Mel Hein: The Hall of Fame Center Who Defined the Position

Mel Hein anchored the gridiron for decades, building an unstoppable legacy as a two-way center in both the college and professional ranks. From his dominance at Washington State to earning the NFL’s Most Valuable Player award, Hein set the absolute gold standard for durability, power, and excellence on the field.

Football Bio

August 22, 1909 – Mel Hein, a Washington State center who entered the College Football Hall of Fame in 1954. [National Football Foundation]

Hein was also a great pro player in the NFL for the New York Giants.

He was also enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1963 and was elected to the 50th, 75th, and 100th anniversary all-time teams.

Hein was an All-Pro in eight consecutive seasons from 1933 all the way to 1940.

Mel Hein set a benchmark for interior linemen that remains legendary to this day. By anchoring the New York Giants for 15 unbroken seasons and winning the NFL MVP as a center, he achieved milestones that no other lineman has ever replicated. He proudly stands as a charter member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and an immortal icon of true gridiron toughness.

Accolades and Football Accomplishments

• Pro Football Hall of Fame: Inducted as a charter member in the inaugural class of 1963.
• College Football Hall of Fame: Inducted as a legendary collegiate player in 1954.
• NFL Most Valuable Player: Won the Joe F. Carr Trophy in 1938, becoming the first and only interior lineman to win the award.
• 2× NFL Champion: Won two NFL titles as the cornerstone of the New York Giants in 1934 and 1938.
• All-Pro Selections: Named First-team All-Pro (or All-NFL) in eight consecutive seasons from 1933 to 1940.
• NFL All-Time Teams: Selected to the NFL’s 75th and 100th Anniversary All-Time Teams, as well as the NFL 1930s All-Decade Team.
• Ironman Durability: Played 15 consecutive seasons for the Giants (170 career games) and never missed a single game in high school, college, or the NFL.
• First-Team All-American: Honored as a top collegiate center for Washington State in 1930.
• Retired Numbers: His iconic No. 7 jersey is retired by both the New York Giants and the Washington State Cougars.