The Pathway Back To Contention: Emlen Tunnell & Charlie Conerly

LOOKING BACK
By T.J. Troup

Emlen Tunnell

Though the football Giants had played for the NFL Championship in 1946 they quickly became one of the weakest teams in the league during the 1947 season. New York just did not have a very talented roster going into the 1948 season, yet hope was on the horizon with the addition of two rookies.

Charle Conerly

Those two came from different areas of the country, and seemed to have little in common but they quickly became friends on and off the field. The story of Emlen Tunnell walking into the Giants office, and being granted a try-out has been well documented and Charlie Conerly had success in college playing for the Rebels of the University of Mississippi.

Many new faces on the Giants roster to open the 1948 season and many would not stay for very long. Film study of the second game of the season against Washington is a fascinating exercise in what is, and what never should be (sounds like lyrics to a song?).

Paul Governali starts at quarterback with Tunnell at left halfback. Some plays are snaps through the quarterback's legs to Tunnell and he can run or hand off to the wingback on a reverse. He catches a screen early in the game for 14 yards (the longest catch of his career). Very late in the game he sweeps right for 12 yards. When Tunnell is taken out of the line-up, he is replaced by Conerly at left halfback. Joe Sulatis had replaced Governali at quarterback and the direct snaps back to Conerly are the beginning of pass plays for the Giants.

Sulatis is in to move to his right and block. Conerly had some success opening day with long completions though he did not pass much. Early in the game today against the Redskins he lofts a long touch pass 43 yards in the air right on target to John Atwood for a gain of 54. Everyone watching can easily see this is a gifted passer in a strange strategic offense.

The Giants offensive line struggles in both pass protection and run blocking; what else is there? Conerly is forced to run around, and actually has a couple of decent runs, while Governali is credited with 5 carries for -58 yards rushing! Yes, that is right....MINUS-58!

I am not sure why the official score keeper did not list these as losses attempting to pass? Score keepers in other games did list yards lost attempting to pass.

Watching this lopsided Washington victory brings to the forefront what no doubt Steve Owen saw; there are players on the field who are just not capable of helping us win games. During the 6th game of the 1952 season Tunnell intercepted the 36 pass of his career to pass former teammate Frank Reagan as the all-time interceptor (his 53rd game).

The beginning of 1948 though Tunnell rarely plays defense, and some of the men in the secondary for New York are not on the roster at the close of the season. Starting on November 14th during a three-game stretch Tunnell intercepts 7 passes for 116 yards in returns from his left corner post. He has also become the Giants main punt returner and returns 6 for 74 yards in those three games.

Paul Governali cannot keep Conerly on the bench for very long, and down the stretch (last four games of the season) Chuckin' Charlie is just that. He completes 94 of 149 for 1,106 yards, with 10 going for touchdowns, and only 2 intercepted. Name a rookie in league history that threw for 1,100 yards in his last four games?

Conerly has sure-handed Ray Poole at right end, and athletic Bill Swiacki at left end. Due to Conerly's precision passes they combine to catch 74 passes for 1,042 yards. The best duo to this point in Giant history. New York finishes 4-8 for the year, but coach Owen knows he has two youngsters to lead this team.

The Giants break even in 1949 with a 6-6 record but halfback Gene "Choo Choo" Roberts has improved dramatically as a receiver out of the backfield to help Conerly. The offensive line is also improved as Tex Coulter is moved from left tackle to center, and the Giants acquire veteran Ed Kolman to play right tackle, and be the offensive line coach.

Arnie Weinmeister

New York enters the 1950 season with even more talent joining the team(many from the AAFC). Jim Duncan, and Arnie Weinmeister form a standout duo on the left side of the defense; while Otto Schnellbacher and Tom Landry join Tunnell in the secondary. The one holdover from years past who could actually make a play on defense was John Cannady and he is still an outstanding linebacker; especially in pursuit.

Chuckin' Charlie is now a blocking back part of the time as Steve Owen has brought back the "A" formation (a variation of the single wing) and the Giants become a ground power. The stats bear this out and film study shows an offensive line that punches holes in the defense as Giant runners explode into the open field.

The 1950 New York Giants are still the ONLY team in league history that has 9 different running plays of at least 50 yards in a season. The key is rookie miniature fullback Eddie Price with his relentless style and quickness. Ed Kolman is one of the best offensive line coaches in the league (he learned his lessons well as a Bear), and his "boys" get the job done. Can Conerly still complete a pass? Yes sir, he just does not throw as often, but the team comes first as New York ties the powerful Browns for the American Conference Crown.

Tunnell and Conerly shared the left halfback position early in the 1948 season and will end their careers together in a championship game in Green Bay Wisconsin on the last day of the 1961 season with Tunnell's Packers taking the title in a big win over Conerly's Giants.

PFJ's NFL Players of the Week: 1948 and 1949

LOOKING BACK
By T.J. Troup

The seasons of 1948 and 1949 are very interesting to me; and since I have researched both film and the stats of these two years I thought 'who would be the players of the week?'.

Today would have marked George McAfee's 99th birthday and he is on the list, along with some names very familiar, and some not quite so. Some of the weeks just could not separate, thus co-players of the week. That said, here we go!

1948

Week 1
Wednesday, September 22nd: Wednesday night football in the Coliseum? Tom Fears starts off his career with a bang; he has already intercepted a halfback option pass from future Hall of Fame halfback Bill Dudley from his defensive left end position. Los Angeles is now on the Detroit nineteen yard line, and drives to the four where Jim Hardy flips a 4-yard touchdown pass to Fears. Later in the 4th quarter Fred Enke throws into the right flat and Fears not only intercepts he returns the errant throw 35 yards for a touchdown. Fears is the only rookie in league history to return an interception for a touchdown and catch a touchdown pass in his first game in the league.

Co-player of the week is Johnny Lujack. The Bears take on the rival Packers on Sunday, September 26, with Lujack starting the game at both quarterback and right corner. His first drive as the triggerman for the Bears results in a touchdown as Chicago goes 27 yards on the ground in six plays with Johnny scoring from the four-yard line. Indian Jack Jacobs throws long on 2nd and fourteen and is intercepted by Lujack. During the second quarter Johnny twice more intercepts Jacobs and his returns of 36 and 25 yards both lead to touchdowns. Lujack is the first player in league history to intercept 3 passes in his FIRST game as a pro.

