Norm Van Brocklin

The Dutchman who led two franchises to NFL championships and set a passing record that still endures.

Norman Mack Van Brocklin (March 15, 1926 – May 2, 1983) was an American professional football quarterback and coach who played in the National Football League (NFL) for 12 seasons. Nicknamed "the Dutchman", he spent his first nine seasons with the Los Angeles Rams and his final three with the Philadelphia Eagles. Following his playing career, he was the inaugural head coach of the Minnesota Vikings from 1961 to 1966 and the second head coach of the Atlanta Falcons from 1968 to 1974.

Quick Facts

Position: Quarterback, punter
Born: 15 March 1926
Birthplace: Parade, South Dakota, U.S.
Died: 2 May 1983
Place of death: Social Circle, Georgia, U.S.
High school: Acalanes (Lafayette, California)
College: Oregon (1946–1948)
Draft year: 1949

Lore & Background

Van Brocklin played college football for the Oregon Webfoots, earning All-America honors in 1948. Due to concerns over his professional availability, he was not selected until the fourth round of the 1949 NFL draft by the Rams. During his first three seasons, he and teammate Bob Waterfield alternated as the starting quarterback, culminating with them leading Los Angeles to victory in the 1951 championship game. After Waterfield retired, Van Brocklin served as the Rams primary starter from 1952 to 1957, concluding his tenure with six consecutive Pro Bowl selections and a passing-yards leading season in 1954. He joined Philadelphia in 1958, extending his Pro Bowl selections to nine. In his final season, he was named NFL Most Valuable Player en route to winning the 1960 championship.

Reader's Guide

As the head coach of the expansion Vikings and Falcons, Van Brocklin was unable to reach the postseason with either franchise, but recorded the first winning season for both. He was inducted to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1971 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 1966.

Did You Know?

Van Brocklin threw for an NFL record 554 yards in a single game in 1951, a record that still stands.
He led the NFL in passing three times and in punting twice, and retired as the all-time punts leader with 523.
Van Brocklin was the first person with 500 career punts.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who was Norm Van Brocklin?

Norm Van Brocklin was a legendary quarterback who played for the St. Louis Rams from 1960 to 1962, known for his powerful arm and aggressive style of play. He is widely regarded as one of the most electrifying players in franchise history and later earned induction into the Hall of Fame.

What role did Norm Van Brocklin play on the team?

As the starting quarterback, he served as the primary offensive leader who transformed the Rams into a championship-contending powerhouse during his tenure. His dynamic leadership and ability to lead the league in passing yards defined his critical role on the field.