2008 Woodie Awards
Hannah, 'best offensive' lineman, is 73
Red Grange, also known as the Galloping Ghost, represented Chicago at No.77.
Chris Mangan
Issue date: 4/30/08 Section: Sports
70. Jim Marshall, Minnesota Vikings.
Marshall is mostly remembered for his embarrassing moment against the San Francisco 49ers where he recovered a fumble and proceeded to run the ball into his own end zone, which cost his team two points. What people seem to forget, though, are his 127 career sacks and his record of starting 282 straight games. Marshall, a graduate from Ohio State University, was a two-time national champion in college and a Rose Bowl winner. In a college game against Purdue, Marshall scored all of OSU's points from his defensive tackle position, returning an interception and a fumble for touchdowns; he also kicked both extra points.
Honorable Mention: Sam Huff, New York Giants
71. Alex Karras, Detroit Lions.
Karras was a first-round draft pick and tenth overall selection for the Lions and was selected to four Pro Bowls as a defensive tackle. Karras could have had a better career if he did not get suspended for a year due to betting on football. During his suspension, Karras became a professional wrestler before returning to the NFL. He is also known for his acting on the TV show "Webster" after his playing days ended.
Honorable Mention: Tony Boselli, Jacksonville Jaguars
72. Dan Dierdorf, St. Louis Cardinals.
Dierdorf spent 12 years in the NFL as a guard and tackle for the Cardinals. He was selected to the Pro Bowl six times and was named an All-Pro for four consecutive seasons, beginning in 1975. He was also named the NFC Offensive Lineman of the Year three times and was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1996. Dierdorf did not give up a sack for over two seasons, beginning in the 1975 NFC Divisional playoff game and ending in the first game of the 1978 season. Dierdorf became an announcer after his playing days had ended and is currently working for CBS.
Honorable Mention: Ed Jones, Dallas Cowboys
73. John Hannah, New England Patriots.
Hannah was proclaimed the "best offensive lineman of all time" by Sports Illustrated in 1981, and he lived up to the hype. In his 13 seasons as a pro, Hannah was selected to the Pro Bowl nine times and named an All-Pro 10 years in a row. Hannah was named to the All-Decade Team twice and was the number one guard on the NFL's 75th Anniversary All-Time Team. He was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1991.
Marshall is mostly remembered for his embarrassing moment against the San Francisco 49ers where he recovered a fumble and proceeded to run the ball into his own end zone, which cost his team two points. What people seem to forget, though, are his 127 career sacks and his record of starting 282 straight games. Marshall, a graduate from Ohio State University, was a two-time national champion in college and a Rose Bowl winner. In a college game against Purdue, Marshall scored all of OSU's points from his defensive tackle position, returning an interception and a fumble for touchdowns; he also kicked both extra points.
Honorable Mention: Sam Huff, New York Giants
71. Alex Karras, Detroit Lions.
Karras was a first-round draft pick and tenth overall selection for the Lions and was selected to four Pro Bowls as a defensive tackle. Karras could have had a better career if he did not get suspended for a year due to betting on football. During his suspension, Karras became a professional wrestler before returning to the NFL. He is also known for his acting on the TV show "Webster" after his playing days ended.
Honorable Mention: Tony Boselli, Jacksonville Jaguars
72. Dan Dierdorf, St. Louis Cardinals.
Dierdorf spent 12 years in the NFL as a guard and tackle for the Cardinals. He was selected to the Pro Bowl six times and was named an All-Pro for four consecutive seasons, beginning in 1975. He was also named the NFC Offensive Lineman of the Year three times and was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1996. Dierdorf did not give up a sack for over two seasons, beginning in the 1975 NFC Divisional playoff game and ending in the first game of the 1978 season. Dierdorf became an announcer after his playing days had ended and is currently working for CBS.
Honorable Mention: Ed Jones, Dallas Cowboys
73. John Hannah, New England Patriots.
Hannah was proclaimed the "best offensive lineman of all time" by Sports Illustrated in 1981, and he lived up to the hype. In his 13 seasons as a pro, Hannah was selected to the Pro Bowl nine times and named an All-Pro 10 years in a row. Hannah was named to the All-Decade Team twice and was the number one guard on the NFL's 75th Anniversary All-Time Team. He was enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1991.
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