Week 2
Sunday, October 3rd. Tony Canadeo of the Packers gains 118 yards rushing on 17 carries in the 33-21 win over Detroit at City Stadium. Tony is the first Packer to have three 100 yard rushing games in a career.

Week 3
Sunday, October 10th: George McAfee returns 3 punts for 108 yards including a 60-yard burst for the opening touchdown in Chicago's 42-21 win over Los Angeles. Though used sparingly on offense he still catches four passes, and contributes a sparkling 17-yard run from his halfback position. NOTE: though not a player of the week; special mention for Bob Waterfield of the Rams who recorded the second longest punt in league history (88 yards) against Green Bay.

Week 4
Sunday, October 17th: Ray Mallouf completes 14 of 18 passes for 256 yards in the 63-35 slugfest with the Giants. Four of Mallouf's passes are for touchdowns as he records the first perfect passer rating game in league history (158.3). His precision pitching helps the Cardinals establish a new league record by scoring 35 points in the 3rd quarter.

Week 5
Sunday, October 24th: The Cardinals must continue to win to stay in the western conference race with the Bears. Rangy middle linebacker Bill Blackburn returns two interceptions for touchdowns in the 49-27 destruction of the Boston Yanks. Bill pilfers Roy Zimmerman's 2nd quarter pass and trundles 27 yards over the Comiskey Park turf to put Chicago up 21-6. Rookie Al Dekebrun's 3rd quarter pass is stolen by Bill and he goes 31 yards to score.

Week 6
Sunday, October 31st: The Boston Yanks earlier in the year had evened their slate with a record of 2-2, but now the wheels have come off the cart as they have been blown out in back to back games. Rookie Dan Sandifer ties teammate Sammy Baugh's record by intercepting 4 passes in a game. For the only time in league history a player will return two interceptions for a touchdown in back to back weeks; last week was Bill Blackburn, and this week it is Sandifer with returns of 50 and 35 yards. Sandifer's rookie year is one for the ages as he becomes just the second player in league history to intercept in 6 consecutive games (never listed in the league manual).

On this Sunday in our Nation's Capitol Baugh joins Sandifer as co-player of the week. Though Sam has had many great days slinging the ball; this one is his most efficient as he gains 446 yards on just 24 passes(he completes 17). Four going for touchdowns in the 59-21 demolition of Boston. Baugh's passer rating of 152.8 ranks second to Mallouf for the season.

Week 7
Sunday, November 7th: A victory today will keep the Cardinals a game ahead of their cross-town pursuers (the Bears). Charlie Trippi ignites the offense as he gains 103 yards rushing on just 10 carries in the 56-20 win over Detroit (Charlie scores three of the touchdowns), as Chicago has scored 195 points in their last four games. Trippi catches 5 passes for 61 yards and completes his only halfback option pass for 24 yards to Mal Kutner.

Week 8
Sunday, November 14th: Tommy Thompson completes 10 of 18 passes for 197 yards with four going for touchdowns(all to different receivers) in the 45-0 shellacking of Boston. Philadelphia has now won six straight as they stay focused on the goal for the season:  a first championship.

Week 9
Sunday, November 21st: We have co-players of the week as rookie Emlen Tunnell of the Giants records the first 3 interception game of his career. Tunnell returns his three interceptions 60 yards, including a 43-yard scamper to score in the impressive 49-3 road victory over Green Bay in Milwaukee. Steve Van Buren is the reigning rushing champion and as we head into the home stretch he continues to pound out the tough yards. He gains 171 yards rushing in the scalping of the Redskins 42-21. Steve has gained 560 yards in the last four weeks with his longest run being just 28 yards.

Week 10
Sunday, November 28th: Again, we have co-players of the week. Fred "Dippy" Evans is aligned at right corner for the Bears as they take on Washington in Wrigley Field. Not once, but TWICE in the same quarter a Redskin running back will fumble the ball right to Evans. Dippy scoops up the ball and trots into the end zone on returns of 16 and 10 yards. He is the only player in league history to return two fumbles for a touchdown in the same game. Pete Pihos of Philadelphia has been consistent and productive all season for the high-flying Eagles, yet today he is at his best. A season-high seven receptions (he catches at least 1 pass every game) for 112 yards and his 10th touchdown of the year in the 17-0 hard fought win over the Steelers.

Week 11
Sunday, December 5th: This has been a year for rookies, and today is no exception as Charley Conerly sets a new league record with 36 completed passes. He is forced to throw since the Giants trail in the game and eventually loses 38-28 to Pittsburgh. Chuckin' Charley gains 363 yards with his precision passes with 3 going for touchdowns (he has thrown for 20 scores in his last 8 games).

Week 12
Sunday, December 12th: Los Angeles can finish with a winning season with a victory today over Pittsburgh in the Coliseum. Veteran Kenny Washington in his final game as a pro gains 54 yards on 10 carries in the 31-14 victory. Attempting to overcome his knee injuries has been a difficult challenge for Kenny, and he even contributes in this last season of two platoon football with an interception.

The NFL brings back free substitution for the 1949 season, and as such there are players who solely concentrate on one side of the ball. Though many still go both ways at times; this is a transitional year for the league. Let's see who are the players of the week.

1949
Week 1
Monday, September 26th: Yes, we have Monday night football in 1949 as the Redskins invade Comiskey Park to take on the defending Western conference champion Cardinals. Charlie Trippi is player of the week as he gains 130 yards rushing, including a 55-yard touchdown run (he carries the ball only 10 times). Charlie is also an effective receiver with 3 catches for 37 yards, and a touchdown reception as well.

Week 2
Monday, October 3rd: Washington is still on the road playing Monday night games, but on this pleasant evening at Forbes Field the Redskins even the season slate at 1-1 with a 27-14 win over Pittsburgh. Hugh "Bones" Taylor usually aligns at left end, but tonight he will line up both on the right and left side(usually split out). Bones will catch 5 passes for 111 yards, and 2 scores. The first he is split right and easily outruns Jerry Nuzum for the score. The second he is split left and Baugh lofts the pigskin down the middle of the field on a post pattern for 58 yards as he strides past rookie safety Bobby Gage.

