Jim Nance
In a year that the franchise celebrated its 50th anniversary, Patriots fans had an opportunity to vote for one of three hall of fame finalists, each of whom were perennial American Football League (AFL) All-Stars for the then Boston Patriots. The Patriots announced that fullback Jim Nance earned the honor of becoming the 14th player and the first running back to be inducted into the team's hall of fame.
Career Overview
Jim Nance played for the Patriots for seven seasons, appearing in 94 games from 1965-71. His 45 rushing touchdowns are a franchise record, while his 5,323 rushing yards place second in team history. He was the American Football League's Most Valuable Player in 1966, leading the league with 1,458 rushing yards - the highest single-season total in the AFL's 10-year history and a mark that stood as a Patriots record for 20 years. Nance was the AFL's leading rusher again in 1967, totaling 1,216 yards. He was selected by the Patriots in the 19th round of the 1965 American Football League Draft out of Syracuse.
(From the 1971 Patriots Media Guide)
"Big Bo" ... has been considered in the recent past the top power runner in pro football ... holds the all-time AFL records for most yards gained rushing in a single season ... led the AFL in rushing in 1966 and 1967 ... in 1969 won league's Comeback of the Year Award as runner-up for league's rushing crown ... this strong performance followed ankle surgery after injury-plagued 1968 campaign ... missed last year's training camp because of late signing ... this caused him to lose his edge on timing and conditioning ... eventually missed several games due to injury ... this year he plans to play at 225 pounds -- his lowest pro weight ever ... scored his 40th career rushing touchdown last year ... needs only 140 yards to hit career high of 5000 yards rushing as a pro ... just two years ago, Nance and Carl Garrett were the top rushing tandem in pro football ... could regain that form behind healthy offensive line ... AFL's Most Valauble Player in 1966 ... two-time All-League performer ... two time NCAA heavyweight wrestling champ ... lost only one match in 92 in three varsity wrestling seasons ... tremendous strength straight ahead is combined with exceptional quickness for a big man.
