The most storied franchise in the NFL has included some of the greatest players and coaches in NFL history. With 13 championships, numerous legendary players have walked through the streets of Green Bay, Wisconsin. In total, the Green Bay Packers have seen 32 players, coaches and executives inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
With that being said, let’s break down each of them in this article. The players will be listed by induction date.
Green Bay Packers in the Pro Football Hall of Fame
1963 Pro Football Hall of Fame Class – Earl “Curly” Lambeau
Founder, Coach, Quarterback, Tailback (1919-1949)
Curly Lambeau is synonymous with Green Bay Packers football. He co-founded the team in 1919 and was the head coach until 1949. Just as he is synonymous with Packers football, he is synonymous with winning – being tied with Bill Belichick and George Halas with six championships. Lambeau is also one of only seven coaches to win 200 regular season games. Lambeau was more than just a coach and a player though, he was an innovator. He popularized using the forward pass in the offense, as he became one of the best passers in the 1920’s. He was also named to the 1920’s All Decade Team. The Packers’ home staduim will be forever known as Lambeau Field.
1963 Pro Football Hall of Fame Class – Robert “Cal” Hubbard
Tackle (1929-1933, 1935)
“Cal” played tackle for the Green Bay Packers on the legendary teams in the late 1920’s and early 1930’s. He played an important part on both offense and defense, proved by his All-Pro selections in 1931-1933. He was also awarded with an induction to the NFL’s 50th anniversary team and the 75th Anniversary All-Two-Way Team. More than just football, Hubbard was inducted into the MLB’s Hall of Fame as an umpire – the only player to be in the NFL and MLB Hall of Fames.
1963 Pro Football Hall of Fame Class – Don Hutson
End (1935-1945)
There is a reason that people outside of Green Bay choose Hutson as one of the greatest receivers ever. During his illustrious career in Green Bay, he led the league in receptions eight times and scoring five times. He was named All-Pro in 1936 and 1938-1942. He was inducted to the NFL’s 75th Anniversary Team and the NFL’s 75th All-Two-Way Team. Though he was known for his receiving abilities, he also excelled as a defensive back, intercepting 30 passes and was a kicker. Hutson’s scoring ability came to fruition when he scored 29 points in one quarter. He popularized many of the routes that are still used today including the slant route. Hutson finished his career with 103 total touchdowns, which is still good for 21st all time.
1963 Pro Football Hall of Fame Class – Johnny “Blood” McNally
Halfback (1929-1933, 1935-1936)
McNally was the Christian McCaffrey of the early years of the NFL. He was known for his rushing ability, his receiving ability and overall, his versatility. Blood jelled well in Lambeau’s rushing attack. He proved that he was a capable receiver by setting the record in 1931 with 10 receiving touchdowns in a season. He career culminated in four championships, a selection to the 1930’s All-Decade Team and one of the coolest nicknames in NFL history – Blood.
1964 Pro Football Hall of Fame Class – Clark Hinkle
Fullback (1932-1941)
Hinkle was one of the toughest guys in the history of the NFL. Not only was he a fullback during the run-happy era, but he played linebacker as well. He is noted for having one of the best player rivalries in the history of the sport with fellow fullback and Chiacgo Bear, Bronko Nagurski. Hinkle retired as the NFL’s all time leader rusher and was selected to the 1930’s All-Decade Team. He was an All Pro four times and was selected to the NFL’s 75th Anniversary All-Two-Way Team. He also won two championships with the Packers.
1964 Pro Football Hall of Fame Class – Mike Michalske
Guard (1929-1935, 1937)
Michalske was a two-way player like most of his peers, but he was unlike them in that he played all 60 minutes of a game in almost every game. Given his prowess on the offensive side of the ball, he contributed a lot to what defensive players still do today. He popularized blitzing and stunting from the defensive line. He was named to the All-Decade Team for the 1920’s and won three NFL championships with the Packers.
1966 Pro Football Hall of Fame Class – Arnie Herber
Quarterback (1930-1940)
Herber seemed to be one of the first “gun-slingers” in NFL history. He had a rocket of an arm and would often connect with Don Hutson in the end zone. He was the first quarterback in NFL history to throw for more than 1,000 yards in a season. Herber, who was born and raised in Green Bay, and was chosen to the NFL’s All-Decade Team for the 1930’s. He also won four championships as a member of the Packers.
1966 Pro Football Hall of Fame Class – Walt Kiesling
Guard (1935-1936)
Kiesling appeared in 18 games with the Packers. He was included on the 1920’s All-Decade Team and won a championship with the Packers. The Green Bay Press Gazette wrote that Kiesling was one of the most experienced players in the game. Kiesling never dissipates and he trains year round to stay in shape.
