The late Dick Stanfel, one of the greatest offensive linemen of his era, was remembered during Saturday night’s Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony as a player -- and later a coach -- who was ahead of his time.
Stanfel played for the Lions from 1952-55 and, following a trade, played for the Redskins from 1956-58. He went to four Pro Bowls, played on two championship teams and was named to the 1950s All-Decade Team.
Stanfel was presented Saturday night by Hall of Fame coach Marv Levy, who hired Stanfel as an assistant coach at the University of California a few years after Stanfel quit playing.
“I think he was the guard of the century,” Levy said. “He was a credit to the game. His bust belongs here in Canton.”
Stanfel, who retired in the prime of his career to pursue coaching, died in June 2015 at 87.
Both Levy and Mike Ditka, who was also featured prominently in the montage honoring Stanfel’s induction, said those not familiar with Stanfel’s play need only know that he was named team MVP for the Lions in 1953 in a championship season.
As a right guard.
“The Hall of Fame is a reward,” Ditka said. “Dick Stanfel has earned that reward. He should be in the Hall of Fame. There’s no question about it.”
Ditka said that when he was hired as head coach of the Bears, “Dick Stanfel was the first guy I kept [on staff]. Football can be a complicated game, but as a teacher he never let it be complicated.”
Stanfel and fellow 2016 inductee Kenny Stabler were nominated by the Pro Football Hall of Fame Senior’s Committee.
“Dick Stanfel was a person of high character, a great family guy, great senses of humor, I could go and on,” Levy said. “He belongs in the Hall of Fame.”