Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 1976 celebrates 50-year anniversary
On July 24, 1976, two players and a coach were enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The Class of 1976, celebrating its 50th anniversary this year, includes coach RAY FLAHERTY, defensive lineman LEN FORD and running back JIM TAYLOR.
Flaherty brought the Redskins’ franchise to prominence, leading them to two NFL championships and four divisional titles from 1936 to 1942. He later coached the New York Yankees (1946-48) and Chicago Hornets (1949) in the AAFC. He posted an 80-37-5 career record in his 11 years as a head coach.
Ford was a cornerstone of the dominant Cleveland Browns defensive unit in the 1950s. He played a significant role in an innovation of the 4-3 defense that allowed the ends to rush off the edge and see more one-on-one coverage. Ford played 11 seasons in the league, accruing five All-NFL selections and four Pro Bowls.
Taylor was Hall of Fame coach VINCE LOMBARDI's ultimate utility player in the backfield. Whether Lombardi needed a short-yardage run for a first down, a short pass out of the backfield or a downfield block, Taylor excelled in his role. His tough running style led to five consecutive seasons of more than 1,000 yards rushing, including 1,474 yards in 1962 when he won the NFL Player of the Year award. He totaled more than 10,000 scrimmage yards during his 10-year career and helped lead the Green Bay Packers to four NFL championships and victory in Super Bowl I.
