pro Bowls, four 1st-team All-Pro berths as OT… Revolutionized FG kicking in era before skill became specialized… Nicknamed “The Toe” for kicking success… Also starred as offensive for 13 seasons, 1947-1959… Missed 1960 season due to back injury… Returned as kicker only, 1961-67… Named to NFL All-Decade Team for 1950s… Member of NFL’s 75th Anniversary Team… Born January 25, 1924, in Martins Ferry, OH.

Jan Stenerud 1967-1985

1991 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee… Kicked three FGs in Super Bowl IV win with Chiefs… Made six Pro Bowls, T-2nd most by kicker in NFL history… Was 1st pure to enter Hall of Fame… Helped usher in more accurate soccer-style FG kicking… Retired as NFL’s second-leading all-time scorer (1,699 points) with then-record 373 FG made… 1st-team All-Pro, 1970… Member of NFL’s 75th Anniversary Team… Entered college on skiing scholarship, joined football team as senior… Born November 26, 1942, in Fetsund, Norway.

Adam Vinatieri 1996-Present

Has won four Super Bowl titles in five appearances, kicking game-winning FG in SB XXXVI and XXXVIII for Patriots… Owns NFL records in (regular season and playoffs) for most career points, field goals made… Only kicker in NFL history to score 1,000+ points for two different teams… Set NFL record with 44 straight FG made, 2015-2016 seasons… Three-time Pro Bowl and 1st-team All-Pro selection… Named to NFL All-Decade Team of 2000s… Signed with Patriots as undrafted free agent after becoming all-time leading scorer at State (since broken)… Born December 28, 1972, in Yankton, South Dakota.

Punter Finalist Bios

Ray Guy 1973-1986

2014 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee… Played in seven AFC championship games, three Super Bowls (winning 3 titles with Raiders)… Averaged under 40 yards only once in 14 NFL seasons (42.4 career gross average)… Had only three of 1,049 punts blocked… Made seven Pro Bowls, tied for most by punter in NFL history… Three-time 1st-team All-Pro, T-3rd most by punter all-time… Named to NFL All-Decade Team for 1970s… Member of NFL’s 75th Anniversary Team… Selected by Raiders in 1st round (23rd overall pick) of 1973 NFL Draft, the 1st punter ever picked in 1st round… Born December 22, 1949, in Swainsboro, GA.

Yale Lary 1952-1953; 1956-1964

1979 Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee… Major contributor to three NFL championship teams with Lions, 1952-1953, 1957… Was 11-year fixture at exceptional punter, safety, long-distance threat on kick returns… Posted career 44.3 yard punting average, 4 NFL punting crowns (1959, 1961-1963)… His 50 career INT ranked T-3rd all-time at time of retirement. Made Pro Bowl in nine of 11 NFL seasons… Three-time 1st-team All-Pro… Named to NFL All-Decade Team for 1950s… Selected by the Detroit Lions in 3rd round (34th overall pick) in 1952 NFL Draft… Born November 24, 1930, in Fort Worth, TX.

Shane Lechler 2000-2017

NFL’s all-time leader in gross punting average (47.6 yards per punt)… Finished season 1st in punting average four times, 2003-2004, 2007, 2009… Ranked in NFL’s top two in punting average 12 times in 18 seasons… Earned 1st-team All-Pro honors six times, most by punter in NFL history… Made seven Pro Bowls, tied with HOF Ray Guy for most in NFL history by punter… Named to NFL All-Decade Team of 2000s… Selected by Oakland Raiders in 5th round of 2000 NFL Draft… Born August 7, 1976, in East Bernard, TX.

Jerrel Wilson 1963-1978

Known for his booming punts, nicknamed “Thunderfoot”… Finished season 1st in punting average five times (tied for NFL record), 1965, 1968, 1971-1973… Named to All-Time All-AFL team by Pro Football Hall of Fame… Most decorated punter in Chiefs history, also tied for franchise record for most seasons (15) and ranking 4th in games played (203)… Earned three consecutive Pro Bowl selections, 1970-1972 seasons… Selected by the Kansas City Chiefs in 11th round of 1963 AFL Draft… Born October 4, 1941, in New Orleans, LA.

Kick/Punt Returner Finalist Bios

Mel Gray 1984-1985 (AFL) 1986-1997 (NFL)

Ranks 4th in NFL history in total kick/punt returns (673) and yards (13,003)… Scored nine career kick/punt returns (T-6th in NFL history), including six by kickoff (T-3rd)… Led NFL in punt return average twice (1987, 1991) and kick return average twice (1991, 1994)… Ranked in NFL’s top five in kick return average in six straight seasons, 1989-1994… Four-time Pro Bowl selection… Three-time 1st-team All- Pro… Selected by Saints in 2nd round (42nd overall) of 1984 supplemental draft… Born March 19, 1961, in Williamsburg, VA.

Devin Hester 2006-2016

NFL-record 19 career kick/punt return TD, including 14 by punt (most in NFL history). In each of first two seasons, broke NFL single-season record for kick/punt return TD (5 in 2006, 6 in 2007)… Only player to return opening kickoff of Super Bowl for TD (SB XLI vs Colts)… One of 6 players to score two kick/punt return TD in same game on multiple occasions… Led NFL in punt return average twice, 2010-2011… Four-time Pro Bowl selection… Three-time 1st-team All-Pro… Selected by the Chicago Bears in 2nd round (57th overall) of 2006 NFL Draft… Born November 4, 1982, in Riviera Beach, FL.

Billy “White Shoes” Johnson 1974-1988

Became popular over his “Funky Chicken” dance, one of first players to celebrate after scoring… Posted eight career kick/punt return TD, including six by punt (T-9th in NFL history)… Ranked in top 10 with 3,317 career punt return yards (7th) and 11.8 punt return average (8th, min. 75 returns)… Led NFL in punt return average twice, 1975, 1977… Three-time Pro Bowl selection… 1st-team All-Pro, 1977… Member of 75th Anniversary All-Time Team… Named to NFL’s All-Decade Team for 1970s and 1980s… Selected by Oilers in 15th round of 1974 NFL Draft… Born January 27, 1952, in Boothwyn, PA.

Brian Mitchell 1990-2003

Owns NFL career records for total kick/punt return yards for both regular season (19,013) and playoffs (1,214)… Ranks 2nd in NFL history behind HOF with 23,330 all-purpose yards… Scored 13 career kick/punt return TD (2nd in NFL history), including nine by punt (3rd)… Led NFL in all-purpose yards four times, 1994-1996, 1998… Career-high 14.1 punt return average in 1994 (1st in NFL)… Pro Bowl selection and 1st-team All-Pro, 1995… Selected by the Washington Redskins in 5th round of 1990 NFL Draft… Born August 18, 1968, in Fort Polk, LA.

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