Tom Fears (1989) - Hall of Fame

Tom Fears

Induction:
1989

After two years at UCLA, he became one of the NFL's all-time great pass catchers. Fears originally had been drafted in the 11th round by the Cleveland Rams in 1945, but came to UCLA instead, and finally joined that franchise in Los Angeles in 1948. He led the NFL in receiving each of his first three seasons, including 1950, when he caught a record 84 passes, a mark that lasted 10 seasons. He caught 18 passes in a game against the Packers that year, another mark that lasted 50 years. He finished his nine-year career with 400 receptions. Fears was the head coach of the New Orleans Saints from 1967-1970.

Fears, who died at 76 in 2000, is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the National Football Foundation Hall of Fame. He was inducted into the UCLA Athletic Hall of Fame in 1989.