Nagurski, << nuh GUR skee, >> Bronko (1908-1990), was one of the greatest players in the history of college and professional football in the United States. Nagurski stood 6 feet 2 inches (188 centimeters) tall and weighed about 230 pounds (104 kilograms) during his professional football career. He was famous for his power as a rusher and his large size for a player of his day.
Bronislau Nagurski was born on Nov. 3, 1908, in Rainy River, Ontario. He was given the nickname “Bronko” as a child. Nagurski’s parents were Ukrainian immigrants to Canada. He moved with his family to International Falls, Minnesota, as a child. Nagurski was a star player for the University of Minnesota football team from 1927 to 1929. He became the only player to be named an All-American at two positions in the same season when he received the honor as a fullback on offense and a tackle on defense in 1929. During his three seasons, the university team won 18 games, lost only 4, and had 2 ties.
After graduating from the University of Minnesota with a B.A. degree in 1930, Nagurski signed with the Chicago Bears of the National Football League (NFL). He played fullback on offense and tackle and linebacker on defense. Nagurski played with the Bears from the 1930 to the 1937 seasons. He retired before the 1938 season over a contract dispute. He returned to play one more season in 1943. During his nine seasons with the Bears, the team won three championships—in 1932, 1933, and 1943.
Nagurski was a member of the first class elected to the College Football Hall of Fame in 1951 and was a member of the first class elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1963. Nagurski died on Jan. 7, 1990.
