Chuck Bednarik, Class of 1967

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Bednarik at a Hall of Fame autograph session.

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As an offensive center, big Chuck was a bulldozing blocker, both on rushing and passing plays.

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On defense, he was a true scientist in his field and the kind of tackler who could literally stop even the finest enemy runners "on a dime."

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Chuck Bednarik was selected first overall in the 1949 NFL Draft as the Eagles' bonus draft choice.

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His athletic abilities and inspirational play was particularly evident in 1960 when injuries forced the Eagles to ask their 12-year veteran to again play both sides of the line. The 35-year-old was sensational.

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In 1950, Bednarik received All-NFL recognition as a center.

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Bednarik was the NFL's last "iron man" star.

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Bednarik giving a speech during his Enshrinement Ceremony in 1967.

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Bednarik's Hall of Fame mural

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Bednarik's Hall of Fame bust.

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Bednarik poses with students during his “Hometown Hall of Famer” Ceremony at his former high school in Bethlehem, Penn.

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Bednarik during his Enshrinement Ceremony with presenter, Hall of Famer and former Eagles coach Earle "Greasy" Neale.

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Bednarik with his bust on display at the Hall of Fame.

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Bednarik at an Enshrinement Festival in Canton.

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Bednarik didn’t really get into football until he returned from World War II (after a 30-mission tour as a B-24 waist gunner with the Army Air Corps that saw him win the Air Medal).

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Bednarik was named All-NFL Nine times.

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Bednarik showed up unheralded at the University of Pennsylvania, where he went on to win All-America honors as a center his last two seasons.

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Bednarik played in eight Pro Bowls.

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No National Football League player in the 1950s was immune to bone-jarring contact with the Philadelphia Eagles' Chuck Bednarik because the 233-pounder played on both the offensive and defensive units long after the two-way player had largely faded from the scene.

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