John Hannah (American football)

John Hannah at NFL.com John Allen Hannah (born April 4, 1951) is an American former football right guard who played for the New England Patriots (1973–1985). He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and Sports Illustrated magazine dubbed him, on its Aug. 3, 1981, cover, "The Best Offensive Lineman of All Time."

Biography

John Hannah was born in Canton, Georgia, son of an NFL player, Herb Hannah, an offensive lineman for the University of Alabama who played a year at tackle for the New York Giants in 1951.

John Hannah was raised in Albertville, Alabama and excelled at football, wrestling and track at Baylor School in Chattanooga, Tennessee. He won an individual national championship in wrestling at the National Prep Championship in 1967.

Hannah played tackle and guard for the University of Alabama under Coach Paul "Bear" Bryant from 1970 until 1972, and earned All-American honors twice, in 1971 and then was a unanimous Consensus All-American his senior year in 1972. During his tenure Hannah was part of an SEC championship-winning team. During his time at Alabama he also participated in wrestling, the shot put, and the discus throw.

Hannah joined the Patriots in 1973 as the 4th overall pick in the 1973 Draft. He played his entire professional career in Foxboro. Hannah was named All-Pro 7 times in his illustrious career (1976, 1978-81, 1983 & 1985), 2nd Team All-Pro 3 times (1977, 1982 & 1984) and All-AFC once (1974). Hannah was also selected to play in 9 Pro Bowls. He is also one of the few players to have been named to the NFL All-Decade Team twice, as Hannah was selected to both the 1970s and 1980s All-Decade Teams (joining an elite group of players who have achieved this including Reggie White, Ronnie Lott and Walter Payton to name a few). Hannah was also selected to the NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team, being the #1 Guard in the team.

In 1991 he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and is the only Hall of Famer who played only with the Patriots. He later became an assistant coach at Governor Dummer Academy in Massachusetts, and then a special assistant coach at his alma mater, Baylor School in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in 2005.

His brothers Charles and David were also All-Conference offensive linemen for the University of Alabama. Charles, or Charley, Hannah played in the NFL from 1977 to 1988 for Tampa Bay and the Los Angeles Raiders.

Hannah was born into the part as his father, Herb, was an offensive lineman for Alabama and played a year for the New York Giants. Charles and David Hannah, John's brothers, were also All-Conference offensive linemen for the Tide..

External links

• Pro Football Hall of Fame: Member profile
• Bio