1967 Pro Football Hall of Fame Class – Emlen Tunnell
Safety (1959-1961)
Emlen Tunnell was one of the first moves made under the direction of Vince Lombardi. He became the veteran presence on the great Lombardi defense. He won one championship with the Packers and was often relied on during goal line situations as he was known for his ferocious tackling. Tunnell was a one time Pro Bowler with Green Bay.
1971 Pro Football Hall of Fame Class – Vince Lombardi
Coach (1959-1967)
The argument can be made that Lombardi was the single greatest figure in Packers history. He coached the Packers to victory in the first two Super Bowls and added three more championships before that. He is number one all time in winning percentage by a coach with 100 or more wins. There is a reason why the trophy awarded to the winners of the Super Bowl is named after him. He strived for excellence in every facet of football. His dominant teams as well as his “Lombardi Sweep” play revolutionized the NFL. He is a reason why many of the players on this list are in the Hall of Fame.
1974 Pro Football Hall of Fame Class – Tony Canadeo
Halfback (1941-1944, 1946-1952)
Canadeo was an incredible halfback for the Green Bay Packers during the 1940’s. His 1949 season was only the third time in NFL history that a player recorded over 1,000 rushing yards. Coming from a school not known for the football ability, Gonzaga, Canadeo excelled at every part of the halfback position – rushing, receiving, blocking and even passing. Due to the ongoing World War in 1945, he was forced to miss one year, for service. The “Grey Ghost” is also a pretty cool nickname.
1976 Pro Football Hall of Fame Class – Jim Taylor
Fullback (1958-1966)
Taylor was the premier power-back during his time, both running and blocking for Lombardi’s Lombardi Sweep. In each season from 1960-1964, Taylor rushed for 1,000 or more yards. When he retired, he ranked second all time in career rushing yards, behind Jim Brown. The pinnacle of Taylor’s career came in 1962, when he rushed for 1,474 yards and won the MVP award. He also averaged an astounding 5.4 yards per carry that year. He was selected to the 1960’s All-Decade Team and five Pro Bowls in his career. The Green Bay legend won four championship in his career.
1976 Pro Football Hall of Fame Class – Len Ford
Defensive End (1958)
Len Ford played both defensive and offensive end. When the Packers acquired Ford, coach Ray McLean said that he was one of the toughest guys in the league to block due to his speed, size and agility. He was chosen as a part of the NFL 1950’s All-Decade Team.
1977 Pro Football Hall of Fame Class – Forrest Gregg
Tackle (1956, 1958-1970)
Forrest Gregg was “the guy” on the legendary Vince Lombardi teams. He was selected to nine Pro Bowls in his career and was an All-Pro seven times. He was selected to the NFL’s 75th Anniversary team and the 1960’s All-Decade Team. Gregg won five championships in Green Bay. He was the anchor to the legendary Lombardi Sweep and Vince Lombardi called Gregg, “the finest player that he ever coached.” He also held the Packers record for most consecutive starts with 187 before Brett Favre broke that in 2003.
1977 Pro Football Hall of Fame Class – Bart Starr
Quarterback (1956-1971)
A lot of people talk about how Tom Brady was drafted in the 6th round, but how about Bart Starr, who was drafted in the 17th! During his career in the green and gold he led the Packers to five championships, including the first two Super Bowls. He led the NFL in passing three times and finished his career with 24,718 passing yards. He was a four time Pro Bowl selection and the MVP of the 1966 NFL season. Starr was selected to the 1960’s All Decade Team. The debate over who the better quarterback in the 1960’s was, between Starr and Johnny Unitas will continue for decades.
1978 Pro Football Hall of Fame Class – Ray Nitschke
Linebacker (1958-1972)
Ray Nitschke was one mean football player. What Forrest Gregg did for anchoring the offense, Nitschke did for anchoring the defense. When you build an inside linebacker in a lab, it will probably resemble Nitschke. Big, strong and mean were just a few of the adjectives used to describe his play style. He was the only linebacker selected for the NFL’s 50th Anniversary Team and was one of four inside linebackers to be selected to the NFL’s 75th Anniversary team. Where ever the ball was, Nitschke seemed to follow, proved by his 25 career interceptions. In a constant battle with Chicago’s Dick Butkus, Nitschke was one of the greatest inside linebackers in NFL history.
