NFL Teams with Most Hall of Famers

NFL Teams with Most Hall of Famers
Peyton and Archie Manning - Peyton Manning HOF


The Pro Football Hall of Fame is a commemoration and honor for the top players and coaches in the National Football League (NFL). Ever since its inception, the NFL has seen some players who have risen above others by virtue of their performance and contribution to the game. Located in the birthplace of the NFL in Canton, Ohio is the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Each year around four to eight new members are inducted to the Hall of Fame to immortalize them in the history of the game. These players are considered to be ‘Gold Jackets’ since they receive one at the time of induction.


Which team has the most Hall of Famers?

Currently, it is the Chicago Bears who have the most Hall of Fame inductees. With 36 players in the Hall of Fame, the Bears lead the line for having the most number of legendary players in the history of the game. The range of Hall of Famers spans for over a century with the Bears being one of the oldest teams in the NFL. The Chicago Bears was founded in 1920 in Decatur, Illinois and the franchise established itself in Chicago in 1921. The team won 8 NFL Championships before the 1970 AFL-NFL merger and won 1 Super Bowl in 1985 (Super Bowl XX). The home field of the franchise is currently the Soldier Field in Chicago, which is the oldest active field in the NFL as of now.


Complete List Of Chicago Bears' NFL Franchise With The Most Hall Of Famers


1. Bill George (1952-65)




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2. Bill Hewitt (1932-36)




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3. Brian Urlacher (2000-2012)






4. Bronko Nagurski (1930-37, 1943)





5. Clyde Turner (1940-52)





6. Dan Fortmann (1936-43)




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7. Dan Hampton (1979-90)






8. Dick Butkus (1965-73)




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9. Doug Atkins (1955-66)




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10. Ed Healey (1922-27)





11. Ed Sprinkle (1944-55)




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12. Gale Sayers (1965-71)




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13. George Blanda (1949, 1950-58)




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14. George Connor (1948-55)





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15. George Halas (1920-83)





16. George McAfee (1940-41, 1945-50)




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17. George Musso (1933-44)





18. George Trafton (1920-21, 1923-32)




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19. Harold "Red" Grange (1925, 1929-34)





20. Jimbo Covert (1983-90)





21. Jim Finks (1974-82)





22. Joe Stydahar (1936-42, 1945-46)





23. John Driscoll (1926-29)





24. Mike Ditka (1961-66)





25. Mike Singletary (1981-92)





26. Richard Dent (1983-93, 1995)





27. Sid Luckman (1939-50)





28. Stan Jones (1954-65)





29. Walter Payton (1975-87)





30. William Roy "Link" Lyman (1926-28, 1930-31, 1933-34)





NFL Teams With Most Hall Of Famers

Below is the top ten list of NFL teams with most Hall of Famers:


1. Chicago Bears - 36

Founded in the 1920s, the Chicago Bears have been part of the NFL for over a century now. The team has recorded more wins in the league than any other team as of now. Although the Bears enjoyed massive fame and glory during the pre-merger era, in recent years the Bears have fallen short of making it to the playoffs. However, the Bears have had a lot of great players in their ranks over the years who have made it to the Hall of Fame despite achieving Super Bowl glory. Some of the players already inducted in the Hall of Fame include Dick Butkus, Walter Payton, and Mike Ditka. It is speculated that current player Khalil Mack may well be inducted in the Hall of Fame upon his retirement.


2. Green Bay Packers - 33

The Packers are one of the oldest teams in the NFL like the Bears and have been part of the league since 1921. The legacy of the Green Bay Packers has been carried forward by some of the best players to have ever graced the game and they have rightly been enshrined in the prestigious Hall of Fame in Canton. From among the Packers’ roster of Hall of Famers, the standout names are that of Vince Lombardi (the man himself after whom the Super Bowl trophy is named) and Curly Lambeau (the founder of the franchise). Current player Aaron Rodgers is a sure addition to the Hall of Fame once he announces his retirement from the game.


