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Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 1986 celebrates 40-year anniversary

By: Andy Caron/Pro Football Hall of Fame
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Pro Football Hall of Famer Ken HoustonCredit: Associated Press file photo

On Aug. 2, 1986, five outstanding players were enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The Class of 1986, celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, includes halfback PAUL HORNUNG, safety KEN HOUSTON, quarterback FRAN TARKENTON and halfback DOAK WALKER.

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Prior to his professional career, Hornung won the 1956 Heisman Trophy as a quarterback for Notre Dame. After being drafted by the Green Bay Packers, Hornung moved to halfback and also kicked on special teams. In nine seasons, he logged 62 touchdowns, more than 3,700 yards rushing and 66 field goals. In 1961, he led the Packers to the NFL Championship alongside receiving the league’s Most Valuable Player award. The Paul Horning Award honors the most versatile player in college football annually.

Houston intercepted 49 passes for 898 yards, recovered 21 fumbles and scored nine defensive touchdowns. He split his career between the Houston Oilers and Washington Redskins and was selected to the Pro Bowl 12 times in his 14-year career.

Lanier played his entire 11-year career with the Kansas City Chiefs and was a dominant middle linebacker. Following his rookie year, he missed only one game. He recorded 27 interceptions and 18 fumble recoveries, earning eight All-Star selections. His 1970 Chiefs won Super Bowl IV, the last championship game before the AFL-NFL merger.

Tarkenton is known as one of the most dynamic quarterbacks in NFL history. He was known for scrambling out of the pocket and turning nothing into something. In his 18 seasons, he threw for 47,003 yards and 342 touchdowns – league records at the time of his retirement – and rushed for more than 3,600 yards. He was selected to nine Pro Bowls and finished in the top five in passer rating eight times.

Walker came into the league at just 5-feet-11 and 173 pounds, so many doubted he could transition to the pro game. He proved those doubters wrong when he claimed Rookie of the Year and All-NFL honors in 1950. Although he played for only six years, Walker was selected to five Pro Bowls and led the Detroit Lions to NFL championships in 1952 and 1953. He totaled more than 4,000 scrimmage yards and 534 career points. The Doak Walker Award annually honors the best running back in college football.

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