Week 3
Sunday, October 9th: We have co-players of the week. The Rams have lost their last three games to the Bears, and if they are going to contend for the western conference crown they need to defeat the big bad Bears. Bob Waterfield completes 16 passes for 211 yards and 3 scores in the 31-16 victory to keep Los Angeles undefeated. Under the title of "nemesis" Emlen Tunnell holds a record that will never be broken. He has the most interceptions against a specific opponent than any other player in league history. Today, Tunnell steals 3 in the Giants 45-35 win to stay in the eastern conference race with a record of 2-1.

Week 4
Sunday, October 16th: The Rams continue to win, and as such the Bears can ill afford a second consecutive loss. Last season Chicago lost a hard fought defensive battle with the soon to be champion Eagles; today the Bear offense is ignited by glue-fingered right end Jim Keane who latches onto 8 passes for 127 yards and a key score against the best secondary in the league. Chicago is back in contention with the 38-21 win.

Week 5
Sunday, October 23rd: Jim Keane ties the league mark for receptions in a game with 14, yet he is not player of the week. Gene "Choo Choo" Roberts of the Giants dazzles the crowd at the Polo Grounds as he gains 201 yards receiving on just 4 catches. Three of the receptions are for scores as the Giants knock off the Bears 35-28. The first he is aligned at left halfback and runs an up pattern down the sideline, and is wide open to the score. The second he is flanked left and makes a dandy over the shoulder catch and pulls away to score. Finally, he is at left halfback, releases into the flat with blockers in front. Choo Choo weaves his way between Bear defenders utilizing his blockers, then dashes into the end zone to complete the 85-yard score.

Co-player of the week is rookie safety man Don Doll of the Lions. Doll ties the league record with 4 interceptions(he returns them 89 yards). This is the 4th consecutive game he has intercepted and will rank second in the league with 11. Doll is also an effective and productive kick-off return man and he gains 89 yards on his 3 returns in the 24-7 win over the Cardinals(Detroit's first win of the campaign).

Week 6
Sunday, October 30th: A victory today by Los Angeles will give them a three-game lead over the Bears. Bob Waterfield will throw for 303 yards today, yet it is his left end Tom Fears who is player of the week. Tom has caught 19 passes in the first five weeks of the season, but today is his day as he maneuvers his way through the Chicago secondary with 11 catches for 143 yards in the Rams 27-24 win at the Coliseum.

Week 7
Sunday, November 6th: Bobby Layne finally threw a touchdown pass for the Bulldogs in the 14-14 tie with the Redskins. Today though he is relentless in bringing back his team for his only victory of the season in defeating the Giants at the Polo Grounds 31-24. Layne passes for 333 yards on his 23 completions. Though he will complete passes to seven different receivers; his main target is left end Bill Chipley who grabs 9 for 143 yards.

Week 8
Sunday, November 13th: The Cardinals with a record of 3-4 head to the Polo Grounds to take on the Bulldogs. Bob Nussbaumer was an effective receiver as an offensive halfback for both the Redskins and Packers; now, as a Cardinal, he is playing safety. Bob enters the game having intercepted 4 passes during the first seven weeks of the season. Nussbaumer ties the league record as he pilfers 4 passes (he returns them 30 yards) in the 65-20 massacre. Bob will go on to win the interception title with 12 for the season.

Week 9
Sunday, November 20th: Wingback Jerry Nuzum of the Steelers is our player of the week as he gains 168 yards rushing on 20 carries in the 30-7 win over the Packers in Milwaukee. Nuzum now ranks 4th in the league in rushing with 548 yards, as he sets his sights on setting the team rushing record for a season.

Week 10
Sunday, November 27th: We have co-players of the week with one very famous player, and the other having a month to remember. Red Cochran is a fine defensive halfback for the Cardinals, but this season he has emerged as a top-flight punt returner. The first six games of the year Cochran gained 60 yards on his five punt returns, but during November he returns 7 for 224 yards.

Today against Green Bay he gallops 35 and 71 yards on his two returns in the 41-21 win over the Packers. Steve Van Buren surpasses 200 rushing yards for the first time in his career as Philadelphia defeats Pittsburgh 34-17. Van Buren has gained 379 yards rushing in the past two weeks. The Eagles are determined to defend their crown and have the ballcarrier to lead them.

Week 11
Sunday, December 4th: Ralph Heywood gained 161 yards receiving last week against the Rams, yet today he shines even brighter as he ties the league record for catches in a game with 14 against the Lions. Heywood's two second-half touchdowns have given New York the lead, but their porous defense could not hold off John Greene and the Lions as Detroit prevails 28-27.

Week 12
Sunday, December 11th: The game in the Coliseum between the Redskins and Rams is one for the ages as the teams combine to set a new league record with 88 pass attempts. Baugh, Waterfield, and rookie Norm Van Brocklin all sparkle, yet for all their passing prowess they pale in comparison to one Johnny Lujack in navy blue & burnt orange. Chicago has fought back into the race but must beat the Cardinals to have any chance to win the division. Lujack sets a new league record by gaining 468 yards passing in the Bears 52-21 win.

Though Jim Keane ranked among the receiving leaders all season, today he catches but two passes. Johnny's main targets are left end Ken Kavanaugh, and rookie halfback John Hoffman as they combine for 14 catches for 311 yards, and four touchdowns! There were 30 different 100-yard receiving games this year in a 60 game season; the most ever in league history. Free substitution is here to stay, and the modern era is upon us, especially in the passing game.

NFL 75th ANNIVERSARY ALL-TIME TEAM

LOOKING BACK
By John Turney

In a few years the Pro Football Hall of Fame will pick a 100th Anniversary All-Time Team, it will be interesting to see how many of these players will also be on that team as well.

