51 Pro Football Hall of Famers from small schools

There have been a number of players from small schools that have gone on to careers as Pro Football Hall of Famers.

Willie Davis

Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images

Willie Davis’ pro football career got off to a discouraging start. The Cleveland Browns drafted him out of Grambling in 1956, but Army service intervened and he didn’t join the team until 1958. Just when he appeared ready for a regular offensive tackle job in 1960, he was traded to Green Bay.  He proved durable as he was dedicated, never missing one of a possible 162 games in his 12-year tenure. The defensive force recovered 21 opponents’ fumbles during his career, one shy of the record when he retired. Davis was an All-NFL selection five times in six years from 1962-67 and selected to play in five consecutive Pro Bowls. Undeniably Willie Davis was a major factor in Green Bay’s winning tradition of the 1960s that included five NFL championships and six divisional titles in eight seasons. Included in the historic championship run were victories in the first two Super Bowls.

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