Famous for its stout defense, power running game, and hard-nosed football, the University of Wisconsin has been a breeding ground for NFL talent for decades. But among the Badger alumni who’ve made it to the pros, a select few have reached the pinnacle of success, etching their names in the prestigious NFL Hall of Fame.
Breaking Grounds : Badgers’ Tradition in NFL
The University of Wisconsin’s football program has a tradition that runs deep. Renowned for grooming promising student-athletes who later make significant contributions in professional leagues, the Badgers have a profound impact on the NFL’s landscape. Every Sunday, you can find a litany of Wisconsin alumni on NFL rosters, some becoming Super Bowl Champions, MVPs, and Pro-Bowlers.
“Every player going through the Wisconsin program dreams of going pro,” says Joe Thomas, one of three Wisconsin Badgers enshrined into the NFL Hall of Fame. “But making it to the Hall of Fame? That’s not just a dream. That’s immortality.”
Sailing Towards Immortality: 4 Hall of Fame Badgers
Four Wisconsin Badgers alumni have been inducted into the NFL Hall of Fame, attesting to both their expertise on the turf and their work ethics.
Mike Webster
Mike Webster was a legendary football player who attended the University of Wisconsin. As a Badger, he excelled on the field, displaying exceptional skills and leadership. Webster’s remarkable career continued in the NFL, where he became a Pittsburgh Steelers icon, setting high standards for the center position. His legacy endures as a football legend.
Joe Thomas
Joe Thomas, a former offensive lineman for the Cleveland Browns, was recently inducted into the Hall of Fame, capping off a stellar career. Arguably one of the best offensive linemen to ever play in the NFL, Thomas never missed a snap in his 11-year career, earning him ten consecutive Pro-Bowl nominations and cementing his place in football history.
Elroy Hirsch
The first of the Badgers to make it to the NFL Hall of Fame is ‘Crazylegs’ Hirsch. He was an innovative player who played halfback, receiver, and quarterback during his time with the Rams and the Chicago Rockets. Hirsch was most well-known for his elusive running style, astounding the football world in an era when most running backs were known for power, not nimbleness.
Arnie Herber
The vintage player among the Badger’s Hall of Famers is Arnie Herber. An instrumental player for the Green Bay Packers in the nascent years of the NFL, Herber helped lead the Packers to four NFL championships. As the league’s top passer, he revolutionized the game’s passing aspect and was known for his long, accurate throws.
“The legacy we leave is not just on the Wisconsin field, but also in the NFL,” says Joe Thomas. “Players like Hirsch and Herber paved the way for the rest of us. They showed us what’s possible.”
The Hope for a Brighter Future
With a robust line of talent, powerful training facilities, and a reputation for forming NFL-ready players, it’s no surprise that the University of Wisconsin can boast of three Hall of Famers. Yet, given the sheer talent that has emanated from the Badgers’ program in recent years, it wouldn’t be a far-fetched idea to anticipate an increase in that number in the not-too-distant future. For now, we celebrate our exceptional Badgers’ legacy in the NFL as they continue to inspire and pave the path for future generations.
