He was selected first-team All-Pro four times in a five-season span from 1972 to 1976.
Hanburger had 19 career interceptions for 347 yards and 2 TDs during his career.
Hanburger became one of the most dependable and steady linebackers of his era.
The Washington Redskins picked North Carolina linebacker Chris Hanburger in the 18th round of the 1965 NFL Draft.
He was an integral part of the dominant Redskins teams of the 1970s.
Hanburger was also voted to nine Pro Bowls in his 14-season career.
Hanburger recovered three fumbles for touchdowns which stood as an NFL record at the time of his retirement following the 1978 season.
Chris started to make his mark late in his rookie season as he began to form a reputation as a player who made big plays.
Hanburger pitched in with two tackles and six assists as the Redskins routed the Cowboys 26-3 in the NFC Championship game.
Chris recorded numerous game-changing plays throughout the season as Washington won the NFC East with an 11-3 mark.
Hanburgers performance in the 1972 season gained him perhaps his greatest notoriety as he helped lead the Redskins to its first ever Super Bowl berth.
Chris shared the team lead with a career-high four interceptions which he returned for 98 yards in 1972.
Hanburger added another strong game in his only Super Bowl appearance when he recorded four solo tackles and assisted on two others in a 14-7 loss to the Miami Dolphins in Super Bowl VII.
Hanburger recovered three fumbles for touchdowns which stood as an NFL record at the time of his retirement following the 1978 season.
Hanburger assumed the role as the “quarterback” of the Redskins defense.