Auburn Football: Top 25 Best Former Auburn Tigers in NFL History
2. Frank Gatski, C/LB
The only former Auburn football player (so far) to be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame is Frank Gatski, who was elected in 1985. A two-way player for the Cleveland Browns, Gatski was an All-Pro center from 1951-55 and made the Pro Bowl in 1955.
As an example of how much the game has changed since Gatski was one of the best centers in the NFL, the Farmington, West Virginia native is listed at 6-foot-3 and 233 pounds officially – roughly 70 pounds lighter than the average NFL center today.
Gatski passed away in 2005 at the age of 84. According to his obituary:
"“Gatski was nicknamed Gunner for his fierce blocking that blew away defenders. He said that he never missed a game, or even a practice, in his two decades playing high school, college and pro football.”"
Gatski played alongside tackles Lou Groza and Mike McCormack and guard Abe Gibron on the offensive line of the Cleveland Brows squad that played in pro football championship games in ten consecutive seasons, winning three NFL titles.
A true iron man of the sport, Gatski also played linebacker for the Browns and helped the club win the All-American Football Conference championship each year from 1946-49 as well as the NFL title in 1954 and 1955. He also won the NFL championship with the Detroit Lions in 1957, beating his former team 59-14 in the title game.
Next: 1. Kevin Greene