Green Bay Packers: 50 greatest players in franchise history

Greatest players in Green Bay Packers history: 5. Don Hutson

We have made it into the top-five. The next five players are all synonymous with Packers greatness, but this guy might be the most influential player at his position in league history. Of course, we are talking about split end Don Hutson. Nobody did more from the receiving game in the 1930s and 1940s than did Hutson.

After starring collegiately at Alabama, Packers head coach Curly Lambeau was able to successfully recruit him to play professionally for Green Bay. All Hutson did was set the NFL world on fire with his brilliant pass-catching. In 11 years with the Packers, he led the NFL in receiving touchdowns nine times, receptions eight times and receiving yardage seven times.

Hutson was an eight-time first team All-Pro, a four-time NFL All-Star and a three-time NFL champion. In addition to being the best receiving talent of his era, he would also serve as the Packers’ kicker during his 11-year career. Hutson ended up playing safety in the latter part of his career, too. He even led the NFL in interceptions in 1940s.

Hutson is a member of the Packers Hall of Fame and has his No. 14 jersey retired by the organization. He made the NFL’s All-Decade Team for the 1930s, as well as the NFL’s 75th Anniversary Team. Hutson was an All-American and a national champion with the 1934 Crimson Tide, so his College Football Hall of Fame spot is obvious. Hutson was part of the inaugural Pro Football Hall of Fame induction class in 1963. He finished with 88 receptions for 7,991 yards and a ridiculous 99 touchdowns in his illustrious career.