75TH ANNIVERSARY ALL-TIME TEAM
Chosen by a selection committee of media and league personnel in 1994.
(Click to enlarge)

Most of the living members in 1994

Position Name Team(s) College

Offense

QB Sammy Baugh, Washington Redskins (1937-52)

QB Otto Graham,  Cleveland Browns (1946-55)

QB Joe Montana, San Francisco 49ers (1979-92), Kansas City Chiefs (1993-94)

QB Johnny Unitas, Baltimore Colts (1956-72), San Diego Chargers (1973)

RB Jim Brown, Cleveland Browns (1957-65)

RB Marion Motley, Cleveland Browns (1946-53), Pittsburgh Steelers (1955)

RB Bronko Nagurski, Chicago Bears (1930-37, 1943)

RB Walter Payton, Chicago Bears (1975-87)

RB Gale Sayers, Chicago Bears (1965-71)

RB O.J. Simpson, Buffalo Bills (1969-77), San Francisco 49ers (1978-79)

RB Steve Van Buren, Philadelphia Eagles (1944-51)

WR Lance Alworth, San Diego Chargers (1962-70), Dallas Cowboys (1971-72)

WR Raymond Berry, Baltimore Colts (1955-67)

WR Don Hutson,  Green Bay Packers (1935-45)

WR Jerry Rice, San Francisco 49ers (1985-2000), Oakland Raiders (2001-2004), Seattle Seahawks (2004), Denver Broncos (2005)

TE Mike Ditka, Chicago Bears (1961-66), Philadelphia Eagles (1967-68), Dallas Cowboys (1969-72)

TE Kellen Winslow, San Diego Chargers (1979-87)

T Roosevelt Brown, New York Giants (1953-65)

T Forrest Gregg, Green Bay Packers (1956, 1958-70)

T Anthony Muñoz, Cincinnati Bengals (1980-92)

G John Hannah, New England Patriots (1973-85)

G Jim Parker, Baltimore Colts (1957-67)

G Gene Upshaw, Oakland Raiders (1967-81)

C Mel Hein, New York Giants (1931-45)

C Mike Webster, Pittsburgh Steelers (1974-88), Kansas City Chiefs (1989-90)

Defense

DE  Deacon Jones, Los Angeles Rams (1961-71), San Diego Chargers (1972-73), Washington Redskins (1974)

DE Gino Marchetti, Dallas Texans (1952), Baltimore Colts (1953-64, 1966) San Francisco

DE Reggie White, Philadelphia Eagles (1985-92), Green Bay Packers (1993-1998), Carolina Panthers (2000)

DT Joe Greene,Pittsburgh Steelers (1969-81)

DT Bob Lilly, Dallas Cowboys (1961-74)

DT Merlin Olsen, Los Angeles Rams (1962-76)

LB Dick Butkus, Chicago Bears (1965-73)

LB Jack Ham, Pittsburgh Steelers (1971-82)

LB Ted Hendricks, Baltimore Colts (1969-73), Green Bay Packers (1974), Oakland/L.A. Raiders (1975-83)

LB Jack Lambert, Pittsburgh Steelers (1974-84)

LB Willie Lanier, Kansas City Chiefs (1967-77)

LB Ray Nitschke, Green Bay Packers (1958-72)

LB Lawrence Taylor, New York Giants (1981-93)

CB Mel Blount, Pittsburgh Steelers (1970-83)

CB Mike Haynes, New England Patriots (1976-82), Los Angeles Raiders (1983-89)

CB Dick (Night Train) Lane, Los Angeles Rams (1952-53), Chicago Cardinals (1954-59), Detroit Lions (1960-65)

CB Rod Woodson,Pittsburgh Steelers (1987-96), San Francisco 49ers (1997), Baltimore Ravens (1998-2001), Oakland Raiders (2002-2003)

S Ken Houston, Houston Oilers (1967-72), Washington Redskins (1973-80)

S Ronnie Lott, San Francisco 49ers (1981-90), Los Angeles Raiders (1991-92), New York Jets (1993-94)

S Larry Wilson, St. Louis Cardinals (1960-72) Utah

Specialists

P Ray Guy, Oakland/L.A. Raiders (1973-86)

K Jan Stenerud, Kansas City Chiefs (1967-79), Green Bay Packers (1980-83), Minnesota Vikings (1984-85)

PR Billy (White Shoes) Johnson, Houston Oilers (1974-80), Atlanta Falcons (1982-87), Washington Redskins (1988)

KR Gale Sayers, Chicago Bears (1965-71)

NFL MVP Awards, Both Major and a Few Minors

LOOKING BACK
By John Turney

AP NFL MVP Trophy

In collecting data from microfilm, encyclopedias, and press guides and other sources we've compiled a list of the various MVP awards. Who's "we" in this case it's Paul Klatt, John Hogrogian and myself, with others on the Awards Committee of the Pro Football Researchers Association. Though not exhaustive, this list allows for at least one MVP in any given year.

By including the Washington D.C. Touchdown Club, the Columbus Touchdown Club and the Maxwell Club of Philadelphia, along with the Associated Press, United Press International, the Newspaper Enterprise Association, Pro Football Writers of America and Sporting News every year is covered since 1938. From 1938-46 the NFL had an official MVP, the "Joe Carr Award" and from 1946-48 the AAFC had an official MVP as well. Also, we've included the 1937 Guren Award and Chris Willis's selections (some yet to be announced) it's very inclusive.

We subscribe to the major awards, the ones featured in the NFL Record and Fact Books at the time, thus, for example, in 1962 the UPI Player of the Year was a major award, every bit as prestigious as the 1962 AP Player of the Year or the 1962 NEA MVP. Back then the AP used "Player of the Year" and "MVP" interchangeably, one year it was one, then another until 1963. From then on it's been the MVP.

On occasion, the clubs that picked teams would go parochial (DC TD club in 1971, for instance) but overall they did a good job and in the beginning, they got as much or more media coverage as the news agencies. We still wouldn't elevate them to "major" but they do offer depth and context in our view.

The (The NFL's 60-Minute Men) and Pro Football Journal awards were chosen by Chris Willis of NFL Films.

