ABOUT LEN FORD

Len Ford (Leonard Guy Ford, JR) lived too short of a life, but made a big impact in the years he was with us. Born in Washington, D.C. in 1926, he died at the age of 46 in 1972.

In 1976, he was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, and in 1996 to the University of Michigan’s Athletic Hall of Honor. His football career spanned from 1944-1958.

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It was after a short run in the U.S. Navy, after his service ended that he started playing football for the University of Michigan, where he would make impressive strides and become one of their all-time greatest players.

After graduating, he’d be passed over in the NFL draft, but not for lack of skills. At the time, the NFL didn’t choose African American players. The following year (1949) was the first time an African American player was drafted by the NFL.

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He played for the Los Angeles Dons (AAFC) until they disbanded. He was picked up by the Cleveland Browns in 1950. He spent most of his pro career with the Browns, before playing one season with the Green Bay Packers in 1958.

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During his career, he recovered an impressive 20 fumbles, setting a record at the time that was maintained until he retired from the game, and played in 4 Pro Bowls. With 11 seasons playing professionally, he also chosen 5 times as an All-NFL honors selection.

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In 1969, on the 50th anniversary of the NFL, Len Ford was listed as the second greatest all-time defensive end, only falling one place behind Gino Marchetti who was listed as the first.

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While attending Michigan, he was a member of Omega Psi Phi, an all-black fraternity whose membership also included Bob Mann, another Michigan end who went on to play in the NFL.  At the time of his death, he worked as an assistant recreational director in Detroit.