30 greatest NFL defensive players of all-time
By Daniel Tran
19. Leo Nomellini, Defensive Tackle
After fighting in World War II with the United States Marine Corp and playing football while at war, Leo Nomellini subsequently attended to Minnesota where he became a two-time All-American. After playing out his scholarship, Nomellini made the jump to the NFL in 1950.
Drafted by the San Francisco 49ers in 1950, Nomellini would earn the nickname “the Lion” for his gutsy play through out his career and it was no surprise why. The gritty player from Lucca, Italy would go on to play every game of his 14-year career playing as both an offensive and defensive tackle.
Nomellini would go on to have a fruitful career, being selected to ten Pro Bowls. He was also featured on nine All-Pro teams; some for his stubborn play on the defensive line and some for his equally tenacious play on the offensive line.
Nomellini would never win a championship, but his toughness on both sides of the ball contributed to his Pro Football Hall of Fame selection in 1969.
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