Fact brief: Is Adam Vinatieri the only SD-born player in the NFL Hall of Fame?

(South Dakota News Watch) – No.

Kicker Adam Vinatieri became the second South Dakota-born player to be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame when his induction was announced Feb. 6.

Norm Van Brocklin, who was born in 1926 in Dewey County, was the first. He moved to California with his family when he was 5. Van Brocklin went on to play nine seasons for the Los Angeles Rams and three for the Philadelphia Eagles, where he won an NFL championship in 1960.

Van Brocklin led the league in passing yards three times. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1966 (University of Oregon) and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1971.

Vinatieri, who was born in Yankton and attended Rapid City Central and South Dakota State, is the NFL’s leader in points scored. He kicked the game-winning field goals in Super Bowl XXXVI and XXXVIII and won four titles in his 24-year career.

This fact brief responds to conversations such as this one.

Source

Colts.com, Adam Vinatieri named to Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2026

Pro Football Hall of Fame, Adam Vinatieri

Pro Football Hall of Fame, Norm Van Brocklin

South Dakota Hall of Fame, Norm Van Brocklin

South Dakota State University, Vinatieri receives Hall of Fame call from Canton

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