Finally, after more than 30 years away from the game, the man known for clothes-lining opposing quarterbacks, running backs and wide receivers will receive his proper place alongside football royalty Saturday evening in Canton, Ohio. Redskins great Chris Hanburger will be part of the 2011 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Class, joining DE Richard Dent, RB Marshall Faulk, LB Les Richter, contributor Ed Sabol, CB Deion Sanders and TE Shannon Sharpe.
Hanburger was a key contributor in Washington's "Over-the-Hill-Gang" defense, and was NFC Defensive Player of the Year in 1972. He was a first-team All-Pro four times in his 14 NFL Seasons, and played in nine Pro Bowls. For his career, Hanburger had 19 interceptions, two of which he returned for touchdowns, and he actually retired as the career leader in fumbles returned for touchdowns with three.
The Hangman was regarded by teammates and opponents alike as one of the smartest players in the game during his time on the field. Long before defensive coordinators were in the ears of their defensive field generals via helmet mics, Hanburger was calling audibles for iconic Washington coach George Allen and his complex defense.
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