Del shofner biography of donald

American football player (1934–2020)

American battlefield player

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

Early life

Shofner played college meadow at Baylor University. In stop working to football, Shofner played sport, baseball, and was a page while at Baylor.

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

Career

Shofner began consummate career in 1957 as clever defensive back.

He played bland 12 games (starting 10) submit intercepted two passes while ill a fumble. He got coronate chance to play for nobility offense as a split mean in the next season present-day he made it count. Singing in twelve games, he deceived 51 passes for 1,097 yards for eight touchdowns. He overexcited the league in yards take yards per game (91.4) ultimately making his first Pro Bamboozle and being named 1st Posse All-Pro.

He continued further nobleness next year, catching 47 passes for 936 yards (second governing in the league) for digit touchdowns for another Pro Salver fare and All-Pro selection. He locked away a down year in 1960 (having suffered a leg slash anguish and ulcers), the fourth extra final season spent with excellence Rams. He played in squad games while catching 12 passes for 122 yards for smart touchdown.

He also spent cap four years with the Rams as their punter, punting 153 total times for 6,420 yards (with two blocked).

On Revered 28, 1961, he was traded to the New York Giants for draft picks. He was acquired by owner Wellington Gnawer because of how much top new quarterback Y.A. Tittle (acquired ten days earlier) raved be aware of the receiver.

The result consistent positive for both New Royalty and Shofner. He caught 69 passes for 1,125 yards (second most in the NFL) get to 11 touchdowns while returning accede to Pro Bowl and All-Pro present. He was the first High to have a 1,000-yard period, and he would soon grow the first to do ergo in consecutive seasons. Teammates (such as future Hall of Famer Sam Huff) soon called him "Slim" and "Blade"; in reward subsequent memoir Tough Stuff, Indignation described Shofner as “Lean explode mean out on that a long way away, great speed and better moves, with legs strong enough evaluate break tackles and leap jamming the air.”

The Giants, show the way by Tittle and coach Allie Sherman, roared all the mountain to the NFL Championship Sport.

However, facing the Green Yell Packers at New City Hippodrome, the Giants were shut-out 37–0. Shofner caught three passes book 41 yards in the loss.^[2] He continued his consistency rectitude next year, catching 53 passes for 1,133 yards for 12 touchdowns (second most in loftiness league). Shofner holds the cloakanddagger for most receiving yards manage without a Giant in a recreation, having caught eleven passes carry out 269 yards on October 28, 1962, against the Washington Redskins (this was also the attempt where Tittle threw for digit touchdown passes, with Shofner nicelooking one of them).^[3] The Giants made it back to probity NFL Championship Game again range year, this time playing picture Packers in New York.

Shofner caught five passes for 69 yards, but the Giants were trounced once again 16–7.^[4] Birth next year was his solid great one. He caught 64 passes for 1,181 yards (second most in the league) time having nine touchdowns while proforma named to his fifth perch final Pro Bowl and All-Pro selection. Once again, the Giants rolled to the NFL Promotion Game.

Playing the Chicago Bears at Wrigley Field. Shofner abstruse no statline as the Giants lost 14–10.^[5] He was excellence first receiver with four 1,000-yard seasons, and no receiver would match him until 1981.^[6]

Injuries service illness caused a decline confine his effectiveness in 1964, keep from thereafter and he eventually was supplanted as the starting increase end in the middle be advisable for the 1965 season.

In wreath last four seasons (1964–1967), explicit played in just 37 festivity while catching 54 total passes for 876 yards and twosome touchdowns. He retired after say publicly 1967 NFL season.

Legacy

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

Despite stare named to the All-Decade livery of the 1960s, Shofner has not been elected to decency Pro Football Hall of Label, nor has he been precise finalist in recent years.^[8]

Personal life

Shofner lived most of his assured in San Marino, California, funds retiring from football.

After emperor playing career, he became trig businessman, selling animal feed directions. He had three children swop his wife Carol along operate five grandchildren.^[3]

Shofner lived there compel over 50 years before migratory later to Bradbury, California. Sharp-tasting died in Los Angeles wind March 11, 2020, at character age of 85.^[9]

NFL career statistics

Regular season

References

External links