Norm Van Brocklin, American football player and coach (b. 1926)

Norman Mack Van Brocklin (March 15, 1926 – May 2, 1983), affectionately known by his distinctive nickname, "The Dutchman," carved out an indelible legacy as a prominent American football quarterback and later as a coach in the National Football League (NFL). His career spanned 12 seasons as a player, marked by a rare combination of exceptional talent, a fiery competitive spirit, and remarkable leadership, ultimately culminating in two NFL championships.

Van Brocklin spent the initial nine years of his distinguished playing career gracing the fields with the Los Angeles Rams, where he quickly established himself as one of the league's premier passers. He then concluded his playing days with a impactful three-season stint as a vital member of the Philadelphia Eagles. Upon retiring as a player, he transitioned to the sidelines, becoming the inaugural head coach for the expansion Minnesota Vikings, a role he held from 1961 to 1966. Following this, he took on the challenge as the second head coach for another nascent franchise, the Atlanta Falcons, guiding them from 1968 to 1974.

The Collegiate Years and Entry into the NFL

Before his professional accolades, Van Brocklin first gained significant recognition at the collegiate level. He was an outstanding talent at the University of Oregon, where his stellar performance earned him prestigious All-American honors, signaling his potential for future greatness. Despite his clear abilities, his path to the NFL was not without its interesting turns. During the 1949 NFL Draft, concerns surrounding his professional availability – a phrase often alluding to a player's perceived temperament, financial demands, or commitment to a professional career – led to him not being selected until the fourth round by the Los Angeles Rams. This proved to be a significant steal for the Rams, as "The Dutchman" was poised to revolutionize the quarterback position.

A Dominant Force: Playing Career Highlights

Van Brocklin's NFL playing career was a testament to his enduring skill and competitive drive. His tenure with the Los Angeles Rams was particularly notable for its unique quarterback situation during his early years. For his first three seasons, he shared starting duties in an unprecedented, yet highly effective, platoon system with another legendary quarterback, Bob Waterfield. This two-quarterback approach, featuring two future Hall of Famers, proved immensely successful, reaching its pinnacle when they both led Los Angeles to a thrilling victory in the 1951 NFL Championship game against the Cleveland Browns, marking a significant milestone for the franchise.

Following Waterfield's retirement, Van Brocklin fully embraced the role of the Rams' primary starter, leading the offense from 1952 through 1957. During this period, his individual brilliance shone brightly, earning him six consecutive Pro Bowl selections – a testament to his consistent elite performance. In 1954, he notably led the league in passing yards, further solidifying his reputation as a top-tier passer with an exceptionally strong arm and keen football intelligence. His time with the Rams cemented his status as one of the game's most formidable quarterbacks of the era.

In 1958, Van Brocklin made a pivotal move, joining the Philadelphia Eagles. His impact there was immediate and profound, as he continued his streak of excellence by receiving further Pro Bowl selections in all three of his seasons with the team, bringing his career total to an impressive nine. His final season in 1960 stands out as a career capstone; he was deservedly named the NFL's Most Valuable Player, a fitting recognition of his leadership and unparalleled performance, en route to leading the Eagles to an unforgettable championship victory. This 1960 NFL Championship, secured against the vaunted Green Bay Packers led by Vince Lombardi, was a defining moment, showcasing Van Brocklin's ability to perform under immense pressure and guide his team to ultimate success.

The Coaching Chapters: Building From Scratch

While his playing career was filled with championships and individual accolades, Van Brocklin's transition to head coaching presented a different set of challenges. As the head coach for two expansion franchises, the Minnesota Vikings and later the Atlanta Falcons, he faced the inherent difficulties of building a team from the ground up, often with limited talent pools and developing young players. Consequently, his coaching record did not mirror the overwhelming success of his playing days, and he was unable to reach the postseason with either team.

Nevertheless, his contributions were significant in laying foundational groundwork for these nascent organizations. Under his guidance, both the Vikings and the Falcons recorded their first-ever winning seasons, providing crucial moments of optimism and establishing a direction for future growth. These achievements, while not culminating in championships, were vital steps for franchises finding their footing in the demanding NFL landscape.

A Legacy Immortalized: Hall of Fame Recognition

Norman "The Dutchman" Van Brocklin's profound impact on American football is permanently etched in history through his dual inductions into the sport's most prestigious halls. He was honored with induction into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1966, recognizing his remarkable collegiate career at Oregon. His unparalleled contributions and achievements in the professional ranks were further celebrated with his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1971, solidifying his status as one of the greatest quarterbacks to ever play the game. His career is remembered for his strong arm, his fearless leadership, and his unwavering pursuit of victory, leaving an enduring legacy that continues to inspire.

Frequently Asked Questions About Norman "The Dutchman" Van Brocklin

When and where was Norman Van Brocklin born?

Norman Van Brocklin was born on March 15, 1926, in Parade, South Dakota.

Why was he nicknamed "The Dutchman"?

He earned the nickname "The Dutchman" due to his Dutch ancestry, which was a common way to identify players with specific ethnic backgrounds in that era.

Which NFL teams did Norman Van Brocklin play for?

He played for the Los Angeles Rams for his first nine seasons (1949-1957) and then for the Philadelphia Eagles for his final three seasons (1958-1960).

How many NFL championships did Van Brocklin win as a player?

Norman Van Brocklin won two NFL championships as a player: one with the Los Angeles Rams in 1951 and another with the Philadelphia Eagles in 1960.

What was significant about his 1960 season with the Eagles?

In his final season in 1960, he was named the NFL's Most Valuable Player (MVP) and led the Philadelphia Eagles to an NFL Championship victory, a perfect capstone to his playing career.

Which teams did he coach in the NFL?

After retiring as a player, he coached the Minnesota Vikings (1961-1966) as their inaugural head coach, and later the Atlanta Falcons (1968-1974) as their second head coach.

Was his coaching career as successful as his playing career?

While he did not achieve the same level of championship success as a coach, he notably led both the expansion Minnesota Vikings and Atlanta Falcons to their first-ever winning seasons, laying important foundations for those franchises.

When was Norman Van Brocklin inducted into the Hall of Fame?

He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1966 and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1971, recognizing his outstanding contributions at both levels of the sport.

What made Van Brocklin a unique quarterback for his time?

Van Brocklin was known for his exceptional strong arm, his ability to throw long passes with accuracy, his fierce competitiveness, and his sharp football intellect. He was also part of a groundbreaking two-quarterback system with Bob Waterfield early in his career.