Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 1981 celebrates 45-year anniversary
On Aug. 1, 1981, a dual-sport athlete, a dual-position athlete and two linemen mentored by VINCE LOMBARDI were enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The Class of 1981, celebrating its 45th anniversary this year, features MORRIS "RED" BADGRO, GEORGE BLANDA, WILLIE DAVIS and JIM RINGO.
Badgro was one of the first athletes to play both professional football and baseball. He played pro baseball for the St. Louis Browns before joining the NFL’s New York Giants. He enjoyed an eight-year tenure in New York playing offensive end, defensive end and wide receiver.
Blanda blazed a trail of consistency and durability, playing 26 seasons in the NFL, the most by any player to date. For 23 of his seasons, he played both quarterback and kicker. As a quarterback, he threw for 26,920 yards and 236 touchdowns. He split the uprights on 335 field goals and totaled an NFL-record 943 extra points.
After spending his first two years with the Cleveland Browns, Davis was traded to the Green Bay Packers, where he was mentored by Lombardi. Davis, a physically imposing defensive end, dominated for the Packers in the final 10 years of his career. He was known as one of the hardest hitters of his time and recovered 22 fumbles throughout his career. He led the Packers to two NFL Championships and six divisional titles. Davis played every game of his 162-game career.
Ringo, also coached by Lombardi, proved himself to be one of the most versatile offensive linemen of his era. Lombardi acknowledged Ringo’s speed as his difference maker. His athleticism gave him a distinct advantage over bigger and stronger defensive linemen. Ringo spent the first 11 years of his career in Green Bay and his final four years in Philadelphia. He played 182 consecutive games and was selected to the All-NFL team seven times.
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- Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 1981 celebrates 45-year anniversary