Joe Carr Trophy, the only official NFL MVP

Washington DC TD Club "Timmie" Award

Philadelphia Maxwell Club's Bert Bell Award

Columbus TD Club Lombardi Trophy

1972 NEA Jim Thorpe Trophy 

1990 NEA Jim Thorpe Trophy

Sporting News Marlboro award

The Washington DC Touchdown Club called its awards the "Timmie", the Philadephia Maxwell Club calls the MVP the "Bert Bell Award" and when the Columbus Touchdown Club chose NFL awards called it's award the Joe F. Carr Trophy, but by 1974 it was the Vince Lombardi Award. The NEA always called its MVP the Jim Thorpe Trophy, and in 1997 the Jim Thorpe Association of Oklahoma took over the sponsorship for the defunct NEA but still used a poll of the players to determine the winner. At some point, Marlboro sponsored the Sporting News MVP as it was called the "Marlboro Award"

So, if you ever wanted a complete list, here it is.

1920

• Frtiz Pollard, Akron Pros, Back (The NFL's 60-Minute Men)

1921

• Dutch Sterneman, Chicago Staleys, Back (The NFL's 60-Minute Men)

1922

• Guy Chamberlain, Canton Bulldogs, End (The NFL's 60-Minute Men)

1923

• Pete Henry, Canton Bulldogs, Tackle (The NFL's 60-Minute Men)

1924

• Link Lyman, Canton Bulldogs, Tackle (The NFL's 60-Minute Men)

1925

• Paddy Driscoll, Chicago Cardinals, Back (The NFL's 60-Minute Men)

1926

• (NFL) Paddy Driscoll, Chicago Bears, Back (The NFL's 60-Minute Men)

• (AFL) Al Kruez, Philadelphia Quakers, Back  (The NFL's 60-Minute Men)

1927

•Jack McBride, New York Giants, Back (The NFL's 60-Minute Men)

1928

• George "Wildcat" Wilson, Providence Steam Roller, Back (The NFL's 60-Minute Men)

1929

• Verne Lewellen, Green Bay Packers, End (Pro Football Journal)

1930

• Verne Lewellen, Green Bay Packers, End (Pro Football Journal)

1931

• Johnny “Blood” McNally, Green Bay Packers, Wing-Back (Pro Football Journal)

1932

 • Dutch Clark, Detroit Lions, Quarterback-Halfback (Pro Football Journal)

1933

• Ken Strong, New York Giants, Fullback (Pro Football Journal)

1934

• Bronco Nagurski, Chicago Bears, Fullback (Pro Football Journal)

1935

• Dutch Clark, Detroit Lions, Quarterback-Halfback (The NFL's 60-Minute Men)

1936

• Dutch Clark, Detroit Lions, Quarterback-Halfback (Pro Football Journal)

1937

• Dutch Clark, Detroit Lions, Quarterback-Halfback (Guren Award)

1938

• Mel Hein, C - NY Giants (Joe Carr Trophy)
• Ace Parker, QB – Brooklyn (United Press International)

1939

• Parker Hall, HB – Cleveland (Joe Carr Trophy)

1940

• Ace Parker, QB – Brooklyn (Joe Carr Trophy, INS)

1941

• Don Hutson, E - Green Bay (Joe Carr Trophy)

1942

• Don Hutson, E - Green Bay (Joe Carr Trophy)

1943

• Sid Luckman, QB - Chicago Bears (Joe Carr Trophy)

1944

• Frank Sinkwich, HB – Detroit (Joe Carr Trophy)

1945

• Bob Waterfield, QB – Cleveland (Joe Carr Trophy, Washington D.C. Touchdown Club)

1946

• (NFL) Bill Dudley, HB – Pittsburgh (Joe Carr Trophy, Washington D.C. Touchdown Club)

• (AAFC) Glenn Dobbs, HB – Brooklyn (Official Award)

1947

• (NFL) Sammy Baugh, QB – Washington (Washington D.C. Touchdown Club)

• (AAFC) Otto Graham, QB – Cleveland  (Official Award)

1948

• (NFL) Pat Harder, RB - Chicago Cardinals (United Press)

• (NFL) Sammy Baugh, QB – Washington (Washington D.C. Touchdown Club)

• (AAFC) Otto Graham, QB - Cleveland/Frankie Albert, quarterback - San Francisco (tie) (Official Award)

1949

• (NFL) Sammy Baugh, QB – Washington (Washington D.C. Touchdown Club)

• (AAFC) Otto Graham, QB – Cleveland (Washington D.C. Touchdown Club)

1950

• Bob Waterfield, QB – Cleveland (Washington D.C. Touchdown Club)

1951

• Otto Graham, QB - Cleveland (United Press, Washington D.C. Touchdown Club)

1952

• Lynn Chandnois, RB - Pittsburgh Steelers (Washington D.C. Touchdown Club)

1953

• Otto Graham, QB - Cleveland (United Press)

• Lou Groza, QB - Cleveland (Washington D.C. Touchdown Club)

1954

• Joe Perry, FB - San Francisco (United Press)

• Lou Groza, OT - Cleveland (Sporting News)

• Norm Van Brocklin, Los Angeles Rams (Washington D.C. Touchdown Club)

1955

• Otto Graham, QB - Cleveland (United Press, Sporting News)

• Harlon Hill, E - Chicago Bears (Newspaper Enterprise Association)

• Gene Brito, DE- Washington Redskins (Washington D.C. Touchdown Club)

• Fred "Curly" Morrison, RB, Cleveland Browns (Columbus Touchdown Club)

1956

• Frank Gifford, HB - NY Giants (United Press, Newspaper Enterprise Association, Sporting News, Washington D.C. Touchdown Club)

• Rick Casares, RB,  Chicago Bears (Columbus Touchdown Club)

1957

• Y.A. Tittle, QB - San Francisco (United Press)

• Jim Brown, FB - Cleveland (Associated Press, Sporting News)

• John Unitas, QB - Baltimore (Newspaper Enterprise Association, Washington D.C. Touchdown Club, Columbus Touchdown Club)

1958

• Jim Brown, FB - Cleveland (United Press International, Associated Press, Newspaper Enterprise Association, Sporting News, Washington D.C. Touchdown Club-tie, Columbus Touchdown Club)

• John Unitas, QB - Baltimore (Washington D.C. Touchdown Club-tie)

1959

• John Unitas, QB - Baltimore (Associated Press, United  Press International,  Maxwell Club of Philadelphia, Sporting News, Columbus Touchdown Club)

• Charley Conerly, quarterback - NY Giants (Newspaper Enterprise Association, Washington D.C. Touchdown Club)

1960

(NFL)

