Bobby Dillon

The Green Bay Packers selected Bobby Dillon out of Texas in the third round, 28th choice overall, of the 1952 NFL Draft. A dynamic playmaking safety, Dillon played in 94 games during his eight-season career.

Dillon became one of National Football League’s premier pass interceptors despite having lost an eye during a childhood accident. He was an instant star on defense for the Packers of the 1950s. He led the team with four interceptions, while starting all 12 games as a rookie. Dillon ended up leading the team in interceptions in every year except his final season. He was an instinctive ballhawk and registered nine interceptions in a season three times (1953, 1955, 1957) and seven picks twice (1954, 1956).

He picked off four passes in one game versus the Detroit Lions on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 26, 1953, which is still tied for the NFL record for most interceptions in a single game. Dillon’s playmaking abilities where on full display in 1956 when he led the NFL in interception return yardage with 244 yards and a 34.9 return average.

Dillon was voted to the first of four consecutive Pro Bowls (1956-59) following the 1955 season. He earned First-Team All-NFL honors five straight seasons (1954-58) and was selected All-NFL Second-Team four times (1953, 1954, 1956, 1959).

In all, Dillon, recorded 52 interceptions which he returned 976 yards for an incredible career average of 18.8 yards per interception return and five touchdowns. He ranked tied for second in career interceptions at time of his retirement and still holds the Packers record for career interceptions.