Players of the Decade—1935-45

OPINION
By John Turney

This is the fifth in a series of picking players of the decades. We began with 1915-25, then the 1920s, the 1925-35 period, the 1930s and now we tackle the 1935-45 span. Once again, we consulted Chris Willis of NFL Films to help make the selections.

Here are our picks:

1935-45  Player of the Decade
Don Hutson

After all these years Hutson has a real chance of making the NFL's 100th Anniversary team. He set every receiving record and held them for decades.

1935-45  Defensive Player of the Decade
Bill Hewitt

Hewitt was a two-way end and was a force on defense

1935-45 Player of the Decade Runner-Up
Sammy Baugh

Hutson was so dominant that he relegates Baugh to runner-up status and Slingin' Sammy was a transformative player in the history of the NFL it's just that Hutson was too only to a slightly higher degree.

1935-45 Defensive Player of the Decade Runner-Up
Dan Fortmann

Fortmann was a great guard but was a great two-way player. He was a seven-time All-Pro and part of three championship teams.


Next up: The 1940s.