Willie Davis, Class of 1981

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The Cleveland Browns drafted Willie in 1956, but Army service intervened and he didn't join the team until 1958.

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Willie with his bust and mural in 1981.

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Willie's Hall of Fame mural

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Willie's Hall of Fame bust.

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Willie was surprised and upset with the trade to Green Bay and briefly considered quitting. However, the Packers coach, Vince Lombardi, quickly assured Davis that Green Bay needed a top-flight defensive end and he thought Willie was the man.

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Just when Willie appeared ready for a regular offensive tackle job in 1960, he was suddenly traded to Green Bay.

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Davis possessed the intangibles – dedication, intelligence, leadership – that enabled him to rise a cut above almost everyone else.

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Davis was as durable as he was dedicated, never missing even one of a possible 162 games in his 12-year tenure.

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Davis, a hard-hitting, big play defender, frequently dropped opposing ball carriers or quarterbacks for losses and or caused them to lose possession of the football.

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Davis recovered 21 opponents' fumbles during his career, just one shy of the record when he retired.

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Willie was an All-NFL selection five times in six years from 1962 to 1967 and selected to play in five consecutive Pro Bowls.

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Davis was a major factor in Green Bay’s winning tradition of the 1960s that included five NFL championships and six divisional titles in eight seasons.