77. Chuck Foreman

When people think of the Minnesota Vikings of the 1970s, they recall the Purple People Eaters and the scrambling of Fran Tarkenton. They should also remember the offensive exploits of Chuck Foreman who twice led the National Football League in Touchdowns. He may have been a Running Back, but he was used often for his receiving skills and actually was the league leader in that category in 1975. Watching Foreman run with the ball was like watching a rhinocerecos. While he could spin away from defenders, he often tried to overpower them, though that style also led to multiple fumbles (52 in 109 Games)

The career numbers of Chuck Foreman may not seem like a lot now (9,106 YFS/76 TD), but they were quite good for the era he played in. He did make the Minnesota Viking Ring of Honor, but reaching the NFL version of that accolade may continue to prove difficult.

Should Chuck Foreman be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 84.6%

Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 6.3%

Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 5.3%

No opinion. - 1%

No way! - 2.9%

The Bullet Points

Country of Origin: Frederick, Maryland, U.S.A.
Eligible Since: Tuesday, 01 January 1985
Position: Running Back
Games Played: 109
Notable Statistics: 1,556 Rushing Attempts
5,950 Rushing Yards
53 Rushing Touchdowns
350 Receptions
3,156 Receiving Yards
23 Receiving Touchdowns
2 Kick Returns
34 Kick Return Yards
0 Pass Completions
1 Pass Attempt
88 Approximate Value

13 Playoff Games
229 Rushing Attempts
860 Rushing Yards
7 Rushing Touchdowns
45 Receptions
447 Receiving Yards
Played For: Minnesota Vikings, New England Patriots
College: Miami (FL)
Drafted: 1st Round, 12th Overall in 1973
Major Accolades and Awards: Super Bowl Rings (None)
UPI MVP (1976)
The Sporting News Player of the Year (1974)
AP Offensive Rookie of the Year (1973)
The Sporting News Rookie of the Year (1973)
First Team All-Pro Selection (1) (1975)
Second Team All-Pro Selection (2) (1974 & 1976)
Pro Bowl Selections (5) (1973, 1974, 1975, 1976 & 1977)
Most Receptions (1) (1975)
Most Touchdowns (2) (1975 & 1977)
Other Points of Note: Top Ten MVP Finishes:
3rd in 1974
Top Ten Finishes: Approximate Value (3) (1974, 1975 & 1976)
Top Ten Finishes: Rushing Attempts (4) (1974, 1975, 1976 & 1977)
Top Ten Finishes: Rushing Yards (3) (1975, 1976 & 1977)
Top Ten Finishes: Rushing Touchdowns (4) (1974, 1975, 1976, 1977)
Top Ten Finishes: Rushing Yards per Game (4) (1992, 1993, 1995 & 1996)
Top Ten Finishes: Receptions (4) (1974, 1975, 1976 & 1978)
Top Ten Finishes: Receiving Touchdowns (2) (1974 & 1975)
Top Ten Finishes: Touchdowns (4) (1974, 1975, 1976 & 1977)
Top Ten Finishes: Points Scored (3) (11974, 1975 & 1976)
Top Ten Finishes: Yards from Scrimmage (4) (1974, 1975, 1976 & 1997)
Top Ten Finishes: All-Purpose Yards (4) (1974, 1975, 1976 & 1977)
Notable All Time Rankings: 73. Rushing Touchdowns: 53
81. Rushing Attempts: 1,556
85. Touchdowns: 76
Years Nominated for the Hall of Fame: None