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Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2001 celebrates 25-year anniversary

By: Andy Caron/Pro Football Hall of Fame
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Pro Football Hall of Fame defensive lineman Jack YoungbloodCredit: Associated Press file photo

On Aug. 4, 2001, seven football legends (six players and one coach) were enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The Class of 2001, celebrating its 25th anniversary this year, includes linebacker NICK BUONICONTI, coach MARV LEVY, offensive lineman MIKE MUNCHAK, offensive lineman JACKIE SLATER, wide receiver LYNN SWANN, offensive lineman RON YARY and defensive lineman JACK YOUNGBLOOD.

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Buoniconti defied all odds on his road to Canton. The 5-foot-11, 220-pound middle linebacker was drafted to the AFL’s Boston Patriots following his collegiate career at the University of Notre Dame. Buoniconti thrived with the Patriots, totaling 24 interceptions and leading Boston to a 1963 AFL East division title. He was later traded to the Dolphins and earned the team’s Most Valuable Player award in 1969, 1970 and 1973. During his time in Miami, he played a crucial role in the Dolphins’ three consecutive Super Bowl appearances and two Super Bowl victories (VII and VIII). Buoniconti played 14 seasons of professional football and recorded 32 interceptions.

Levy crafted one of the best coaching resumes in the history of football. He served as the head coach for the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills, while also logging time in the Canadian Football League (CFL) and the United States Football League (USFL). In 1987, his second season with the Bills, he led them to a 12-4 record, instituting a “no-huddle” offense colloquially known as the “K-Gun.” He coached Buffalo to four consecutive Super Bowls and earned NFL Coach of the Year honors in 1988. Levy recorded a 112-70 regular-season record in over 11 seasons with the Bills.  

Munchak established himself early on as one of the best offensive linemen in football. A standout at Penn State University, he saw instant success with the Houston Oilers when he was drafted in 1982. During his tenure in Houston, the Oilers visited the playoffs in seven consecutive years (1987-1993). He led an offensive line room that allowed just 24 quarterback sacks in 1988. A testament to his fortitude, Munchak earned nine Pro Bowl selections in his 12-year career.

Slater was an anchor to a Rams offensive line that proved to be one of the best in NFL history. After becoming a starter, he played an important role in the Rams gaining over 6,000 total yards in the 1979 season. He led the Rams to 18 playoff games and Super Bowl XIV. Slater blocked for Hall of Famers ERIC DICKERSON and JEROME BETTIS during his impressive 20-year career. He played over 250 games and earned first- or second-team All-Pro honors five times.

Swann exceeded all expectations during his Hall of Fame career. After being drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1974 NFL Draft, he immediately made an impact on the field. In his rookie year, he was primarily utilized as a punt returner and led the league in punt return yards (577). After carving out a role as a starting wide receiver, Swann tallied 53 total touchdowns in his career. The sure-handed wide receiver won four Super Bowls with the Steelers, totaling over 330 receptions and 5,400 receiving yards. He was named to the NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 1970s.

Yary set the standard for offensive linemen in professional football. His work ethic and sheer talent set him apart from others, and his success in the NFL is undeniable. Yary was a part of nine NFC Central division titles and competed in four Super Bowls during his time with the Minnesota Vikings. He played 15 seasons in the league and over 200 games, while being selected to seven Pro Bowls.

Youngblood’s 14 seasons in the NFL were defined by toughness and full of accolades. He was one of the most consistent and trustworthy players of his era, playing in a Rams franchise-record 201 consecutive games. The Rams’ defensive captain, Youngblood led the team to five NFC championship games and a Super Bowl XIV appearance. He logged seven consecutive Pro Bowls and five total All-Pro honors.

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