NFL Past Players: Exploring the History of Professional Football

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Welcome to NFL Past Players, a collection of stories, photographs, statistics, and historical information all about the men and the teams that shaped professional football. From the early years of the NFL through the championship teams and standout players of the 20th century, this site explores the game through the players who played it and the moments that made their careers memorable.

The history of the NFL is more than a list of championships and statistics. It was made by the players who took the field, the teams they represented, and the eras in which they played. Explore the championship traditions of the New York Giants, the rise of the Pittsburgh Steelers, the early success of the San Francisco 49ers, and the many other teams that have contributed to professional football history.

Vintage NFL Photographs, Players and Statistics

Whether you’re researching a Hall of Fame player, looking for information about a particular team or era, studying career statistics, or simply remembering the players you watched years ago, NFL Past Players is a place to explore the history of the game.

From Jim Brown and Johnny Unitas to Gale Sayers, Joe Namath, Archie Manning and the many lesser-known players who helped build professional football, the goal is simple: preserve their place in NFL history and provide the stories behind the names, photographs, and statistics.

Explore the players. Remember the teams. Discover the history of the NFL.

Latest Vintage NFL Pictures Added

49er Fullback Ken Willard
Ken Willard, 49er fullback from 1965 to 1973 - carried 1582 times for 5930 yards, a 3.7 YPC and 45 rushing touchdowns. Also had 273 catches, another 2156 receiving yards and 16 receiving TDs.

Eagles Linebacker Tim Rossovich Gives the Side Look
The epitome of the real Shock Jock - Tim Rossovich, gives us the mean side look here in the early 1970s photo. After suffering a ruptured tendon during the 1970 preseason, rumor has it that Rossovich refused to have surgery and played through it the remainder of the season.

Late 1950s Baltimore Colts - Johnny Unitas
A Classic late 1950s NFL image of Johhny Unitas lined up with the Colts offense against what looks like the Cleveland Browns defense. By the time of this photo Unitas had led Baltimore to two NFL Titles (1958 & 1959) and would do another in 1970.

Cardinal Quarterback Charley Johnson
Charley Johnson of New Mexico State, quarterbacked in St Louis for 9 seasons completing over 2,000 passes for almost 15,000 yards and 108 touchdowns.

Dave Osborn - 1969 Vikings vs Bears
The Vikings top rusher in 1969 - Dave Osborn, carries against Chicago. This might be from the November 2 game that year. Dave had 79 yards and a TD. The Bear in the foreground is Joe Taylor of North Carolina A&T.

Kenny Stabler & George Blanda Emerging From a Tunnel, Early 1970s NFL
Raider icons Kenny Stabler and George Blanda emerge onto a muddy field before a game, sometime in the mid-1970s. Blanda was well into 40s by the time Kenny Stabler, a 2nd-round pick from Alabama, joined the team. The two remained team mates until 1975. Stabler was 30 years of age, Blanda 48.

Dick Butkus 1973, Pro Quarterback Magazine Cover
1973 - Dick Butkus's last year in Pro Ball after 8 years with Chicago. Here he is featured on the October 1973 issue of Pro Quarterback.

Tom Mack leads Tommy Mason - 1960s Los Angeles Rams Offense
LA Rams offense in the 1960s. Running Back Tommy Mason gets behind the blocking of guard Tom Mack. After

Dandy Don Meredith & Tom Landry of the Dallas Cowboys
Don Meredith of SMU heads in with Head Coach Tom Landry behind him. Meredith joined Dallas in 1960 and was their starting quarterback by 1963. Remained until 1968 and finished with 135 touchdown passes and over 17,000 passing yards. Landry, the Cowboys first-ever head coach, held that position from 1960 to 1988 - 418 games. Won 250 of them with 2 Super Bowls to boot.

A Wet & Muddy Rosey Grier on the New York Giants Sideline
Wet and Muddy, Giants defensive tackle Rosey Grier sits on the New York Giants bench in the early 1960s photo. Grier had been a 3rd Round draft pick out of Penn State in 1955. He remained with New York until 1962 earning an All-Pro selection and 2 Pro Bowls. In 1963 he was traded to the Rams and stayed there until 1966.

Anthony Carter Catch against San Francisco in the 1987 NFC Playoffs
A Pro Bowler in 1987, Vikings receiver Anthony Carter had a big game in against the 49ers in the playoffs - 10 Catches for 227 yards. That's San Francisco cornerback Don Griffin in pursuit. Griffin played 11 years in the NFL for the 49ers, Browns & Eagles.

49er Greats Jerry Rice and Dwight Clark
Jerry Rice gets accolades from fellow 49er Dwight Clark after a touchdown. Rice had 176 Touchdown catches during his career, Clark had 48.