• Norm Van Brocklin, QB - Philadelphia (United Press International-tie, Newspaper Enterprise Association, Sporting News, Maxwell Club of Philadelphia, Washington D.C. Touchdown Club, Columbus Touchdown Club)

• Joe Schmidt, LB - Detroit (United Press International- tie)

(AFL)

• Abner Haynes, HB - Dallas Texans (United Press International, Sporting News)

1961

(NFL)

• Paul Hornung, HB - Green Bay (United Press International, Associated Press, Sporting News, Maxwell Club of Philadelphia, Washington D.C. Touchdown Club, Columbus Touchdown Club)

• Y.A. Tittle, QB - NY Giants (Newspaper Enterprise Association)

(AFL)

• George Blanda, QB - Houston (United Press International, Associated Press, Sporting News)

1962

(NFL)

• Y.A. Tittle, QB - NY Giants (United Press International, Sporting News, Washington D.C. Touchdown Club)

• Jim Taylor, FB - Green Bay (Associated Press, Newspaper Enterprise Association, Columbus Touchdown Club)

• Andy Robustelli, DE - NY Giants (Maxwell Club of Philadelphia)

(AFL)

• Cookie Gilchrist, FB - Buffalo (United Press International, Associated Press)

• Len Dawson, QB - Dallas Texans (Sporting News)

1963

(NFL)

• Jim Brown, FB - Cleveland (United Press International, Newspaper Enterprise Association (tie), Maxwell Club of Philadelphia, Washington D.C. Touchdown Club)

• Y.A. Tittle, QB - NY Giants (Associated Press, Newspaper Enterprise Association (tie), Sporting News, Columbus Touchdown Club)

(AFL)

• Lance Alworth, WR - San Diego (United Press International)

• Clem Daniels, HB - Oakland (Sporting News)

• Tobin Rote, QB- San Diego Chargers (Associated Press)

1964

(NFL)

• Johnny Unitas, QB - Baltimore (United Press International, Associated Press, Sporting News, Maxwell Club of Philadelphia, Columbus Touchdown Club)

• Lenny Moore, HB - Baltimore (Newspaper Enterprise Association, Washington D.C. Touchdown Club)

(AFL)

• Gino Cappelletti, WR - Boston (United Press International, Associated Press, Sporting News)

1965

(NFL)

• Jim Brown, FB - Cleveland (United Press International, Associated Press, Sporting News, Newspaper Enterprise Association, PFWA—NY Chapter, Columbus Touchdown Club)

• Pete Retzlaff, TE - Philadelphia (Maxwell Club of Philadelphia, Washington D.C. Touchdown Club)

(AFL)

• Jack Kemp, QB - Buffalo (United Press International, Associated Press)

• Paul Lowe, HB - San Diego (Sporting News)
• Lance Alworth, WR - San Diego (PFWA—NY Chapter)

1966

(NFL)

• Bart Starr, QB - Green Bay (United Press International, Associated Press, Newspaper Enterprise Association, Pro Football Writers Association of America, Sporting News, PFWA—NY Chapter, Columbus Touchdown Club)

• Don Meredith, QB - Dallas (Maxwell Club of Philadelphia)

• Sonny Jurgenson, QB – Washington (Washington D.C. Touchdown Club)

(AFL)

• Jim Nance, FB - Boston (United Press International, Associated Press, Sporting News, PFWA—NY Chapter, Washington D.C. Touchdown Club)

1967

(NFL)

• Johnny Unitas, QB - Baltimore (United Press International, Associated Press, Newspaper Enterprise Association, Sporting News, PFWA—NY Chapter, Maxwell Club of Philadelphia, Washington D.C. Touchdown Club, Columbus Touchdown Club)

(AFL)

• Daryle Lamonica, QB - Oakland (United Press International, Associated Press, Sporting News, PFWA—NY Chapter, Columbus Touchdown Club)

• Lance Alworth, WR – San Diego (Washington D.C. Touchdown Club)

1968

(NFL)

• Earl Morrall, QB - Baltimore (United Press International, Associated Press, Newspaper Enterprise Association, Sporting News, PFWA—NY Chapter, Pro Football Weekly)

• Leroy Kelly, HB - Cleveland (Maxwell Club of Philadelphia, Columbus Touchdown Club)

• Ray Nitschke, LB, Green Bay (Washington D.C. Touchdown Club)

 (AFL)

• Joe Namath, QB - NY Jets (United Press  International, Associated Press, Sporting News, PFWA—NY Chapter, Pro Football Weekly)

• Daryle Lamonica, QB – Oakland (Washington D.C. Touchdown Club)

•Lance Alworth, WR – San Diego (Columbus Touchdown Club)

1969

(NFL)

• Roman Gabriel, QB - LA Rams (United Press International, Associated Press, Newspaper Enterprise Association, Maxwell Club of Philadelphia, Sporting News, Columbus Touchdown Club)

• Sonny Jurgenson, QB – Washington (Washington D.C. Touchdown Club)

(AFL)
• Joe Kapp, QB - Minnesota (PFWA—NY Chapter)

• Daryle Lamonica, QB - Oakland (Associated Press, United Press International, Sporting News, PFWA—NY Chapter, Columbus Touchdown Club)

• Joe Namath, QB - NY Jets (Newspaper Enterprise Association)

• Lance Alworth, WR – San Diego (Washington D.C. Touchdown Club)

1970

• John Brodie, QB - San Francisco (Associated Press, Newspaper Enterprise Association)

• George Blanda, QB/K - Oakland (Maxwell Club of Philadelphia, Columbus Touchdown Club)

• Fran Tarkenton, QB, New York Giants (Washington D.C. Touchdown Club)

1971

• Alan Page, DT - Minnesota (Associated Press)

• Bob Griese, QB - Miami (Newspaper Enterprise Association, Columbus Touchdown Club)

• Roger Staubach, QB - Dallas (Maxwell Club of Philadelphia)

• Billy Kilmer, QB - Washington Redskins; Jack Pardee, LB, - Washington Redskins  (Washington D.C. Touchdown Club)

1972

• Larry Brown, RB - Washington (Associated Press, Newspaper Enterprise Association, Maxwell Club of Philadelphia Washington D.C. Touchdown Club, Columbus Touchdown Club)

