Bronko Nagurski
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Bronislau Nagurski (November 3, 1908–January 7, 1990) was an American football player.
Nagurski was born in Rainy River, Ontario, Canada and his family moved to International Falls, Minnesota on the Canadian-United States border when he was still a boy. Nagurski became a standout at the University of Minnesota, where he played fullback on offense and tackle on defense and was named an All-American.
Nagurski turned professional to play for the Chicago Bears from 1930 to 1937. He was elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a charter member on September 7, 1963. After leaving football, he built a career as a professional wrestler becoming a three-time world heavyweight champion.
During World War II, professional football teams were short of players and in 1943 Bronko Nagurski returned to the Bears for one season. He scored a touchdown in the Bears' championship victory against the Washington Redskins, then returned to wrestling until his retirement in 1960. He lived out a quiet life on the shores of Rainy Lake on the Canadian border.
He died in International Falls and is buried there in the Saint Thomas Cemetery. After his passing, the town of International Falls honored him by opening the Bronko Nagurski Museum in Smokey Bear Park. It is the only museum dedicated to a single football player.
In 1995, Nagurski was again honored when the Football Writers Association of America voted to have his name attached to college football's Defensive Player of the Year trophy (Bronko Nagurski Trophy).
Nagurski became a professional wrestler after retirement to have an income and even won the World Heavyweight Championship. He wrestled from 1933 until 1960 even though he hated it in order to pay his bills.
A fictionalized eyewitness account of Nagurski's comeback game is the subject of a dramatic monologue in the film version of Hearts in Atlantis.
Pro Wrestling Titles
- 1-Time World Heavyweight Champion
- 2-Time NWA World Heavyweight Champion
- 1-Time NWA World Tag Team Champion (Minneapolis verison) (with Verne Gagne)