1980 Pro Football Hall of Fame Class – Herb Adderley
Cornerback (1961-1969)
Herb Adderley was one of the premier defensive back in his day. Honestly, if he were to play in this era, I wouldn’t see much regression. Adderley had everything that you want in a cornerback, speed, size, toughness, awareness, play recognition and big-play ability. He ended his career with 48 interceptions, with 38 of them coming as a part of the Packers. He took seven of those back to the house. Adderley was selected as a member of the NFL’s 1960’s All-Decade Team and was selected to five Pro Bowls, as well as five All-Pro teams. He won five championships in Green Bay. He was also a valued kick returner for the Packers.
1981 Pro Football Hall of Fame Class – Willie Davis
Defensive End (1960-69)
Willie Davis played in a time before sacks were counted. If his sacks were continued, it is estimated that he would have upwards of 100-120 of them. With Nitschke, Davis was a vocal leader of the defense and often provided big moments in big games. He was another player that won five championships with the Green Bay Packers. He was named to the NFL’s All Decade Team in the 1960’s, was a five time All-Pro selection and was chosen for five Pro Bowls. Davis also holds the Packers’ record for most career fumble recoveries with 21.
1981 Pro Football Hall of Fame Class – Jim Ringo
Center (1953-1963)
Jim Ringo used his quick first step to make up for his lack of size. Standing just 6 feet and 2 inches and weighing only 230 pounds, Ringo utilized his skillset to his advantage. Believe it or not, Ringo was the captain of the offense for the Lombardi-era teams. He was selected to NFL’s All-Decade Team for the 1960’s. In addition, he was a six time All-Pro selection.
1986 Pro Football Hall of Fame Class – Paul Hornung
Halfback (1957-1962, 1964-1966)
With all of the Hall of Fame inductees from the Lombardi-era Packers, Paul Hornung may have the best. Hornung was a do-it all guy, proved by him leading the NFL in scoring in each year from 1959-1961. He even set a league record in points in 1960 with 176. Honrung was known for his role in the Lombardi Sweep, often acting as the ballcarrier. He was the MVP of the 1961 NFL season and was selected to the 1960’s All-Decade Team. He also took home two All-Pro selections in his career. Hornung was also known around town as he frequented bars in Green Bay, talking and drinking with the hometown fans. There was really no one like “The Golden Boy” in the history of the NFL.
1989 Pro Football Hall of Fame Class – Willie Wood
Safety (1960-1971)
Willie Wood joined the Green Bay Packers after signing as a rookie free agent. He then went on to start at safety on five championship teams. He was named an All-Pro five times and was selected to eight Pro Bowls. Wood was also one of two safeties that were selected to the Super Bowl Silver Anniversary Team in 1990. He finished his career with 48 interceptions and led the league in 1962 with nine. His most famous interception came in Super Bowl I though, when he picked off a pass in the third quarter and returned it to the five yard line – causing a Packers’ shift in momentum.
1990 Pro Football Hall of Fame Class – Ted Hendricks
Linebacker (1974)
During his one year with the Packers, Hendricks recorded five interceptions, seven blocked kicks, a safety and two sacks. Due to this, he was awarded with an All-Pro selection, as well as a Pro Bowl selection. He was also selected to both the NFL’s 75th and 100th Year Anniversary Teams. He was included in the NFL’s 1970’s All-Decade Team.
1991 Pro Football Hall of Fame Class – Jan Stenerud
Kicker (1980-1983)
Stenerud was the first kicker inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame. Although his best years came when he was playing for the Kansas City Chiefs, he was inducted into the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame. Stenerud was chosen as part of the NFL’s 75th Anniversary Team as well as its 100th Anniversary Team.
1995 Pro Football Hall of Fame Class – Henry Jordan
Defensive Tackle (1959-1969)
Another Lombardi-era Packer graces this list. He was an incredible pass rusher that helped to open the linebackers and defensive backs for easy interceptions. He was a five time All-Pro and selected to four Pro Bowls. Jordan is often overshadowed by his teammates, but he was an important part of those Packer teams. He was able to control the trenches and set the tone for what other teams had to face on game day.
2003 Pro Football Hall of Fame Class – James Lofton
Wide Receiver (1978-1986)
James Lofton was one of the bright spots during the “dark ages” for the Green Bay Packers. He used his size and speed to excel as a deep-threat for Green Bay. During his time with the Packers, he was selected to seven Pro Bowls and two All-Pro teams. At the time of his retirement, his 14,004 yards were the most in NFL history. He was also named to the 1980’s All-Decade Team. Lofton was the first Packer who did not play for Lombardi or Lambeau to be elected to the Hall of Fame.
