Chris Hanburger
Washington Redskins
Linebacker
6'2" 220
1965 - 1978 (14 Seasons)
187 Games Played
19 Interceptions
5 Touchdowns
9 Pro Bowls
Christian G. Hanburger was an 18th! Round draft choice of the Redskins in 1965. He was the 245TH! player chosen that year. He was a 25 year old rookie, due to his service in the Army before going to the University of North Carolina.
At UNC, he was a 2 way player who was named All ACC at Center his junior and senior years. In 1963, his team won the ACC Championship.
At UNC, he was a 2 way player who was named All ACC at Center his junior and senior years. In 1963, his team won the ACC Championship.
Hanburger played right away and was in the Pro Bowl by his second year in the league. He would then begin a string of Pro Bowl appearances until 1969. He then resumed that string in 1972 until 1976.
Sacks and tackles were not recorded in those days, but Hanburger was a play maker. He is considered one of the best of his era. He was known for his blitzing ability and pass coverage. Ever the complete player, he returned 3 fumbles for touchdowns in his career to go with 2 on interceptions.
In 1972, Hanburger captained the Over The Hill gangs defense to a Super Bowl appearance and was named NFC Defensive Player Of The Year. Hanburger was known not only for good speed, but his exceptional quickness.
He had the innate ability to diagnose a play before the ball was hiked. He often would cover the other teams tight end and peel off to knock passes down meant for wide receivers. Coach George Allen liked to have a safety first defense, leaving the rest to Hanburger and his fellow linebackers.
Sacks and tackles were not recorded in those days, but Hanburger was a play maker. He is considered one of the best of his era. He was known for his blitzing ability and pass coverage. Ever the complete player, he returned 3 fumbles for touchdowns in his career to go with 2 on interceptions.
In 1972, Hanburger captained the Over The Hill gangs defense to a Super Bowl appearance and was named NFC Defensive Player Of The Year. Hanburger was known not only for good speed, but his exceptional quickness.
He had the innate ability to diagnose a play before the ball was hiked. He often would cover the other teams tight end and peel off to knock passes down meant for wide receivers. Coach George Allen liked to have a safety first defense, leaving the rest to Hanburger and his fellow linebackers.
Hanburgers nine Pro Bowl appearances are still the most by any player in the entire history of the Washington Redskins. The game was played different for the most part in his era. The running game was most teams primary weapon.
Tackling with sound fundamentals was a must then. Few players lead with their heads for "kill shots" because they would be injured much faster than today with innovations of modern technology on equipment nowadays. It also should be remembered that players then did not command the same level of salaries that they do today. Most players would work a second job in the off season, compared to the luxury players have today to train whenever they choose to.
As a kid, I once heard a long time local media type say that he figured Hanburger had over 50 quarterback sacks in his career. This, coupled by the facts that are allowed in the record book truly says that there is NO DOUBT that Chris Hanburger SHOULD BE in the NFL Hall of Fame.
Tackling with sound fundamentals was a must then. Few players lead with their heads for "kill shots" because they would be injured much faster than today with innovations of modern technology on equipment nowadays. It also should be remembered that players then did not command the same level of salaries that they do today. Most players would work a second job in the off season, compared to the luxury players have today to train whenever they choose to.
As a kid, I once heard a long time local media type say that he figured Hanburger had over 50 quarterback sacks in his career. This, coupled by the facts that are allowed in the record book truly says that there is NO DOUBT that Chris Hanburger SHOULD BE in the NFL Hall of Fame.
IF you agree with me, then help me wake up the Senior Committee members by e-mailing them along with me and DEMANDING that CHRIS HANBURGER be put into the Hall of Fame. If we all do it, maybe they will stop ignoring the facts!
Also have a petition : http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/ChrisHanburgerHOF
Other notable players drafted in 1965 by draft number( * denotes Hall of Famer):
2. Ken Willard, RB, 49ERS
3. Richard Butkis, LB, Chicago *
4. Gale Sayers, RB, Chicago *
5. Craig Morton, QB, Dallas
12. Joe Namath, QB, St. Louis *
14. Mike Curtis, LB, Baltimore
45. Jim Nance, RB, Chicago
54. Johnny Roland, RB, St. Louis
89. Brig Owens, QB, Dallas
118. Jerry Smith, WR, Washington
145. Jethro Pugh, DT, Dallas
203. Otis Taylor, WR, Philadelphia
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2 comments:
NICE write up & i agree. look at this past years HOF ! i'll email as well!
Nice job. Way to bring attention to these a deserving player.
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