Nagurski, "Bronko" Bronislaw
Football
b. Nov. 3, 1908, Rainy River, ONT
d. Jan. 7, 1990
Grantland Rice once wrote of Nagurski, "Bronko is the only man who ever lived who could lead his own interference," and long-time New York Giants coach Steve Owen said, "There's only one defense that could stop Nagurski--shoot him before he leaves the dressing room."
The 6-foot-2, 225-pounder usually played fullback on offense and tackle on defense at the University of Minnesota. He was named an All-American at both positions by the New York Sun in 1929, although most other selectors listed him as a tackle.
Nagurski joined the Chicago Bears in 1930 and played the same dual role for most of his professional career. He was a bruising runner who could rarely be brought down by a single tackler and offensive teams usually had to use at least two blockers on him, as well.
Although he wasn't a great passer, he was effective when he ran toward the line as if on a plunge. As defenders massed to stop him, Nagurski would stop, take a step or two back, and throw the ball. He threw a 2-yard touchdown pass to Red Grange on that kind of play to beat the Portsmouth Spartans in the 1932 NFL championship game and the following year he threw two touchdown passes in a 23-21 championship victory over the New York Giants.
When Beattie Feathers, a small, fast halfback, joined the Bears in 1934, Nagurski was used primarily as a decoy and a blocker. Feathers became the first NFL player in history to gain more than 1,000 yards in a season, and he gave Nagurski much of the credit.
From 1935 through 1937, Nagurski was often used as a tackle on offense as well as on defense. He retired in 1938 to go into professional wrestling and was briefly the world champion, losing the title to Jim Londos. The Bears talked him into playing football again in 1943, because of the manpower shortage caused by World War II. He played most of that season at tackle, but was moved to fullback in the final regular season game, when the Bears were losing 24-14 to the Chicago Cardinals. Nagurski scored one touchdown and made a key fourth-down run to set up a second as the Bears pulled out a 28-24 victory.
He also scored the touchdown that put the Bears ahead to stay in a 41-21 win over the Washington Redskins in the NFL championship game. He retired for good after that game.
Nagurski was named All-Pro fullback three consecutive years, 1932 through 1934.