1973

• O.J. Simpson, RB - Buffalo (Associated Press, Newspaper Enterprise Association, Maxwell Club of Philadelphia, Washington D.C. Touchdown Club, Columbus Touchdown Club)

1974

• Ken Stabler, QB - Oakland (Associated Press, Newspaper Enterprise Association, Columbus Touchdown Club)

• Merlin Olsen, DT - LA Rams (Maxwell Club of Philadelphia)

• Joe Greene, DT - Pittsburgh (Washington D.C. Touchdown Club)

1975

• Fran Tarkenton, QB - Minnesota (Pro Football Writers of America, Associated Press, Newspaper Enterprise Association, Maxwell Club of Philadelphia, Washington D.C. Touchdown Club)

• O.J. Simpson, RB - Buffalo (Columbus Touchdown Club)

 1976

• Bert Jones, QB - Baltimore (Pro Football Writers of America, Associated Press, Newspaper Enterprise Association)

• Ken Stabler, QB - Oakland (Maxwell Club of Philadelphia)

• Roger Staubach, QB - Dallas (Columbus Touchdown Club)

1977

• Walter Payton, RB -  Chicago (Pro Football Writers of America, Associated Press, Newspaper Enterprise Association, Columbus Touchdown Club)

• Bob Griese, QB - Miami (Maxwell Club of Philadelphia)

1978

• Earl Campbell, RB - Houston (Pro Football Writers of America, Newspaper Enterprise Association, Columbus Touchdown Club)

• Terry Bradshaw, QB - Pittsburgh (Associated Press, Maxwell Club of Philadelphia)

1979

• Earl Campbell, RB - Houston (Pro Football Writers of America, Associated Press, Newspaper Enterprise Association, Maxwell Club of Philadelphia)

• Dan Fouts, QB – San Diego (Columbus Touchdown Club)

1980

• Brian Sipe, QB - Cleveland (Pro Football Writers of America, Associated Press, Sporting News, Columbus Touchdown Club)

• Earl Campbell, RB - Houston (Newspaper Enterprise Association)

• Ron Jaworski, QB - Philadelphia (Maxwell Club of Philadelphia)

1981

• Ken Anderson, QB - Cincinnati (Pro Football Writers of America, Associated Press, Newspaper Enterprise Association, Sporting News, Maxwell Club of Philadelphia, Columbus Touchdown Club)

1982

• Dan Fouts, QB - San Diego (Pro Football Writers of America, Newspaper Enterprise Association)

• Mark Moseley, K - Washington (Associated Press, Sporting News)

• Joe Theismann, QB - Washington (Maxwell Club of Philadelphia)

1983

• Joe Theismann, QB - Washington (Pro Football Writers Association of America, Associated Press, Newspaper Enterprise Association)

• Eric Dickerson, RB - LA Rams (Sporting News)

• John Riggins, RB - Washington (Maxwell Club of Philadelphia)

1984

• Dan Marino, QB - Miami (Pro Football Writers Association of America, Associated Press, Newspaper Enterprise Association, Maxwell Club of Philadelphia, Sporting News)

1985

• Marcus Allen, RB - LA Raiders (Pro Football Writers Association of America, Associated Press, Sporting News)

• Walter Payton, RB - Chicago Bears (Newspaper Enterprise Association, Maxwell Club of Philadelphia)

1986

• Lawrence Taylor, LB - NY Giants (Pro Football Writers Association of America, Associated Press, Maxwell Club of Philadelphia, Sporting News)

• Phil Simms, QB - NY Giants (Newspaper Enterprise Association)

1987

• Jerry Rice, WR - San Francisco (Pro Football Writers Association of America, Newspaper Enterprise Association, Maxwell Club of Philadelphia, Sporting News)

• John Elway, QB - Denver (Associated Press)

1988

• Boomer Esiason, QB - Cincinnati (Pro Football Writers Association of America, Associated Press, Sporting News)

• Roger Craig, RB - San Francisco (Newspaper Enterprise Association)

• Randall Cunningham, QB - Philadelphia (Maxwell Club of Philadelphia)

1989

• Joe Montana, QB - San Francisco (Pro Football Writers Association of America, Associated Press, Newspaper Enterprise Association, Maxwell Club of Philadelphia, Sporting News)

1990

• Randall Cunningham, QB - Philadelphia (Pro Football Writers Association of America, Maxwell Club of Philadelphia)

• Joe Montana, QB - San Francisco (Associated Press)

• Warren Moon, QB, Houston Oilers (Newspaper Enterprise Association)

• Jerry Rice, WR - San Francisco (Sporting News)

1991

• Thurman Thomas, RB - Buffalo (Pro Football Writers Association of America, Associated Press, Newspaper Enterprise Association, Sporting News)

• Barry Sanders, RB - Detroit (Maxwell Club of Philadelphia)

1992

• Steve Young, QB - San Francisco (Pro Football Writers Association of America, Associated Press, Maxwell Club of Philadelphia, Sporting News)

• Emmitt Smith, RB - Dallas (Newspaper Enterprise Association)

1993

• Emmitt Smith, RB - Dallas (Pro Football Writers Association of America, Associated Press, Newspaper Enterprise Association, Maxwell Club of Philadelphia, Sporting News)

1994

• Steve Young, QB - San Francisco (Pro Football Writers Association of America, Associated Press, Newspaper Enterprise Association, Maxwell Club of Philadelphia, Sporting News)

1995

• Brett Favre, QB - Green Bay (Pro Football Writers Association of America, Associated Press, Newspaper Enterprise Association, Maxwell Club of Philadelphia, Sporting News)

1996

• Brett Favre, QB - Green Bay (Pro Football Writers Association of America, Associated Press, Newspaper Enterprise Association, Maxwell Club of Philadelphia, Sporting News)

1997

• Barry Sanders, RB - Detroit (Pro Football Writers Association of America, Associated Press (tie), Newspaper Enterprise Association, Maxwell Club of Philadelphia, Sporting News)

• Brett Favre, QB - Green Bay (Associated Press - tie)

1998

• Terrell Davis, RB - Denver (Pro Football Writers Association of America, Associated Press, Sporting News)

