American · Ogdensburg, USA · Born 4 April 1951New England Patriots offensive guard often ranked as the greatest offensive lineman in NFL history.
John Allen "Hog" Hannah was born on 4 April 1951 in Canton, Georgia, and grew up in Albertville, Alabama, one of three brothers who all became standout offensive linemen at the University of Alabama under coach Paul "Bear" Bryant, who called Hannah "the finest offensive lineman I've ever been around." The New England Patriots selected Hannah fourth overall in the 1973 NFL Draft, and he developed into widely regarded the greatest guard in NFL history, playing his entire 13-season career in New England despite the team's often modest overall success. Hannah earned ten Pro Bowl selections and seven first-team All-Pro honours, winning the NFL Players Association's Offensive Lineman of the Year award four consecutive years, and helped the Patriots set a then-NFL rushing record of 3,165 yards in 1978. Hannah was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1991, and named to both the NFL's 1970s and 1980s All-Decade Teams, a distinction shared by very few players, before moving into high school coaching in Massachusetts and Tennessee following his playing career.
Patriots guard, considered among greatest offensive linemen ever
How They Played
Explosive off the snap with exceptional footwork, leverage, and finishing ability in both pass protection and run blocking
Lasting Impact
Set the standard for offensive line play and revolutionized the guard position with his athleticism and technique
Career Honours
- Pro Football Hall of Fame 1991
- 9x Pro Bowl
- 7x First-team All-Pro
| Team | Period | Games | Jersey |
|---|---|---|---|
| New England Patriots | 1973–1985 | 183 | #73 |
American Athletes