New York Giants’ Pro Football Hall of Fame defensive back Emlen Tunnell has been named a finalist for the NFL 100 All-Time Team.
Tunnell, the first African-American player to don Giants blue, played for the team from 1948-1958 before joining Vince Lombardi’s in 1959 for three seasons. Tunnell was a nine-time Pro Bowl selection and a six-time All-Pro. He was named to the NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 1950s and is a member of the Giants’ Ring of Honor.
From the Giants:
Tunnell is one of 14 finalists vying for six spots at the safety position. The others are Jack Christiansen, Brian Dawkins, Kenny Easley, Ken Houston, Paul Krause, Yale Lary, Ronnie Lott, Troy Polamalu, Ed Reed, Johnny Robinson, Donnie Shell, Larry Wilson and Willie Wood. The members of the team will be announced Friday night at 8 p.m. ET on NFL Network, followed by a live reaction show.
Tunnell played 11 seasons for the Giants and holds franchise records with 74 interceptions and 257 punt returns. In 1952, Tunnell gained more yards on interceptions and kickoff returns (924) than the NFL rushing leader did running the ball. After finishing his career with the Packers, Tunnell had a record 79 interceptions.
Tunnell, if elected, would join linebacker Lawrence Taylor on the NFL 100 All-Time Team. Taylor was selected last week as one of the outside linebackers.
[lawrence-related id=634245,634252,634238]