Norm Van Brocklin Single-Game Passing Record
Hall of Fame quarterback who set an enduring single-game passing record.
Norman Mack Van Brocklin (March 15, 1926 – May 2, 1983) was an American professional football quarterback and coach who played in the 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
- Team
- Los Angeles Rams
- Opponent
- New York Yanks
Lore & Background
Van Brocklin threw for an NFL record 554 yards in a single game on September 28, 1951, breaking Johnny Lujack's previous record of 468 yards. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1971 and the College Football Hall of Fame in 1966.
Reader's Guide
Van Brocklin played college football for the Oregon Webfoots, earning All-America honors in 1948. He was selected in the fourth round of the 1949 NFL draft by the Rams. He led the NFL in passing three times and in punting twice. He retired as the all-time punts leader at 523 and was the first person with 500 career punts. On nine occasions, he was selected to the Pro Bowl.
Did You Know?
- Van Brocklin's 554-yard passing game in 1951 remains an NFL single-game record.
- He led the Philadelphia Eagles to their only playoff victory over a Vince Lombardi-coached Green Bay Packers team.
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