Don Paul (1986) - Hall of Fame

Don Paul

Induction:
1986

One of a long list of great UCLA centers and linebackers, Don Paul's career spanned a pair of two-year periods (1943-1944 and 1946-1947) because of his two-year stint in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Despite his remarkable on-field talent, Paul may best be remembered as one of the Bruins' most outstanding team leaders. After graduation, he joined the NFL's Los Angeles Rams, who originally had drafted him as a "future" selection in 1946. He helped the club to the NFL championship in 1951, then made the Pro Bowl each of the next three years. He retired following the 1955 season. From 1957-1958 he coached the Chicago All-Stars, and then became the Los Angeles Rams' defensive coach until 1961. He then became a football broadcaster for television.