GALLERY_50sDefense

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George Connor’s play at MLB forced the wire services in the mid-to-late ‘50s to substitute a third linebacker position for middle guard. Having already been named all-league at middle guard, Connor then earned All-NFL honors at middle linebacker in six of the next seven seasons.

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Sam Huff, the former Giants and Redskins great, had the reputation as a devastating tackler but he also intercepted 30 passes in his career. Only two other linebackers in the Hall of Fame recorded more interceptions.

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“Night Train” Lane, who earned his nickname from a hit record by the same name, earned a tryout with the Rams as an offensive end. He soon earned a spot in the defensive secondary and his all-out gambling style allowed him to pick off 40 passes in his first five NFL seasons.

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NFL's ALL-DECADE TEAM OF THE 1950s (DEFENSE). Leo Nomellini was named All-NFL six times, twice on offense and four times on defense. He was named the NFL’s All-Time defensive tackle in 1969, the same year he was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

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Despite never having won an interception title during his 14-year career, Emlen Tunnell retired in 1961 as the NFL’s all-time leading interceptor (79). In 1967, he became the first African American enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.