John Hannah

Verified Timeline

Lore & Background

John Hannah (American football) (born 1951), American football player

In Their Own Story

The narrative of John Hannah is defined by an unyielding standard of excellence and a rare combination of size and speed. Although considered somewhat short by NFL standards, he compensated with powerful legs and exceptional quickness, excelling as both a pass protector and a pulling guard on sweeps. His career was punctuated by individual accolades that underscored his consistency: he won the Mack Truck Award for offensive line play five consecutive times from 1977 to 1981. He also claimed the Seagram's Seven Crowns of Sports Offensive Lineman of the Year in 1978 and 1980, and was voted the NFLPA/Coca-Cola Offensive Lineman of the Year three times in four years (1978–1979, 1981). In his induction speech at the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Hannah specifically credited his high school coach, Major Luke Worsham, for teaching him "what love was all about" and how to shoulder problems. Coach Bear Bryant later stated that Hannah was the greatest lineman he ever coached, a testament to the player who graduated with a B.A. in journalism before dominating the professional game.

Reader's Guide

John Hannah (American football) (born 1951), American football player

Did You Know?

• John Hannah (American football) was born in 1951.
• He is an American football player.