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

Charlie Johnson Passes Right Before Jim Katcavage Hit - Cardinals Giants
St. Louis Cardinals quarterback Charlie Johnson gets a pass away a split second before New York Giants defensive lineman Jim Katcavage closes in for the hit during an NFL passing play.

Ron Johnson - Cleveland Browns Rookie in 1969
Before he was a One-Thousand-Yard Rusher with New York, Ron Johnson of Michigan was a rookie with the Cleveland Browns during the 1969 NFL season. Rushed for 478 yards and 7 touchdowns.

John Niland Leads the Way for Bob Hayes
Cowboy Receiver Bob Hayes follows the path of Guard John Niland downfield. Niland was a 3-Time All Pro in Dallas. Hayes, in addition to being a Hall of Famer won Gold Medals in the Olympics.

Reggie White - 1990 Sport Magazine August Issue
Eagles All-Pro Defensive End Reggie White is featured on this Sport Magazine cover printed in August of 1990. Up to this time White had been in the NFL as an Eagle since 1985 and had tallied up 81 sacks already. In 1990 he would add another 14. By the time his 15-year career was done he'd have 198.

Merlin Olsen leads Rams Defense in Rushing Johnny Unitas
Vintage Rams-Colts from the late 1960s. Johnny Unitas looks downfield as Merlin Olsen and Deacon Jones apply some heavy pressure.

A Picture of Craig Morton from a Page of 1978 Pro Football Magazine
Taken from a 1978 issue of Pro Football magazine. Denver QB Craig Morton's career had taken a new turn in 1977 and high was the anticipation for him at the beginning of 1978. He's the featured subject of the Broncos Preview section here. He would lead Denver to 8 victories and an AFC Western Title. Safety Bernard Jackson is seen here as well. Jackson would have 6 interceptions in 1978.

Four of the 1960 College All Stars - Roger Brown, Don Meredith & Gail Cogdill
Some of the 1960 College All Star Team that played the 1959 NFL Champion Baltimore Colts - Don Meredith of Southern Methodist, Roger Brown of Maryland-Eastern Shore, Walter Beach of Central Michigan and Gail Cogdill of Washington State. The Colts won 32-7.

John Arnett Takes a Handoff from Johnny Unitas - 1961 NFL Pro Bowl
Pulled this one from an old issue of Football Digest — Johnny Unitas hands off to Jon Arnett as Andy Robustelli closes in during the 1961 Pro Bowl. The West came away with a 35–31 victory this day.

Galen Fiss Wraps Up Steeler John Henry Johnson in 1963
Browns and Steelers! Classic 1963 NFL! That looks like Pro Bowl linebacker Galen Fiss shooting in to bring down Pittsburgh runner John Henry Johnson. Behind Fiss is Dick Hoak.

Fullback Larry Csonka Runs Against Jim Duncan | 1971 Dolphins & Colts
In 1971, Larry Csonka had 1051 rushing yards with a league-high 5.4 Yards-per-Carry average. Here he goes wide against Jim Duncan of the Baltimore Colts. Duncan was Baltimore's 4th-round draft pick in 1968 from the University of Maryland-Eastern Shore. He played 3 seasons for the Colts as Return Man and Defensive Back. He was traded to New Orleans in 1972 but failed to make the team. After experiencing personal problems after football he committed suicide under very controversial circumstances. He reportedly shot himself - at the Police Station.

Bobby Layne & the Steelers vs the New York Giants Defense | 1950s NFL
Some classic old-school NFL action from 1958 as Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Fame quarterback Bobby Layne burrows his way through a mass of New York Giants defenders for a short gain. The image is packed with recognizable names from NFL history, including Andy Livingston (#89), Dick Modzelewski (#77), Hall of Famer Andy Robustelli (#81), and former Los Angeles Rams star Tank Younger, who spent the final season of his 10-year NFL career with Pittsburgh.

Franco Harris -1973 Sports Magazine Cover
Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Fame Running back Franco Harris makes the cover of November 1973 issue of Sport Magazine.