CANTON, Ohio — Former Washington Redskins great Chris Hanburger called his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday “one of the greatest moments” in his life.” The linebacker was one of seven enshrined.
Hanburger never let his job with the Redskins overwhelm him. He was the signal-caller for George Allen’s intricate defenses in Washington, which included dozens of formations.
He also was a physical player. Nicknamed “The Hangman,” Hanburger stood out for one violent move he practically patented in 14 seasons with the Redskins: the clothesline tackle, which eventually was outlawed.
A senior committee nominee, Hanburger made nine Pro Bowls in his 14 seasons, although he never won a championship. His knack for finding the ball helped him to 19 interceptions and three fumble returns for TDs, a league mark when he retired after the 1978 season.
Hanburger stared into the face of his bust before saying induction is “something that I never gave a thought to.”
Also enshrined:
• Deion Sanders, a dynamic playmaker who won consecutive Super Bowls as a cornerback and kick returner with different teams, was the 1994 defensive player of the year with San Francisco, then switched to the Cowboys and helped Dallas win the 1995 title. He made the 1990s all-decade team as a cornerback and a punt returner
“This game,” Sanders repeated dozens of times, “this game taught me how to be a man.”
• Shannon Sharpe, whose 815 career receptions, 10,060 yards and 62 TDs were all NFL records for a tight end. “When people told me I’d never make it, I listened to the one person who said I could: me,” said Sharpe, a three-time Super Bowl winner; two with Denver and one with Baltimore.
• Marshall Faulk, voted the NFL’s top offensive player in 1999, 2000 and 2001. The former St. Louis Rams running back was the NFL’s MVP in 2000 and the league’s scoring leader in 2000 and ’01. He made seven Pro Bowls.
• Richard Dent, dynamic pass rusher on one of the NFL’s greatest defenses, the 1985 NFL champion Chicago Bears. The defensive end was the MVP of that Super Bowl and finished with 137 1/2 career sacks, third all-time when he retired.
• Les Richter, who died last year, also was a senior nominee. He played nine seasons for the Los Angeles Rams, who acquired him in 1954 for 11 players after he was the second overall draft pick. He made eight straight Pro Bowls.
• Steve Sabol, for his lifetime work with NFL Films.
Giants’ top pick out with broken foot
EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. — New York Giants first-round draft pick Prince Amukamara is out indefinitely with a fractured bone in his left foot.
The Giants said that the cornerback from Nebraska, who had signed Friday, fractured the fifth metatarsal in his left foot during Saturday’s practice.
Jaguars’ Garrard sits with back pain
JACKSONVILLE, FLA. — Jaguars quarterback David Garrard has dealt with lower back pain before. It caused him to miss some practice time last season and even posed problems during workouts this summer. His latest bout has him sidelined indefinitely.
Garrard’s sore back allowed more repetitions for first-round pick Blaine Gabbert. The former Missouri standout, completed 12 of 27 passes for 76 yards and a touchdown.
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