Quote:I received a great Lions related birthday gift that's even better than a tangible gift.  Former Lions G Richard Stanfel, who was the 1953 NFL MVP,  finally was voted into the Pro Football HOF. This was his 3rd time Stanfel was a Senior Committee Finalist.  Sadly, he passed away this past June. I'll never understand why the overall HOF Committee sometimes goes against the recommendations of the Senior Committee. At least they got it right on this February 6!   

 

I met Richard Stanfel back in 2002 at a function that was related to the Lions 50th Anniversary of the 1952 Championship team. The Lions repeated as NFL Champions in 1953,  A class act.  He was not only a terrific player but he was the same as an Assistant Coach in the NFL for 30 seasons. Including for over a decade with the Bears as Offensive Line Coach, including their 1985 Super Bowl winning team.

 

That was a once-in-a-lifetime present. What a great coincidence to have that happen on your birthday. It is sad he died before the HOF selection committee voted him in, but at least they did it.

 

Did a lot of people call him Richard? His name on the list is a censored word here and Scarecrow got mad at me for spacing out the letters.

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