NFL Past Players: Exploring the History of Professional Football

Links to….
Most Recent Galleries |
Browse by Position |
Go to Player Albums…

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

Dave Casper of the Raiders with a Catch against the Lions in 1978
The Raiders top receiver in 1978 - Tight End Dave Casper had 62 catches, 852 yards and 8 TDs while earning All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors. Here he is getting away from the Lions in a game from 1978 where he had 5 catches and a score in a 29-17 Oakland win.

Fran Tarkenton and Bud Grant of the Minnesota Vikings
Vikings Head Coach Bud Grant and Fran Tarkenton, his quarterback of the 1970s. Fran Tarkenton. Together they made 3 Super Bowl appearances in the 1970s. And, despite the loss in Super Bowl IV, Grant and his Vikings were technically the NFL Champions of 1969.

Kenny Easley Seattle Seahawks Hall of Famer
Ken Easley of the Seattle Seahawks led the NFL in Interceptions in 1985 with 10 picks and 2 returned for touchdowns. Here he is with fellow defenders Terry Jackson and John Harris in coverage against Denver.

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.

JC Caroline Dives for Paul Hornung | 1959 Packers & Bears
Packer Paul Hornung tries to get outside as Bear JC Caroline attempts a diving tackle. In 1959 Hornung, in addition to 681 rushing yards, led the league in scoring with 94 points.

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