2006 Pro Football Hall of Fame Class all of Fame – Reggie White
Defensive End (1993-1998)
The “Minister of Defense” is often regarded as one of the best defensive players in NFL history. When Reggie White retired, his 198 sacks was the all time NFL record. In 1998, White was named the NFL’s Defensive Player of the Year. With the Packers he was selected to the All-Pro team twice. His three sacks against New England in the Super Bowl is an NFL record. White was selected to the NFL’s 75th Anniversary Team and he was chosen as a member of the All-Decade Team in the 1980’s and 1990’s. White won one Super Bowl in Green Bay. The biggest free agent signing in Packers history left his mark like no one else on the franchise.
2013 Pro Football Hall of Fame Class – Dave Robinson
Linebacker (1963-1972)
At 245 pounds, Robinson was as fast as they came, running a 4.6 40 yard dash. Robinson often saved his greatest moments for the biggest games. This was proved by his interception return in 1965 against the Colts, his pressure on Cowboys’ quarterback, Don Meredith in the 1966 NFL championship game and a blocked field goal in a 1967 playoff victory against the Rams. He was selected to the NFL’s All-Decade Team in the 1960’s. Robinson was named an All-Pro twice and was selected to three Pro Bowls.
2015 Pro Football Hall of Fame Class – Ron Wolf
Executive Vice President and General Manager (1992-2000)
Ron Wolf spearheaded a rebuild for the Green Bay Packers from the depth of the “dark ages.” During his tenure with Green Bay, the Packers were second in the NFL in winning percentage with 64%. The three biggest signings during his Packers’ career were Reggie White, Brett Favre and Mike Holmgren. Wolf was the catalyst to turning the Packers into somewhat of a picture as they were in the 1960’s. With Green Bay, the team saw six straight playoff appearances, a feat that many people would wonder if they would see again.
2016 Pro Football Hall of Fame Class – Brett Favre
Quarterback (1992-2007)
Brett Favre had a lot of qualities about him that made him so loved in Green Bay. Whether it was his fun attitude, his refusal to sit out of games, or his unpredictableness when throwing the football. He was the quarterback that coined the “gun-slinger” phrase. He started 253 straight games in the green and gold uniform. When Favre retired from the NFL he held almost every passing record, including touchdowns, yards, attempts and completions. Favre was a three time MVP, Offensive Player of the Year in 1995, six time All-Pro selection and nine time Pro Bowler with the Packers. He was also selected to the 1990’s All-Decade Team and NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time team. His down to earth personality and humor won over the hearts of not only Packers’ fans but NFL fans in general.
2018 Pro Football Hall of Fame Class – Jerry Kramer
Guard (1958-1968)
Jerry Kramer was made famous by his uncanny ability to succeed in the pulling guard role for the Lombardi Sweep. Kramer was the only guard selected to the NFL’s 50th Anniversary Team and one of two guards on the Super Bowl Silver Anniversary Team in 1990. He won five championships and was selected to five All-Pro teams. The most famous play of his career came in the Ice Bowl as he made the block for Bart Starr famous sneak. Due to him profiting off of a book he wrote, Kramer had to wait until 2018 to make it to Canton.
2020 Pro Football Hall of Fame Class – Bobby Dillon
Safety (1952-1959)
Bobby Dillon, much like James Lofton played in an era were the Packers were not that good. He stood a cut above the rest of the players in the 1950’s though. He still holds the record for most interceptions in Green Bay history with 52. Dillon was a four time Pro Bowler and a four time All-Pro. Even as a safety, Dillon often took the assignment of covering the best receiver on the opposing team. What is crazy, is that he achieved all of this with only one eye, as he lost one of his eyes when he was 10 years old.
2021 Pro Football Hall of Fame Class – Charles Woodson
Cornerback/Safety (2006-2012)
Charles Woodson is the second-best free agent signing in Green Bay Packers history. While he was an incredible player with the Raiders, Woodson cemented his legacy in NFL history during his time in Green Bay. He always seemed to be around the ball, winning Defensive Player of the Year in 2009. Woodson intercepted 38 passes, scored 10 touchdowns was named to four Pro Bowls during his time with the Packers. He was also named to four All-Pro teams and was selected to the NFL’s All Decade Team for the 2000’s.
Who’s the Next Packer in the Hall of Fame?
Aaron Rodgers is obviously a lock for the Hall of Fame. Another sneaky active Packer who could be in consideration for the Hall of Fame when it is all said and done is David Bakhtiari. Julius Peppers seems like he should be a Hall of Famer, with most of his best years coming in Carolina. LeRoy Butler is another player, whose name is often floated around. You gotta think that if John Lynch made the Hall of Fame, Butler will too. Mike Holmgren should also be considered at some point, just when it will be, I am not sure. If Sterling Sharpe did not suffer his career-ending injury he would be in Canton right now. Also shout-out to Donald Driver, he probably will never see the Hall of Fame but one can only hope.
