Norm Van Brocklin
Hall of Fame quarterback and coach who led two different teams to NFL championships.
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.
- Role
- Quarterback
- Affiliation
- Los Angeles Rams
Verified Timeline
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.
In Their Own Story
The air inside the Los Angeles Coliseum crackled with anticipation as the fourth quarter wound down during the 1951 championship game. The Rams trailed the Cleveland Browns 17–16. Norm Van Brocklin stepped into the pocket, eyes scanning the defense. He didn't hesitate. With a wind-up that seemed to draw power from the very ground beneath him, he launched a spiraling missile downfield. It was a perfect arc against the fading afternoon sun, landing squarely in the hands of Tom Fears for a 73-yard touchdown pass. Waterfield (9–24, 125 yards) took most of the snaps at the L.A. Coliseum, but Van Brocklin (4–6, 128 yards) threw the game-winning pass. The Rams won the title rematch against Cleveland, 24–17. It was the Rams' only NFL championship while originally based in southern California.
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 on September 28, 1951, a record that has since been broken.
- He led the NFL in passing yards twice and in passer rating once, and also led in punting twice. He retired with 523 punts, but Sammy Baugh held the all-time record at that time.
- Van Brocklin was not the first person with 500 career punts; several players before him, including Sammy Baugh, had already reached that mark.
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.
Why is Norm Van Brocklin considered important to Rams history?
He marked the beginning of a golden age for the franchise by igniting their resurgence with record-breaking performances and championship aspirations. His arrival signaled a shift toward dominance that redefined the team's identity during the early 1960s.
What were Norm Van Brocklin's key achievements?
During his time with the Rams, he led the NFL in both passing yards and touchdowns multiple times, showcasing his elite status among quarterbacks. These statistical feats cemented his reputation as a fiery competitor who could dominate any defense.
How did Norm Van Brocklin's story end with the Rams?
His tenure concluded after the 1962 season when he left St. Louis to join another franchise, ending a brief but highly impactful chapter for the team. Despite his short stay, his legacy remains as a cornerstone of the organization's historical greatness.
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