Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 1990 celebrates 35-year anniversary

Coming from an NAIA university, defensive tackle Junious (Buck) Buchanan was selected as the Kansas City Chiefs first round pick in the 1963 AFL Draft. Buchanan not only had the physical size of 6 feet 7 inches and 270 pounds, but also the athleticism that led to his success. In the 1967 season, Buchanen batted down 16 passes while also displaying his speed to cover sideline to sideline. Over the course of his 13-season career he was selected to six AFL-All Star games, two Pro Bowls, four All-AFL honors and two All-AFC honors. In the 1969 season, Buchanan helped lead the Chiefs as they won Super Bowl IV. 

Quarterback Bob Griese was a two-time All-American at Purdue and joined the Miami Dolphins in 1967. Griese helped lead the Dolphins to nine winning seasons, winning three AFC championships and Super Bowls VI and VII. In his 14-season career, Griese threw 3,429 passes with 1,926 completions, 25,092 yards and 192 touchdowns. While Miami had a run-heavy offense, Griese was a poised leader and reliable when the offense needed to be opened up. He was named the Dolphins MVP six times, All-Pro from 1971-1977 and All-AFC four times. Griese also played in two AFL All-Star games and six AFC-NFC Pro Bowls. 

Recording 100 total touchdowns in his career, Franco Harris was the 13th overall pick in the 1972 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Throughout Harris’ 13 seasons, he rushed for 12,120 yards with eight seasons of 1,000 or more yards. Not only did Harris run the ball, but he also caught 307 passes for 2,287 yards and nine touchdowns. Selected for nine Pro Bowls. he also received first- or second-team All-Pro six times. Harris played in five AFC championships and four Super Bowls. In Super Bowl IX Harris helped run the Steelers to victory with 158 rushing yards and was named MVP of the game. 

A three time All-American from the University of Miami, linebacker Ted Hendricks was selected by the Baltimore Colts in the 1969 draft. After five seasons, Hendricks was traded to the Packers, but the Packers allowed him to weigh his options and he signed with the Oakland Raiders. Over the course of his 15-season career, he recorded 26 interceptions and scored four safeties, playing in 215 games. Hendricks also specialized in blocking punts, field goals and extra point attempts. Hendricks was selected All-AFC seven times, All-NFC once, first-team All-Pro three times and second-team five times, played in eight Pro Bowls and won four Super Bowls.

As the Pittsburgh Steelers starting middle linebacker for his entire 11-year career, Jack Lambert was recognized as the premier linebacker of his era known for his intelligence, speed, quickness, range and intensity. In 1974, Lambert was recognized as the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. Throughout his career named All-Pro eight times and played in nine consecutive Pro-Bowls, it was no surprise that Lambert was the NFL Defensive player of the year in 1976. Throughout his career, Lambert played in six AFC championship games and four Super Bowls, winning all four Super Bowls. Over his career Lambert totaled 28 interceptions, returning them for 243 yards. 

Head coach Tom Landry coached the Dallas Cowboys for 29 consecutive seasons from 1960 to 1988. After a few years of developing the young Cowboys team, Landry led the Cowboys to exceptional success for more than two decades. While under Landry, the Cowboys had their first winning season and first NFC Eastern Conference championship in 1966. Landry’s team then went on to have 20 winning seasons in a row with 13 divisional championships, five NFC titles and winning Super Bowls VI and XII. As head coach, his record was 270-178-6. In the 1960s,, Landry introduced the “flex defense” and “multiple offense,” in the 1970’s he restructured the “spread offense” and in the 1980s he embraced and helped develop the “situation substitution” concept to utilize player talent. 

Towering at 6 feet 9 inches and 265 pounds while playing for the 49ers, Bob St. Clair was blessed with his size, speed, football IQ and the love for the game that led to his success on the field. He was known for his power and strength displayed on the offensive line. Early in St. Clair’s career, he was utilized on defense when in goal line situations. On special teams in the 1956 season, he blocked 10 field goals. St. Clair was the 49ers captain from 1957-1959 and throughout his 11 seasons played was named first- or second-team All-NFL nine times and given five Pro Bowl nods. 

 

2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame anniversary classes 

• Pro Football Hall of Fame celebrates decades of football excellence
• Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 1965 celebrates 60-year anniversary
• Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 1970 celebrates 55-year anniversary
• Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 1975 celebrates 50-year anniversary
• Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 1980 celebrates 45-year anniversary
• Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 1985 celebrates 40-year anniversary
• Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 1990 celebrates 35-year anniversary
• Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 1995 celebrates 30-year anniversary
• Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2000 celebrates 25-year anniversary
• Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2005 celebrates 20-year anniversary
• Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2015 celebrates 10-year anniversary