Born November 3, 1908, in Rainy River, Ontario, Canada, the famous fullback from the University of Minnesota, Bronko Nagurski was a consensus All-American in 1929 for the Gophers. As a matter of fact, according to gophersports.com, Bronko is the only player who has been named to two positions on the same All-America team. In 1929, his senior year at Minnesota, he was voted to the first team at both tackle and fullback. In addition, he was named to some All-America teams as an end. Nagurski was a star at Minnesota from 1927-29 and led the Gophers to an 18-4-2 record. Amazingly, Minnesota's four losses came by a combined five points. The National Football Foundation could hardly wait to enter Bronko Nagurski into their College Football Hall of Fame in 1951. After school, Nagurski signed on with George Halas and his Chicago Bears teams from 1930 through 1938. Bronko was one of the star players for those Bears squads, and he helped the team win NFL Championships in both 1932 & 1933. He was an excellent write-up on one of the infamous 1933 victories and the play made in part by Nagurski that helped take the Bears to victory by clicking here. Bronko Nagurski was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame with the entry class 1963.
Bronko Nagurski
FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME: Bronko Nagurski, the man, the myth, the legendPro Football Hall of Fame Enshrined Player
A select few NFL players are selected to be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton, Ohio. This museum and its content stands as a monument to the gridiron greats, their enshrinement a testament to their lasting impact on the sport.
By honoring these legends, we gain a deeper appreciation for the history and evolution of professional football. Each Hall of Famer represents a specific era, their stories chronicling the game's transformation from its rugged beginnings to the modern marvel it is today. From the early days of Vince Lombardi's coaching genius to the aerial acrobatics of Joe Montana, these players embody the innovation and athletic development that have shaped the game. By celebrating their achievements, we celebrate the rich tapestry of professional football, ensuring that the incredible feats of the past continue to inspire future generations. We are proud to help the Hall to salute these gridiron greats with bios and stories of what made them special in the arena of football history and their impact on the game.
Chris Willis book on the legend
Bronko Nagurski's legendary football story is told by NFL Films' Chris Willis. Nagurski bio.
Standing at 6'2" and 235 lbs, Nagurski was a force to be reckoned with. He excelled as a fullback, powering through defenses with unmatched ferocity. His rushing yards remain impressive even by today's standards, and his blocking skills paved the way for teammates' success. But Nagurski wasn't just an offensive weapon. As a defensive tackle, he was equally imposing, shutting down plays with relentless aggression.
His impact went beyond individual stats. Nagurski helped the Bears win two NFL championships and played a key role in their four World Championship appearances. His influence was so profound that some credit him with inspiring the team's iconic nickname. His career wasn't without interruptions, however. Salary disputes and a successful professional wrestling stint led to temporary retirements, but Nagurski always returned to the gridiron, proving his enduring passion for the game.
By the time he finally hung up his cleats in 1943, Nagurski had cemented his place among the game's greats. He became an inaugural inductee into both the College Football and Pro Football Halls of Fame.