Longtime NFL head coach Buddy Parker (Lions, Steelers; 1951-1964) was selected yesterday as the lone Coaching/Contributor Finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s 2024 Class.
Parker’s nomination now advances to the Hall’s full 50-member selection committee that will meet prior to the upcoming Super Bowl. If the late head coach receives a minimum 80 percent approval vote of that media group, he officially will be a 2024 inductee. Parker’s coaching record was 107-76-9. He was the head coach when the Lions won the 1952 & 1953 NFL Championship Games.
Also, the late Bud Grant, who died last March at age 95, will be honored this season by the Vikings where he was head coach from 1967-83, 1985. The team will wear its new Classic uniform with a “Bud” signature jersey patch for its September 10 home opener. The Vikings also will have a helmet “Bud” signature sticker on the players’ helmets the entire season. Bud was elected to the Hall of Fame in 1994 with a 168-108-5 career record.
In addition to their coaching expertise, both Parker (Lions, Cardinals; 1935-43) and Grant (Eagles; 1951-52) were proud NFL alumni who played in the league.
