Andy Robustelli, Class of 1971

Robustelli_01

The Los Angeles Rams drafted Andy Robustelli, an end from tiny Arnold College, in the nineteenth round of the 1951 National Football League Draft.

Robustelli_02

A long shot to make the team as an offensive end since the Rams already had such stars as Tom Fears and Elroy “Crazylegs” Hirsch, Robustelli responded in the only way he knew how – to go all out to make good at what was available to him, the defensive unit.

Robustelli_03

History will record that Andy became one of the finest defensive ends in pro football history, playing five years with the Rams and then nine years with the New York Giants.

Robustelli_04

He was a regular for the Rams’ 1951 championship team, and the one game he missed that season was the only one he missed in 14 NFL seasons.

Robustelli_05

After five outstanding seasons in Los Angeles, the Rams dealt him to the Giants for a first-round draft pick.

Robustelli_08

He was named All-Pro seven times and was named to the Pro Bowl seven times.

Robustelli_09

Robustelli (right) was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1971. Here he poses with his presenter, J. Walter Kennedy, former Commissioner of the NBA, following his enshrinement speech..

Robustelli_10

Y.A. Tittle (left) and former Hall of Fame executive director, Dick Gallagher (middle), present Robustelli with his Hall of Fame ring.

Robustelli_11

In 2010 Robustelli donated mementos from his career including this helmet from his playing days with the Los Angeles Rams.

Robustelli_12

Andy Robustelli poses with former New York Yankees legend Joe DiMaggio.

Robustelli_13

Robustelli and former New York Yankees slugger Mickey Mantle pose for a photo.

Robustelli_15

Andy Robustelli's Hall of Fame mural.

Robustelli_16

Andy Robustelli's Hall of Fame bust.

Robustelli_17

In honor of Andy Robustelli, who passed away on the morning of May 31, 2011, our front entrance flag is at half staff.

Robustelli_Andy_06

A natural leader as well as an outstanding player, Robustelli was a big factor in the Giants on-field success. He stayed with the New York team for nine seasons, the last three as a player-coach.