History: Norm Van Brocklin’s record-setting 554 yards

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History of Football

Dutch Treat

One of the greatest opening day performances came in 1951 when Hall of Fame quarterback Norm Van Brocklin of the Los Angeles Rams threw for a record 554 yards.

The mark still stands as the greatest single passing effort in National Football League history.

Van Brocklin received the start that day when veteran Bob Waterfield, also a member of the Hall, was injured. The two quarterbacks were entrenched in a fierce battle for the starting role.

The "Dutchman," as Van Brocklin was nicknamed, made the most of his opportunity. He completed 27 of 41 passes and tossed five touchdowns - four of which went to fellow Hall of Famer Elroy "Crazylegs" Hirsch - en route to a easy 54-14 win over the New York Yanks.

 

 

Receiving statistics from Norm Van Brocklin’s record-setting 554 yards vs. the New York Yanks on September 28, 1951
Player
Receptions
Yards
Elroy "Crazylegs" Hirsch
9
173
Tom Fears
7
162
V.T. Smith
2
103
Tom "Cricket" Kalmanir
2
40
Dan Towler
2
30
Jerry Williams
2
22
Tom Keane
2
10
Bob Boyd
1
14

Best Opening Game Performances, 1933-2007