John Hannah

"Hog" Hannah, the Patriots guard widely rated among the greatest offensive linemen ever.

John Allen Hannah, born April 4, 1951, is an American former guard who spent all 13 of his NFL seasons with the New England Patriots. Known as "Hog", he is regarded as one of the finest offensive linemen in the history of the game. Taken fourth overall in the 1973 NFL draft, he earned nine Pro Bowl selections and seven first-team All-Pro honours. In 1991 he became the first Patriots player enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the very first inductee of the New England Patriots Hall of Fame. He later joined the College Football Hall of Fame in 1999.

Quick Facts

Position: Guard
Born: 4 April 1951
Birthplace: Canton, Georgia, U.S.
High school: Albertville (Albertville, Alabama)
College: Alabama (1970–1972)
Draft year: 1973
Draft round: 1
Draft pick: 4

Facts from the source article.

Background

Hannah was born in Canton, Georgia, the son of Herbert "Herb" Hannah, an NFL player who had also lined up for Alabama. Raised in Albertville, Alabama, he played football, wrestled and ran track at Baylor School in Chattanooga, Tennessee, winning a national prep wrestling title in 1967, before finishing high school at Albertville High School in 1969. At the University of Alabama he played tackle and guard for Paul "Bear" Bryant from 1970 to 1972, was a Consensus All-American in 1972 and won the Jacobs Blocking Trophy that year. Bryant later called him the best lineman he ever coached. Hannah also competed in wrestling, shot put and discus, and earned a journalism degree.

Did You Know?

Hannah made ten straight All-Pro teams from 1976 to 1985.
He won the Mack Truck Award for offensive line play five years running (1977–81).
The Sporting News ranked him number 20 among the 100 Greatest Football Players in 1999.
His brother Charley won Super Bowl XVIII with the Raiders.