Jeff Nixon Sports Report

Anthony Muñoz is considered by many to be the best Offensive Lineman to ever play in the NFL. He was selected 11 consecutive years to the Pro Bowl. He was the Offensive Lineman of the Year in 1981, 1987, and 1988 was awarded the NFL Players Association Lineman of the Year honor in 1981, 1985, 1988, and 1989. The NFL Alumni Association voted Anthony the Offensive Lineman of the Year four times (1987, 1989, 1990 and 1991). At the time of his retirement, his Pro Bowl selections were the most ever by an offensive lineman in league history. In 1994, Anthony was named to the National Football League’s 75th Anniversary All-Time Team. In 1999, he was ranked #17 on Sporting News' list of the 100 greatest football players and was the highest-ranked offensive lineman. Anthony Munoz was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 1998.

Cornelius Bennett played for the University of Alabama from 1983-1986. He was a first selection on the College Football All-America Team 3 times (1984–1986). As a senior, he won the Lombardi Award, SEC Player of the Year honors, and finished 7th in balloting for the Heisman Trophy. He played for the Buffalo Bills from 1987 to 1995, Atlanta Falcons from 1996 to 1998, and the Indianapolis Colts from 1999 to 2000. Bennett was a five time Pro Bowler, being elected in 1988, and 1990–1993, and won the AFC Defensive Player of the Year award twice (1988 and 1991). In the NFL, Bennett's talent at the left outside linebacker position helped the teams he played for to 5 Super Bowl appearances (4 with Buffalo and 1 with Atlanta), but they lost them all. In his 14 NFL seasons, he recorded 71½ sacks, 7 interceptions, 27 fumble recoveries and 3 touchdowns.

Charlie Waters played 12 years for the Dallas Cowboys from 1970-1981, never experiencing a losing season and only missing the playoffs one time during that span. He played in five Super Bowls: V, VI, X, XII, and XIII, with victories in VI and XII. He holds the NFL records for most playoff interceptions with 9 and the most single-game playoff interceptions with 3. He was selected All-Pro twice (1977 and 1978) and to the Pro Bowl three consecutive seasons (1976-1978). He retired with 50 interceptions, the second-most in franchise history. He was nominated for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2001, but was not elected. To this day, he is one of the most revered and respected players in Dallas Cowboys history.

Larry Ball was drafted out of University of Louisville in the 1972 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins. He played Linebacker for the Dolphins 1972, 1973 and 74. He also played for the Detroit Lions in 1975 and Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 1976 before returning to Miami for two years and finishing his NFL Career in 1978. During his NFL career, he participated in 79 games. Larry Ball is one of only two players in NFL history to play for both an undefeated team, the 1972 Miami Dolphins, and a winless team, the 1976 Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Larry played for 7 years in the NFL and retired in 1979. He currently works at Dr. Michael M. Krop High School in Miami, Florida. Larry is also a member of the Board of Directors for the NFL Alumni.

Todd Kalis was an offensive lineman for the Minnesota Vikings (1988-1993), the Pittsburgh Steelers (1994) and the Cincinnati Bengals (1995). Todd played next to several HOF players in Minnesota, including Randall McDaniel and Gary Zimmerman. After retiring from the NFL, Todd began working with the NFL Alumni, a 501 (c) (3) non-profit organization after being voted President of the Pittsburgh Chapter in June 2000. In 2003 he was voted Chairman the Board of Chapter Presidents and Vice-Chairman of the Board of Directors in 2004. The Pittsburgh Chapter of the NFL Alumni currently hosts the #1 Charity Golf event in the country. The Pittsburgh Chapter has raised more than 1.8 million dollars for numerous Western Pennsylvania charitable organizations since June 2000. These events as well as many others conducted around the country every year by the NFL Alumni provide the support required to maintain the organizations motto of “Caring for Kids”.

Lee Nystrom played one (1) year in the NFL with the Green Bay Packers in 1974. He currently serves as the Chairman of the Board for the NFL Alumni Association. The NFL Alumni Association is the oldest and largest association of retired professional football players. The organization recently joined forces with Fourth and Goal, an independent retired-player advocacy group, to give retired players a single, national spokesman that can effectively advocate their interests before the National Football League and the NFL Players Association. In addition to raising money for charity through its “Caring for Kids” program, they will also work to preserve and protect the intellectual property rights of retired players and help meet their special medical, financial, and career-transition needs. For more information, visit www.nflalumni.org or call Amy Glanzman at (954) 630-2100.

Anthony Muñoz is considered by many to be the best Offensive Lineman to ever play in the NFL. He was selected 11 consecutive years to the Pro Bowl. He was the Offensive Lineman of the Year in 1981, 1987, and 1988 was awarded the NFL Players Association Lineman of the Year honor in 1981, 1985, 1988, and 1989. The NFL Alumni Association voted Anthony the Offensive Lineman of the Year four times (1987, 1989, 1990 and 1991). At the time of his retirement, his Pro Bowl selections were the most ever by an offensive lineman in league history. In 1994, Anthony was named to the National Football League’s 75th Anniversary All-Time Team. In 1999, he was ranked #17 on Sporting News' list of the 100 greatest football players and was the highest-ranked offensive lineman. Anthony Munoz was inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame in 1998.

