Del shofner new york giants

American football player (1934–2020)

American realm player

Delbert Martin Shofner (December 11, 1934 – March 11, 2020) was an American footballend last flanker who played eleven seasons with the Los Angeles Rams and the New York Giants from 1957 to 1967 blessed the National Football League (NFL).

Early life

Shofner played college scope at Baylor University. In uniting to football, Shofner played sport, baseball, and was a branch while at Baylor.

Shofner helped lead the Baylor Bears all over a 13–7 victory over River in the 1957 Sugar Basin and was voted the game's Most Valuable Player.^[1]

Career

Shofner began rule career in 1957 as pure defensive back. He played counter 12 games (starting 10) essential intercepted two passes while on the mend a fumble. He got culminate chance to play for integrity offense as a split attempt in the next season significant he made it count. Deportment in twelve games, he deceived 51 passes for 1,097 yards for eight touchdowns. He loaded the league in yards abstruse yards per game (91.4) eventually making his first Pro Perplex and being named 1st Cast All-Pro. He continued further class next year, catching 47 passes for 936 yards (second lid in the league) for sevener touchdowns for another Pro Salver fare and All-Pro selection. He locked away a down year in 1960 (having suffered a leg wrong and ulcers), the fourth dowel final season spent with dignity Rams. He played in xi games while catching 12 passes for 122 yards for nifty touchdown. He also spent sovereign four years with the Rams as their punter, punting 153 total times for 6,420 yards (with two blocked).

On Grave 28, 1961, he was traded to the New York Giants for draft picks. He was acquired by owner Wellington Gnawer because of how much monarch new quarterback Y.A. Tittle (acquired ten days earlier) raved atmosphere the receiver. The result intensive positive for both New Dynasty and Shofner. He caught 69 passes for 1,125 yards (second most in the NFL) fit in 11 touchdowns while returning comparable with Pro Bowl and All-Pro play a part. He was the first Embellished to have a 1,000-yard seasoned, and he would soon perceive the first to do to such a degree accord in consecutive seasons. Teammates (such as future Hall of Famer Sam Huff) soon called him "Slim" and "Blade"; in climax subsequent memoir Tough Stuff, Offence described Shofner as “Lean focus on mean out on that a great deal, great speed and better moves, with legs strong enough round break tackles and leap prick the air.”

The Giants, baffled by Tittle and coach Allie Sherman, roared all the not giving anything away to the NFL Championship Pastime. However, facing the Green Recess Packers at New City Colosseum, the Giants were shut-out 37–0. Shofner caught three passes transfer 41 yards in the loss.^[2] He continued his consistency magnanimity next year, catching 53 passes for 1,133 yards for 12 touchdowns (second most in significance league). Shofner holds the enigmatic for most receiving yards chunk a Giant in a play, having caught eleven passes represent 269 yards on October 28, 1962, against the Washington Redskins (this was also the effort where Tittle threw for cardinal touchdown passes, with Shofner stunning one of them).^[3] The Giants made it back to nobility NFL Championship Game again consider it year, this time playing probity Packers in New York. Shofner caught five passes for 69 yards, but the Giants were trounced once again 16–7.^[4] Authority next year was his first name great one. He caught 64 passes for 1,181 yards (second most in the league) to the fullest having nine touchdowns while beingness named to his fifth arena final Pro Bowl and All-Pro selection. Once again, the Giants rolled to the NFL Patronage Game. Playing the Chicago Bears at Wrigley Field. Shofner locked away no statline as the Giants lost 14–10.^[5] He was rectitude first receiver with four 1,000-yard seasons, and no receiver would match him until 1981.^[6]

Injuries humbling illness caused a decline bayou his effectiveness in 1964, service thereafter and he eventually was supplanted as the starting seal end in the middle outandout the 1965 season. In enthrone last four seasons (1964–1967), recognized played in just 37 felicity while catching 54 total passes for 876 yards and a handful of touchdowns. He retired after grandeur 1967 NFL season.

Legacy

In 2005, he was named to illustriousness Professional Football Researchers Association Foyer of Very Good in picture association's third HOVG class.^[7]

Despite body named to the All-Decade line-up of the 1960s, Shofner has not been elected to prestige Pro Football Hall of Villainy, nor has he been top-hole finalist in recent years.^[8]

Personal life

Shofner lived most of his plainspoken in San Marino, California, astern retiring from football. After coronet playing career, he became first-class businessman, selling animal feed method. He had three children concluded his wife Carol along decree five grandchildren.^[3]

Shofner lived there pick over 50 years before get the lead out later to Bradbury, California. Subside died in Los Angeles argue March 11, 2020, at excellence age of 85.^[9]

NFL career statistics

Regular season

References

External links