Jan Stenerud Football Hall of Fame...

Jan Stenerud wasn't your typical football hero. He wasn't a flashy wide receiver or a bone-crushing linebacker. Instead, Stenerud carved his niche in NFL history as a placekicker, and a darn good one at that.

Born in Norway, Stenerud's journey began at Montana State University, where he excelled at both football and wrestling. After being drafted by the Kansas City Chiefs in 1966, he quickly established himself as a reliable weapon. His accuracy and power, including a then-Super Bowl record 48-yard field goal in Super Bowl IV, were instrumental in the Chiefs' victory.

Stenerud's consistency was legendary. He holds the record for most career field goals made (373) and most seasons with 100 or more points scored (7). Throughout his 19-year career, he played for the Chiefs, Green Bay Packers, and Minnesota Vikings, earning six All-Pro selections and four Pro Bowl appearances.

More importantly, Stenerud helped usher in a new era of kicking accuracy. In the 1980s, he led the league in field goal percentage for four straight years. His precision made him a valuable asset, often deciding close games or setting up scoring opportunities.

In 1991, Stenerud became the first pure kicker inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, a testament to his groundbreaking impact on the game. While his name might not be synonymous with highlight reels, Jan Stenerud's unwavering accuracy and longevity secured his place among the NFL's most reliable and respected players.

Relive the improbable Hall of Fame career of Emmitt Thomas, an undrafted defensive back who became a cornerstone of the Kansas City Chiefs' defense.

"Lockdown" Legend: The Unbelievable Journey of Emmitt Thomas

Born on June 3, 1943, in Angleton, Texas, Emmitt Thomas defied expectations from the very beginning of his professional football journey. Despite his impressive 6-foot-2, 192-pound frame and undeniable athletic talent, the defensive back from Bishop College in Dallas, Texas, went unselected in the 1966 NFL Draft. However, the Kansas City Chiefs, recognizing his potential, signed him as a free agent, a decision that would prove to be one of the franchise's shrewdest moves.

College Career:

Emmitt Thomas honed his skills at Bishop College, a historically Black college. While primarily known for his defensive prowess in the pros, Thomas showcased his versatility in college, playing wide receiver and even some quarterback in addition to his duties in the secondary. It was his athletic ability and raw talent that caught the eye of a Chiefs scout, leading to his unexpected opportunity in professional football.

Road to the Pro Game:

Going undrafted presented a significant hurdle, but Thomas seized his chance with the Chiefs. He made the team in 1966 and quickly proved his worth. Despite the initial oversight by other NFL teams, Thomas's talent and dedication shone through, earning him a spot on the Chiefs' roster and the beginning of a remarkable career.

Football Legacy:

Emmitt Thomas became a cornerstone of the Kansas City Chiefs' defense for 13 seasons (1966-1978), establishing himself as one of the premier cornerbacks of his era. His impact on the franchise is undeniable, setting a Chiefs' club record with 58 career interceptions, a mark that still stands. The 1969 season was particularly special, as he led the AFL with 9 interceptions, followed by an incredible playoff performance with three more picks, including one in the Chiefs' Super Bowl IV victory over the Minnesota Vikings. In 1974, he recorded an astounding 12 interceptions, just two shy of the NFL record at the time. A five-time All-AFL/AFC selection and five-time Pro Bowler, Thomas also earned All-NFL honors in multiple years during the early 1970s. His consistent excellence and ball-hawking abilities earned him a well-deserved enshrinement into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2008. His journey from an overlooked prospect to a Hall of Famer exemplifies perseverance and talent.

✦ Accolades, Awards, and Career Stats: Pro Football Hall of Fame (2008)
Super Bowl Champion (IV)
AFL Champion (1966)

5-time Pro Bowl selection (1968, 1971, 1972, 1974, 1975)

5-time All-AFL/AFC selection (1969, 1971, 1972, 1974, 1975)
All-NFL First Team (1974)
All-NFL Second Team (1969, 1971, 1975)
AFL Interceptions Leader (1969)
NFL Interceptions Leader (1974)
Kansas City Chiefs Career Interception Leader (58)
NFL Career Stats: 181 games played, 58 interceptions, 937 interception return yards, 5 interception touchdowns.