Tom Nowatzke, the number one draft choice of the Detroit Lions in 1965, made it in the NFL after a stellar career at Indiana University. There he achieved All-American status as a senior, despite the fact that his Hoosiers finished the season with a 2-7 record. A farm boy from northern Indiana, Nowatzke could only dream about being a regular in the NFL. After playing four seasons for the Lions and suffering a neck injury in 1969, Tom hoped to resurrect his career. But he never thought about the possibility of playing for a Super Bowl winner. Near the end of Super Bowl V in Miami on January 17, 1971, on his second try from the two-yard line, Tom Nowatzke, the big fullback of the Baltimore Colts, plowed into the end zone and with the extra point, they tied the score against the Dallas Cowboys to 13-13. The Colt’s went on to win the game when Jim O’Brien kicked a 32 yard field goal. After the season, Tom received the Unsung Hero Award by his Colt teammates, and became a household name in Baltimore after their Super Bowl victory.

Lou Piccone began his career with the NY Jets from 1974-76 as a free agent. He led the league in kick off returns in his Rookie season with over 1000 yards. From 1977-83, Lou played in Buffalo. A full scale utility player, Lou was noted for his ability to play most any receiver position and fans heralded him on the field with the famous.... Lou, Lou, Lou chant. In ‘77, Piccone’s first season with Buffalo, he was fourth on the team in receptions behind Bobby Chandler, Jim Braxton and Reuben Gant. Ironically, his first touchdown as a Bill was against the Jets. But under Jim Ringo, the team finished with a 3-11 record. The Bills had a new head coach the following season - Chuck Knox. Piccone played six seasons with the Bills, totaling 81 receptions and six touchdowns. His work ethic and contribution on special teams made him a fan favorite.

Steve Christie played for the Buffalo Bills from 1992 to 2000. In his 15 NFL seasons, Steve converted 336 of 431 field goals (77%) and 468 of 473 extra points (98%), giving him a total of 1,476 points. Steve had nine game-winning field goals in overtime, an NFL record he shares with former NFL placekicker Jim Breech. In Super Bowl 28, Steve set a Super Bowl record by kicking a 54-yard field goal. It is currently the longest field goal ever made in Super Bowl History. He was a key contributor in the Bills comeback win against the Houston Oilers, which occurred after the Bills trailed 35-3 early in the third quarter in a playoff game after the 1992 season. Christie kicked a successful onside kick, which he recovered himself and also kicked the game winning 32-yard field goal in overtime. On March 5, 2008 Steve Christie retired and the Bills officially signed him to a one day contract, allowing him to retire as a Buffalo Bill. He currently resides in Ellicottville, New York.

Harry Carson's 13-year stint with the New York Football Giants is one of the longest tenures in club history. The indestructible former linebacker served as Team Captain for 10 of his 13 seasons including the 1986 season when the Giants defeated the Denver Broncos 39-20 in Super Bowl XXI. Rated the #1 Inside Linebacker in NFL history according to Pro Football Weekly, Carson was named to the All-Rookie Team after his first NFL season. Subsequently, during his NFL career, he was named to the All-NFL Team 7 times, the All-NFC Team 8 times, and NFC Linebacker of the Year twice. He once made an amazing 25 tackles in a Monday Night Football Game against the Green Bay Packers. With performances like that he was selected by his peers to play in the NFC-AFC Pro Bowl 9 times and is among the top 250 players to ever play in the National Football League. Harry is a member of the NFL Hall of Fame.

Jerry Kramer played 11 years in the NFL with the Green Bay Packers as an offensive lineman. As a 6'3, 250 lb. right guard, #64 was an integral part of the famous Packer Sweep, a signature play in which both guards pull out from their normal positions and lead-block for the running back going around the end. Jerry helped the Packers win five NFL titles and the first two Super Bowls. Jerry also served as the team's place kicker in 1962,'63 and part of 1968. He kicked 29 field goals, 90 extra points, for a total of 177 points. He also kicked 3 field goals and 1 extra point in the Packers 16-7 victory over the New York Giants in the 1962 NFL title game. Jerry was an All-Pro five times, and a member of the NFL's 50th anniversary team in 1969, but surprisingly, even after appearing on the list of finalists ten times since becoming eligible, has not been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. In NFL Network's Top 10 list of players not in the hall of fame, he was rated #1.

