Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 1970 celebrates 55-year anniversary

Hall of Famers Published on : 7/7/2025

The four members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame's Class of 1970 are being celebrated for their 55-year anniversary this year.

By Ashley Veldheer
Pro Football Hall of Fame

Enshrined on Aug. 8, 1970, the Class of 1970 was the eighth class to enter the Pro Football Hall of Fame. This summer marks the 55th anniversary since safety and kick return specialist JACK CHRISTIANSEN, wide receiver TOM FEARS, halfback HUGH McELHENNY and two-way end PETE PIHOS were enshrined. This anniversary celebrates their legacies and all they have accomplished in professional football.

Despite originally not planning to play college football Jack Christiansen became a member of the Hall of Fame after great success with the Detroit Lions. Christiansen was not only known for his lockdown defense as a safety but also for his effective punt returns. On the defensive side, the secondary for the Lions began to be known as “Chris’ Crew” to recognize not only Christiansen’s outstanding play but also his leadership. Christiansen led the league in interceptions in 1953 and tied for the league lead in 1957. Playing for the Lions for eight seasons, Christiansen was named All-Pro in six consecutive years and played in five consecutive Pro Bowls.

While he was drafted as a defensive back, the Rams saw that Tom Fears would be best utilized on offense. Fears made the switch to wide receiver his rookie year and immediately saw success, leading the league in receptions each year for his first three NFL seasons. Fears continued to improve in his new position and set a league record with 77 catches in 1949 and surpassed his previous record in 1950 with 84 catches. In the 1951 NFL Championship game against the Cleveland Browns, Fears had his most memorable play with a game-winning reception. In the fourth quarter, tied at 17, he caught a 13-yard pass and continued to run 60 yards to score the go-ahead touchdown. In Fears nine seasons with the Rams he totaled 400 receptions, 5,397 yards and 38 touchdowns.

Known for his electrifying moves and athleticism, Hugh McElhenny was a first-round draft pick by the San Francisco 49ers as a halfback. McElhenny became known for his tremendous speed and ability to quickly change directions. In his rookie year, he recorded the season’s longest run at 89 yards, longest punt return at 94 yards and the top rushing average of 7.0 yards per carry. At the end of McElhenny’s first season, he was the unanimous choice for Rookie of the Year. When his career came to a close, he was one of three players to reach more than 11,000 all-purpose yards totaling 11,375 yards.

As a two-way end for the Philadelphia Eagles, Pete Pihos missed only one game in his career of nine seasons. When the platoon system was implemented, Pihos’ coaches chose to place him on offense. However, when the Eagles were in need of a defensive end in 1952, Pihos jumped into the role on the other side of the ball. When he stepped in, he was extremely successful and earned All-NFL honors. During his career, Pihos led the NFL in receiving from 1953-55, earned first-team All-Pro six times and was given the Pro Bowl nod six times.

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