Bill Polian NFL Team Builder

Bill Polian is one of the most successful front-office executives in NFL history, with a career spanning over three decades. Born December 8, 1942, he is best known for his ability to build teams that consistently compete at the highest level, leading three different franchises to sustained success.

Polian's NFL journey began with the Kansas City Chiefs as a scout in 1978. He then held positions with the Montreal Alouettes and Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the Canadian Football League (CFL), and the Chicago Blitz of the United States Football League (USFL).

His first major NFL role came with the Buffalo Bills, where he served as General Manager from 1986 to 1992. Polian transformed the Bills into a powerhouse, constructing a team that reached four consecutive Super Bowls (1990-1993). During his tenure, he made several key acquisitions, including drafting Hall of Famers like Bruce Smith, Thurman Thomas, and Andre Reed, and signing quarterback Jim Kelly.

After his time in Buffalo, Polian became the first General Manager of the Carolina Panthers in 1995. He quickly built the expansion team into a contender, with the Panthers reaching the NFC Championship Game in only their second season.

Polian's most successful stint came with the Indianapolis Colts, where he served as President and/or General Manager from 1998 to 2011. Under his leadership, the Colts became a dominant force in the NFL. Polian's most significant move was drafting Peyton Manning with the first overall pick in the 1998 NFL Draft. He also brought in key players like Marvin Harrison, Edgerrin James, and Dwight Freeney, and hired Hall of Fame coach Tony Dungy. The Colts won eight division titles, made two Super Bowl appearances, and won Super Bowl XLI in 2007.

✦ Polian's achievements include:

✦ Building teams that made a combined five Super Bowl appearances (four with Buffalo, one with Indianapolis).

✦ Winning Super Bowl XLI with the Indianapolis Colts.

✦ Drafting Hall of Fame players such as Bruce Smith, Jim Kelly, Peyton Manning, Marvin Harrison, Thurman Thomas and Andre Reed.

✦ Being named NFL Executive of the Year a record six times.

✦ Induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2015.

Bill Polian's legacy is defined by his exceptional talent evaluation skills, his ability to build championship-caliber teams, and his lasting impact on the NFL.

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.