PFT looks at the 2010 class of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
It’s a silly nickname and maybe even an insulting nickname, but “The Hogs” was also the perfect nickname for those big, fat, sweaty guys who led the way as the Washington Redskins won three Super Bowls.
Russ Grimm was the original Hog.
Fellow Hog George Starke told Peter King of Sports Illustrated the story: “Not everyone knows that the name Hogs came from a description of Russ Grimm. He was lying on the ground at the end of a blocking drill and [offensive line coach] Joe Bugel walked by and Russ had his stomach peeking out of his shirt. Buges said, ‘Man, Russ get up. You look like a Hog laying on the ground.‘ After that the rest of us decided to poke fun at Buges and wear white shirts to practice and we all had Hogs written on them. Buges said to us, ‘Why are you doing that?’ We said, ‘Because we are in solidarity with Russ and if you call him a Hog, you have to call us all Hogs.’ That is where the name came from.”
Grimm played for the Redskins from 1981 to 1991, and although the second half of his career was plagued by injuries, he was named a member of the All-Decade Team at the end of the 1980s.
Starke called Grimm “the greatest guard to ever play pro football.” Today he takes a place among his fellow greats.
one of the true Redskins greats
I like how everyone says Grimm could shut down Randy White…if you ever watch tape, there was NEVER 1 person on Randy White – Grimm needed help. I’m not saying he wasn’t great, because Grimm deserves to be in the Hall of Fame, but could not shut down the Manster one on one (at least not consistently).
Grimm and Jacoby lining up on that left side, running the Counter Trey for Riggins was a thing of beauty to watch…
the hogs were some bad mf ‘ers…
not a surprise florio chose not to write this story, with his hard-on for the Cardinals…hard to bash someone ( Cards OC ) the day he enters the HOF…Congrats Mr. Grimm
Congratuations Russ you were simply one of the best guards ever to play you deserve this honor.
Truly a great lineman! Most of these internet writers are clueless on evaluating linemen so players like Russ get overlooked. I loved watching him back in the day. Congrats Russ!
In 1991, towards the end of the hogs reign, that reshuffled offensive line gave up 9 sacks all season. Yes, Mark Rypien and co. was sacked 9 times ALL season. Say that to yourself slowly. 9 FREAKIN’ SACKS. Then in the playoffs they put Atlanta and Detroit; and ultimately Buffalo out of their misery…toyed with them, then humiliated them. These men beat up boys.
There are teams that give up 9 sacks in one game; let alone 16.
The most dominant line in NFL history.
Congrats Russ and HAIL TO THE REDSKINS.
bob kuechenberg deserves to be in the hall before grimm
Actually the only guard who deserved to be in the HOF before Russ Grimm was Jerry Kramer. It still amazes me that he isn’t in the HOF. I can’t wait to see the ceremony tonight it’s going to be great to see the first Russ going into the HOF he was simply one of the greatest ever to play..
Oh yeah… When the Redskins where a team, and not a compilation of Free Agents…
Joe Jacoby should have been in the Hall before Grimm.
I saw the Hogs play a few times in the early 80′s. In fac,t was at the NFC title game following the 1982 season vs Dallas in RFK (Im a Cowboys fan)….
The interesting/amazing thing about Grimm & the rest of the Hogs…… NOT ONE OF EM weighed 300lbs…!! They were just good.
I am the ORIGINAL HAWG!
Snyder is an idiot. Grimm should be the Redskins head coach right now.
John Hannah was the “greatest guard to ever play pro football.” not Grimm.
Mr. Lagoo its obvious you are just in denial. When Grimm faced Randy White, he always had his number. Dont know what tapes you are watching,but Im sure its something from a Cowpie highlite reel.White was truely a great player, but all players have a nemisis to some degree, and Russ Grimm was his.They both are true Champions of the game,and both deserve to be in the HOF!
George Stark is an idiot. Grimm was good, but not nearly the best Guard of all time.
Anyone who saw the late Gene Upshaw DOMINATE knows that he was truly one of the great guards of all time.
Grimm deserves this honor, but Jacoby should of went in before him. Both played the same amount of years in the NFL, but Jacoby was on the line for all 3 Skins SB’s and could play both Tackle spots and both Guard spots. Hopefully Jake will get in soon.
Unfortunately, Jake will never get in the HOF, because everyone remembers that one game against the Giants when Lawrence Taylor made a fool out of him. At the end, they only rushed 2 guys and still they could not keep Lawrence Taylor off the QB.
upshaw was good, but not the best.
he didnt throw his body. ever.
he should be in the criminal hall of fame for having his agent be on the retirees compensation board, however.
Name someone back in those days that LT didn’t make look like a fool.
Foreskin1 – Look, I’m not saying Grimm isn’t deserving, but he never had to block White 1 on 1…that’s all I’m saying. I do have all the games from 1982-1984 on DVD (you use to be able to buy them on eBay). I could only go by that…but it was always at least 2 on 1.
Congrats o the original Hog. Well deserved and thanks for the memories. Hail!
The man is a bad ASS! Congrats and let’s all remember those other great Skins on a day like this. RIP #21. Hail!
“Theismann had saved the day. Now Riggins and the Hogs would win it.” -John Facenda, Super Bowl XVII Highlights.