• Randall Cunningham, QB - Minnesota (Newspaper Enterprise Association, Maxwell Club of Philadelphia)

1999

• Kurt Warner, QB - St. Louis Rams (Associated Press, Pro Football Writers Association of America, Newspaper Enterprise Association, Sporting News, Maxwell Club of Philadelphia)

2000

• Marshall Faulk, RB - St. Louis Rams (Associated Press, Pro Football Writers Association of America, Newspaper Enterprise Association, Sporting News)

• Rich Gannon, QB - Oakland (Maxwell Club of Philadelphia)

2001

• Kurt Warner, QB - St. Louis Rams (Associated Press, Newspaper Enterprise Association )

• Marshall Faulk, RB - St. Louis Rams (Pro Football Writers Association of America, Maxwell Club of Philadelphia, Sporting News)

2002

• Rich Gannon, QB - Oakland Raiders (Associated Press, Pro Football Writers Association of America, Newspaper Enterprise Association, Maxwell Club of Philadelphia)

2003

• Peyton Manning, QB - Indianapolis Colts (Associated Press – tie, Newspaper Enterprise Association, Sporting News, Maxwell Club of Philadelphia)

• Steve McNair, QB - Tennessee Titans (Associated Press - tie)

• Jamaal Lewis, RB, Baltimore Ravens (Pro Football Writers Association of America)

2004

• Peyton Manning, QB - Indianapolis Colts (Associated Press, Pro Football Writers Association of America, Newspaper Enterprise Association, Sporting News, Maxwell Club of Philadelphia)

2005

• Shaun Alexander, RB - Seattle Seahawks (Associated Press, Pro Football Writers Association of America, Newspaper Enterprise Association, Sporting News, Maxwell Club of Philadelphia)

2006

• LaDainian Tomlinson, RB - San Diego Chargers (Associated Press, Pro Football Writers Association of America, Newspaper Enterprise Association, Sporting News, Maxwell Club of Philadelphia)

2007

• Tom Brady, QB - New England Patriots (Associated Press, Pro Football Writers Association of America, Newspaper Enterprise Association, Sporting News, Maxwell Club of Philadelphia)

2008

• Peyton Manning, QB - Indianapolis Colts (Associated Press, Pro Football Writers Association of America, Sporting News)

• Kurt Warner, QB – Arizona Cardinals (Newspaper Enterprise Association)

• Adrian Peterson, RB- Minnesota Vikings (Maxwell Club of Philadelphia)

2009

• Peyton Manning, QB - Indianapolis Colts (Associated Press, Pro Football Writers Association of America, Sporting News)

• Drew Brees, QB – New Orleans Saints (Maxwell Club of Philadelphia)

2010

• Tom Brady, QB - New England Patriots (Associated Press, Pro Football Writers Association of America, Sporting News)

• Michael Vick, QB  - Philadelphia  Eagles (Maxwell Club of Philadelphia)

2011

• Aaron Rodgers, QB - Green Bay Packers (Associated Press, Pro Football Writers Association of America, Sporting News, Maxwell Club of Philadelphia)

2012

• Adrian Peterson, RB- Minnesota Vikings (Associated Press, Pro Football Writers Association of America, Sporting News*, Maxwell Club of Philadelphia)

2013

• Peyton Manning, QB - Denver Broncos (Associated Press, Pro Football Writers Association of America, Sporting News*, Maxwell Club of Philadelphia)

2014

• Aaron Rodgers, QB - Green Bay Packers (Associated Press, Pro Football Writers Association of America, Sporting News*)

• JJ Watt, DE - Houston Texans (Maxwell Club of Philadelphia)

2015

• Cam Newton, QB- Carolina Panthers (Associated Press, Pro Football Writers Association of America, Sporting News*, Maxwell Club of Philadelphia)

2016

• Matt Ryan, QB- Atlanta Falcons (Associated Press, Pro Football Writers Association of America, Maxwell Club of Philadelphia)

• Tom Brady, QB - New England Patriots  (Sporting News)
2017
• Tom Brady, QB - New England Patriots  (Associated Press, Pro Football Writers Association of America, Sporting News*)

• Carson Wentz, QB - Philadelphia Eagles (Maxwell Club of Philadelphia)
2018

• Patrick Mahomes, QB - Kansas City Chiefs  (Associated Press, Pro Football Writers Association of America, Sporting News*, Maxwell Club of Philadelphia)

2019

• Lamar Jackson, QB - Baltimore Ravens (Associated Press, Pro Football Writers Association of America, Sporting News*, Maxwell Club of Philadelphia)

2020

• Aaron Rodgers, QB - Green Bay Packers (Associated Press,, Pro Football Writers Association of America)

• Patrick Mahomes, QB - Kansas City Chiefs (Sporting News*)

2021

• Aaron Rodgers, QB - Green Bay Packers (Associated Press, Pro Football Writers Association of America)

• Jonathan Taylor, RB - Indianapolis Colts (Sporting News*, Maxwell Club of Philadelphia )

2022

• Patrick Mahomes, QB - Kansas City Chiefs (Associated Press, Pro Football Writers Association of America)

• Jalen Hurts, QB, Philadelphia Eagles (Maxwell Club of Philadelphia)

• Justin Jefferson, WR - Minnesota Vikings (Sporting News*)

2023

• Lamar Jackson, QB, Baltimore Ravens (Associated Press, Pro Football Writers Association of America, Maxwell Club of Philadelphia)

• Tyreek Hill, WR - Miami Dolphins (Sporting News*)

What we like is there are some great names, even defensive players named years earlier than Alan Page's 1971 AP MVP such as Gene Brito and Andy Robustelli or an offensive tackle (Lou Groza, 1954, though he kicked as well). We think it's a fun list and hope you agree.

 *From 2012 through 2020 Sporting News switched to Offensive Player of the year from Player of the Year.

Updated 3/5/2017 to add 2016 season awards

Updated 2/1/2018 to add 2017 season awards
Updated 5/20/2019 to add 2018 season awards

Updated 7/10/2020 to add 2019 season awards

Updated 1/21/2022 to add 2021 season awards

Updated 5/29/2023 to add 2022 season awards

Updated 6/29/2024 to add 2023 season awards plus early Chris Willis (Pro Football Journal) awards