Canton, Ohio – – When the question of who the greatest defensive players were to have ever played in the NFL came up , the names of Dick Butkus, Deacon Jones and Mike Singletary come to mind as well as the Oakland Raiders, and the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Their presence on the field was nothing short of remarkable for the passion and fearlessness they displayed. Before the play calling was stripped from quarterbacks, a legend like John Unitas made signal calling look so easy.
Indeed, it’s known that quarterbacks are the field generals, but now other positions (mainly middle linebackers) are being glorified for their signal calling; most notably Baltimore Ravens’ linebacker Ray Lewis.
However, long before Baltimore’s number 52 and other defensive players were being the defensive field generals, Hall of Fame linebacker Chris Hanburger had already mastered the role. He was literally a coach on the field as he called the plays for his defense.
In the past four years, four Redskins have been ushered into the Hall of Fame: Hanburger, Russ Grimm, Art Monk, and Darrell Green. Redskins Nation was well-represented this year. There were several Hanburger and Redskins T-shirts in Canton, including one worn by owner Dan Snyder.
From 1965 to 1978, Hanburger laid the foundation on how defense should be played in Washington and for the NFL, despite not being in the limelight like the proud few. With his uncanny speed and devastating clothes line, Hanburger was a student of the game as he consistently studied film after film. At times, he might even get a late-night phone call about opponents from his coach, the late, great George Allen.
Hanburger went about his business as the leader for the Redskins’ defense, famously known as “The Over the Hill Gang.” Not playing for the cameras, Hanburger was grateful for his teammates, his family and the game of football. In Canton, Hanburger expressed this gratitude, not only for the people, but for service workers as well.
“But I want to thank all you folks for being here,” said Hanburger during his Hall of Fame speech. “I think it’s fantastic. It’s overwhelming for me. I had a blast in the parade today. The folks of Canton, you all are tremendous. I think the support is just great. I thank all the volunteers.
“I don’t think folks here that are Hall of Famers are sitting here, I don’t consider myself a true Hall of Famer,” he continued. “I say that because to me, I’m an Army brat. I spent two years in the Army right out of high school before I went to college – to me the real Hall of Fame people are all the men and women of our armed forces, all the men and women in law enforcement, and all the firefighters, men and women.
“These people, to me, go over and beyond making a tackle or a blitz or doing anything… completing a pass. They’re wonderful people.”
Hanburger was the Defensive Player of the Year in 1972, when he led the Washington Redskins to their first Super Bowl appearance. At the time, they were the last team standing to spoil the Miami Dolphins’ chances of completing a perfect season.
During the 2011 Hall of Fame ceremony before Hanburger was introduced, Hall of Fame quarterback Bob Griese stated that the Dolphins had to know where Hanburger was at all times in order to win.
Nonetheless, history was written.
Moreover, for Griese and countless other Redskins’ fans, Hanburger – the 9-time Pro Bowler, 4-time All-Pro and one of the 70 greatest Redskins – will forever be found. Not hunted, but recognized – in the Hall of Fame.