Daryl Johnston was drafted by the Cowboys in the second round of 1989 NFL Draft. Every time Daryl Johnston touched the ball, Moooooooose chants roared through the crowd, regardless of where the Cowboys were playing. In the NFL, he scored 22 career touchdowns but had more receptions in his career than carries. In 1993 Johnston had 50 receptions and averaged 7.4 yards per catch. Johnston earned a trip to the Pro Bowl in 1993 and 1994. Johnston was a member of three Super Bowl winning teams.Due mainly to Johnston, the NFL created the fullback position in the Pro Bowl. Prior to this change blocking fullbacks had little chance of beating out a regular running back who had many more carries. In 1993 Johnston became the first fullback ever selected for the Pro Bowl. Daryl Johnston was considered one of the best fullbacks of his day, while blocking for Emmitt Smith, as Smith went on to become the all-time NFL rushing leader.

John Hannah joined the New England Patriots in 1973 as the 4th overall pick in the 1973 NFL Draft. He played his entire professional career in New England. John was named All-Pro 10 times (1976-1985) and All-AFC 10 times (1974, 1976-1985). John was also selected to play in 9 Pro Bowls. He is also one of the few players to have been named to the NFL All-Decade Team twice, as John was selected to both the 1970s and 1980s All-Decade Teams (joining an elite group of players who have achieved this including Walter Payton). Hannah was also selected to the NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team, being the #1 guard in the team. In 1991 he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. In 1999, he was ranked number 20 on The Sporting News' list of the 100 Greatest Football Players, the highest-ranking Patriot, the highest-ranking guard, and the second-ranked offensive lineman behind Anthony Muñoz

Herb Adderley started for the Packers from 1961-69, then played three seasons (1970-72) with the Dallas Cowboys. While with the Packers, he won rings in Super Bowl I and Super Bowl II. Adderley was a major factor in the Packers' Super Bowl II win over the Oakland Raiders, intercepting a pass by Raiders quarterback Daryle Lamonica in the fourth quarter and returning it 60 yards for a touchdown to put the game away. This was the first Super Bowl touchdown on an intercepted pass. After joining the Cowboys, Adderley became a vital cog in Dallas' Doomsday Defense, assisting the Cowboys to a Super Bowl appearance in Super Bowl V and a championship win in Super Bowl VI. Walter Roberts wide receiver and kick return specialist for the Cleveland Browns, the New Orleans Saints, and the Washington Redskins. He played college football at San Jose State University. A fast runner, he was nicknamed The Flea”.

Jerry Kramer played 11 years in the NFL with the Green Bay Packers as an offensive lineman. As a 6'3, 250 lb. right guard, #64 was an integral part of the famous Packer Sweep, a signature play in which both guards pull out from their normal positions and lead-block for the running back going around the end. Jerry helped the Packers win five NFL titles and the first two Super Bowls. Jerry also served as the team's place kicker in 1962,'63 and part of 1968. He kicked 29 field goals, 90 extra points, for a total of 177 points. He also kicked 3 field goals and 1 extra point in the Packers 16-7 victory over the New York Giants in the 1962 NFL title game. Jerry was an All-Pro five times, and a member of the NFL's 50th anniversary team in 1969, but surprisingly, even after appearing on the list of finalists ten times since becoming eligible, has not been inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. In NFL Network's Top 10 list of players not in the hall of fame, he was rated #1.

Ron Mix attended USC, and upon graduation played left tackle and guard for the American Football League's Los Angeles/San Diego Chargers (1960-1969) and the Oakland Raiders (1971).Because he had a Juris Doctor degree, Mix was nicknamed The Intellectual Assassin for his physical play. Mix was called for a mere two holding penalties in ten years.Mix, who was listed at 6'5 and 270 pounds, was an early proponent of weightlifting to enhance athletic power. He was years ahead of the curve that soon at lineman and other football players taking up that practice to become better athletes. He was a factor in the Chargers' early domination of the AFL's Western Division, and in San Diego helped them win an American Football League Championship in 1963, when they defeated the Boston Patriots. He was elected to the AFL All-Star team for nine straight years as a Charger, is a member of the All-time All-AFL Team, and is one of only 20 men who played the entire 10 years of the AFL. He was voted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1979 and also a member of the International Jewish Sports Hall of Fame, being elected to that in 1980.

Jack Tompson went to college at Washington State University, where he set numerous school, Pac-10 and NCAA records from 1975-1978. He is known as The Throwin' Samoan, a nickname that was bestowed on him during his breakout sophomore season at Washington State University. He concluded his college career in 1978 as the most prolific passer in NCAA history, throwing for 7,818 yards. He set Pac-10 records for attempts, completions and TD passes. He was all-conference three times and either first-team, second-team or honorable mention All-American three times. He is one of only two players in WSU history to have his number retired. He finished ninth in the voting for the Heisman Trophy in 1978. His prowess led the Cincinnati Bengals to make him the third overall pick in the 1979 NFL Draft. He played for Cincinnati from 1979-82. In 1983 he went to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and became the team's starting quarterback. Jack retired from the NFL in 1984.