Ford, Len (Leonard G. Jr.)
Football
b. Feb. 18, 1926, Washington, DC
d. March 14, 1972
Ford played at Morgan State and at the University of Michigan before entering pro football with the Los Angeles Dons of the All-America Football Conference in 1948. He was an offensive end with the Dons, catching 67 passes for 1,175 yards, a 17.5 average, and 8 touchdowns in 2 seasons.
The AAFC folded in 1950, three of its teams moving into the NFL. Players from other teams were put into a special draft pool, and Ford was chosen by the Cleveland Browns, who moved him to defense. The 6-foot-5 Ford beefed up to 260 pounds and became one of the most feared pass rushers in the game.
In his first year on defense, Ford suffered a broken nose and two broken cheekbones and had to undergo extensive plastic surgery. Outfitted with a special helmet mask, he came back for Cleveland's 30-28 victory over the Los Angeles Rams in the NFL championship game. When the Browns beat the Detroit Lions, 56-10, in the 1954 title game, Ford had 2 interceptions.
Ford was named an All-Pro five years in a row, 1951 through 1955. He played with through 1957 and spent a final season with the Green Bay Packers in 1958 before retiring. He died of a heart attack.