Herb Adderley

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

Adderley was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and graduated from Northeast High School in 1957. He originally perceived himself as a basketball player until his high school football coach convinced him to play football. He and his backfield teammate Angelo Coia were known as the 'Touchdown Twins'. Adderley attended Michigan State University, choosing MSU because of the impression its star running back Clarence Peaks made on him. He wore jersey number 26 to honor Peaks. He was a co-captain as a senior and played both offense and defense. He was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the first round of the 1961 NFL draft, 12th overall. He began his professional career as a halfback but was switched to cornerback after an injury to Hank Gremminger. He became a five-time first-team All-Pro selection. He won five NFL championships with the Packers and one with the Dallas Cowboys.

In Their Own Story

Lambeau Field air bit with cold under a gray January sky, the breath of thousands visible in the chill. Herb Adderley adjusted his facemask, eyes locked on the opposing receiver across from him. The quarterback dropped back, scanning for an opening against the wall of green and gold. At the snap, Adderley surged forward, delivering a physical jam that disrupted the route before it could develop. With a sudden burst of speed that belied his size, he undercut the broken play, gloved hands snatching the ball out of the air. A roar erupted from the stands as he spun around, knowing another interception meant another step toward glory.

Reader's Guide

Herb Adderley played for the Green Bay Packers from 1961 to 1969 and for the Dallas Cowboys from 1970 to 1972. He was a cornerback and also returned kickoffs. He was a key player on six NFL championship teams and appeared in four of the first six Super Bowls. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1980.

Did You Know?

• Adderley is the only player to appear in four of the first six Super Bowls.
• He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers in the first round of the 1961 NFL draft, 12th overall.
• He returned a kickoff 103 yards for a touchdown against the Baltimore Colts in 1962.
• In 1965, he did not allow any touchdown receptions during the entire regular season.