Russ Francis was the first Tight End drafted in 1975. The Oregon product went on to have two distinct careers in the NFL.

Beginning his professional career with the New England Patriots, Francis's blocking ability, matched with his soft receiving hands, led him to three straight Pro Bowls (1976-78) and a Second-Team All-Pro in 1976 and 1978. This was a great time for Francis on the field, though there were some problems off of it. 

The Pats were not the juggernaut of the first two decades of the 2000s and were looked at within the NFL as a laughable organization.  This was especially true in the 1970s, as New England refused to pay Francis’ bonus for a Pro Bowl (their rationale was that he didn’t play the game due to injury) and he was also upset with the Patriots’ attempt to cancel his roommate, Darryl Stingley’s medical insurance after he was paralyzed by a Jack Tatum hit.  Francis retired in 1981, with his heart out of the game.  He would return for his second phase in 1982, this time as a San Francisco 49er.

Francis’s second half did not generate a Pro Bowl, but he was a factor in the Niners Super Bowl XIX win over Miami where he had five Receptions.  Francis’ blocking opened up holes for Roger Craig, and spaces for Jerry Rice, and protection for Joe Montana.  It was a great fit for Francis, whose profile rose, even if his individual accolades did not. 

He was released by San Francisco during the 1987 season and returned to the Patriots, where he played one more year.

A member of the 1930's All-Decade Team, George Christensen, was one of the better Tackles of the decade (obviously based on the above accolade).

In the 2006 NFL Draft, the Baltimore Ravens made an excellent selection by grabbing Haloti Ngata with the 12th pick. Ngata was a former All-American defensive tackle from the University of Oregon, and the Ravens were looking for someone to stuff up the middle of their defence. Ngata proved to be the answer to their prayers.

As soon as he joined the team, Ngata became a starter, and he quickly made a name for himself as one of the best defensive tackles in the league. He played multiple positions on the line, including defensive end and nose tackle, and he excelled at all of them.

From 2009 to 2013, Ngata was a fixture in the Pro Bowl, and he was also named a First Team All-Pro in 2010 and 2011. His immense size and power made him a dominant force on the field, and he could clog multiple lanes at the same time, making it incredibly difficult for opposing teams to move the ball.

Ngata played a crucial role in the Ravens' Super Bowl XLVII win, using his strength and tenacity to disrupt the opposing offence and help secure the victory. After his time with the Ravens, Ngata went on to play for the Detroit Lions and the Philadelphia Eagles, but he will always be remembered as a dominant defensive force in the NFL.

Over the course of his career, Ngata recorded 32.5 sacks and 517 combined tackles. His legacy as one of the best defensive players in the league is secure, and he will always be remembered as one of the most dominant forces on the field.

The University of Oregon has announced the members of their 2019 Athletic Hall of Fame.

The new members will be:

Mike Bellotti:  Bellotti became the Offensive Coordinator for the Ducks Football program in 1989 and he would hold that position until the 1995 season when he would take over as the team’s Head Coach.  He would have a record of 116-55 (1995-2008) and his run was highlighted by their 2001 Fiesta Bowl win.  Bellotti was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 2014.

Galen Rupp: Rupp would win six national championships at the University of Oregon and would later win the Silver Medal in the 10,000 Meters at the 2012 London Games and the Bronze in the Marathon at the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Games representing the United States.

Max Unger: Unger played Center for the Ducks and was an All-American in 2008.  He would go on to the NFL where he was chosen for three Pro Bowls.

Rachel Yurkovich: Yurkovich was a National Champion in the Javelin in both 2008 & 2009.  She would compete at the 2012 Olympics.

This group will be joined by the 1989 Softball Team, which were the first Ducks to compete in the Women’s College World Series and the 2007 and 2008 National Men’s Championship Cross-Country Teams.

To become eligible for the Oregon Athletic Hall of Fame the individual(s) in question must have left the institution 10 years earlier.  This group will be officially inducted in a banquet on October 25 and will be introduced at the football game the following day against Washington State.

We here at Notinhalloffame.com would like to congratulate the soon to be members of the Oregon Athletic Hall of Fame for earning this honor.