3. Dallas Cowboys- 32

The Dallas Cowboys are the most valuable team in the NFL right now. Established in 1960, the Cowboys have won 5 Super Bowl Championships and 10 Conference Championships. The Cowboys have had some stars represent them over the years like Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, and Mike Ditka among others. Legendary coach Tom Landry is also a Hall of Famer for leading the Cowboys to two Super Bowl victories and several successful seasons. Currently playing out of the fabulous AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas the Cowboys are expected to have more players inducted in the Hall of Fame.


4. New York Giants- 32

Playing their home games in the MetLife stadium and sharing it with counterparts the New York Jets, that is where the similarity ends for the two New York-based NFL franchises. The Giants are part of the NFL since 1925 and have been a very successful team with 4 Super Bowl wins to their name along with an equal number of NFL Championships (4). Hall of Fame players like Roosevelt Brown and Frank Tarenton set a foundation for the franchise to grow into a strong contender. One of the best pass rushers in the history of the game, Lawrence Taylor is a Giants Hall of Famer. The latest Golden Jacket from the Giants is Michael Strahan and he is expected to be soon joined by the one and only Eli Manning.


5. Washington Commanders- 32

The football franchise from Washington might have made changes to their name on a few occasions with the latest name being the Washington Commanders, but their impact in the league remains constant throughout. Currently playing from the FedEx Field in Maryland, the team has been part of the NFL for 89 years (since 1932) and has won 3 Super Bowls and 5 NFL Championships. The most successful period for the team came during the 1980s when it was raining players who were inducted into the Hall of Fame. Darrell Green, Art Monk, Russ Grimm, and John Riggins are some of the most popular Hall of Famers from the Washington Commanders.


6. Pittsburgh Steelers- 30

The Pittsburgh Steelers are one of the most successful franchises in the entire NFL. With 6 Super Bowl wins registered to their name (tied with the New England Patriots), it is no surprise that the Steelers have also boasted some of the best ever to have played the game. The Steelers franchise was established in 1933 and currently plays its home games at Heinz Field in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Steelers can boast of Hall of Famers like fan favorite Terry Bradshaw and Art Rooney (the current owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers). Legendary quarterback Ben Roethlisberger who retired in 2021 is going to be a guaranteed addition to the Hall of Fame when he becomes eligible.


7. San Francisco 49ers- 29

The San Francisco 49ers are another team with a rich history in the NFL. The franchise was founded on June 4, 1944 and has won 5 Super Bowls to date which is tied for second most the Dallas Cowboys. They have also had some very famous and celebrated players in their history such as legendary receiver Jerry Rice, and quarterbacks Joe Montana, and Steve Young. They had the most success during the 1980s. Currently, the team may have another future Hall of Famer in Nick Bosa should he continue to do well and stay with them for many more years.


8. Los Angeles Rams- 27

The Los Angeles Rams were established in 1936 and have been part of the NFL since then. The Rams are the only franchise to win the NFL Championship/Super Bowl representing three different cities (Los Angeles, St. Louis, and Cleveland). Currently, the Los Angeles Rams play out of the most expensive NFL stadium in Inglewood, California; the SoFi Stadium. The Rams team in 2000 set a precedent for a new offense-based football era and the team was spearheaded by the likes of Kurt Warner, Marshall Faulk, and Isaac Bruce. A current Rams player who is very likely to be a part of the Hall of Fame in the future is defensive tackle Aaron Donald.


9. Las Vegas Raiders- 25

The Las Vegas Raiders were originally founded in Oakland in 1960 and have been a part of the NFL since then. The team went on to be based out of Los Angeles and finally out of Las Vegas in 2020. The current home field of the franchise is the Allegiant Stadium in Paradise, Nevada. The Raiders have won 3 Super Bowls and the legendary player John Madden is one of the greatest to have played for the team. Notable Raiders Hall of Famers include names like Art Shell, Al Davis, Gene Upshaw, and Jim Otto among others.


10. Kansas City Chiefs- 25

Established August 14, 1959, the Kansas City Chiefs are one of the oldest teams to play in the NFL. They have won the Super Bowl trophy on 3 occasions with their most success coming in the past few years. Playing their home games at G.E.H.A. Field at Arrowhead Stadium which is one of the loudest places for a game, the Chiefs have had several noteworthy Hall of Famers such as Len Dawson, Derrick Thomas, and Tony Gonzalez among others. From the current crop of players, Patrick Mahomes has surely cemented his place in the Hall of Fame after he retires.


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What are the criteria for being selected in the NFL Hall of Fame?

The criteria for selection to the Pro Football Hall of Fame is dependent upon two factors. The first is that the player/coach who is recommended for consideration to the Hall of Fame must be retired for at least 5 years. The second is that a 48-person Hall of Fame selection committee reviews the candidates in consideration for a Hall of Fame spot. Potential Hall of Famers also need to have played in the league for at least a decade before being considered for the prestigious award. Otherwise, a player wouldn't have enough contribution to become recognized. The exception to the rule is running backs.


The Selection Committee consists of one media representative from each geographical area with a current NFL franchise. For New York, there are two. There are 16 at-large selectors, including one representative of the Pro Football Writers of America and two members of the Hall of Fame. There are three polling sessions by the committee before a final selection list is announced.


After final considerations and three rounds of polling, 15 modern-era nominees and 3 old-era nominees (players retired for over 25 years) are selected for a final polling into the Hall of Fame. There are 4 to 8 players who are selected to be the recipients of the Golden Jacket, each year.


What NFL game had the most Hall of Famers?

The NFL game that witnessed the most number of Hall of Famers present at once was the Super Bowl XIII (1979). The game was played between the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Dallas Cowboys. The game featured a total of 25 Hall of Famers, which included 17 players on the field. There were 10 players from the Steelers who got inducted into the Hall of Fame and 7 players from the Dallas Cowboys. The game ended 35-31 in favor of the Steelers in a match that involved a show of immense talent.


  1. Pittsburgh Steelers Hall of Famers

Art Rooney (owner)

Dan Rooney (team administrator)

Bill Nunn (scout)

Chuck Noll (head coach)

Mel Blount

Terry Bradshaw

Joe Greene

Jack Ham

Franco Harris

Jack Lambert,

Donnie Shell

John Stallworth

Lynn Swann

Mike Webster


  1. Dallas Cowboys Hall of Famers

Tex Schramm (team administrator)

Gil Brandt (team administrator)

Tom Landry (head coach)

Tony Dorsett

Cliff Harris

Drew Pearson

Jackie Smith

Roger Staubach

Randy White

Rayfield Wright


Which NFL team has the least Hall of Famers?

Not every franchise in the NFL enjoys the same amount of success as others. While teams like the Chicago Bears have been blessed with a plethora of Hall of Fame inductees, there are some teams who have missed out on any players being introduced in the Hall of Fame.


Three teams, the Jacksonville Jaguars, Carolina Panthers, and Houston Texans are yet to have any player enshrined in the prestigious Hall of Fame. Jacksonville Jaguars established in 1993 is one of the newest teams in the NFL and remains unlikely to have any players in the Hall of Fame in the immediate future.


Are there any NFL teams without a Hall of Famer?

Currently, there are three teams in the NFL that do not have a Hall of Famer from their ranks. These three teams are the Jacksonville Jaguars, Carolina Panthers, and Houston Texans.


NFL Teams with Least Hall of Famers


1. Jacksonville Jaguars - 0

2. Carolina Panthers - 0

3. Houston Texans - 0

4. Cincinnati Bengals - 1

5. Baltimore Ravens- 3

6. Atlanta Falcons - 4

7. New Orleans Saints - 4

8. Seattle Seahawks - 4

9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers- 5

10. New England Patriots- 5



FAQs

Q. Where is the Pro Football Hall of Fame?

A. The Pro Football Hall of Fame is located in Canton, Ohio.

Q. How many players are enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame annually?

A. Each year anywhere between 4 to 8 new members are enshrined into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Q. Who is the current president of the Pro Football Hall of Fame?

A. The current President of the Pro Football Hall of Fame is Jim Porter.

Q. When was the Pro Football Hall of Fame established?

A. The Pro Football Hall of Fame was established on September 7, 1963.