Ranking all the Minnesota Vikings in the Pro Football Hall of Fame
By Adam Carlson
20. Hugh McElhenny
- Position: Halfback
- Years with Vikings: 1961-1962
- Years in the NFL: 1952-1964
- Other teams associated with: 49ers, Giants, and Lions
- Enshrinement year: 1970
Nicknamed “The King”, Hugh McElhenny was the #9 overall selection in the 1952 NFL Draft. He exploded onto the scene as a rookie for the San Francisco 49ers, taking his first professional carry for a 40-yard touchdown.
McElhenny was a threat in multiple different ways, including running the football, receiving, and handing punt returns. Among the accolades he earned was a Rookie of the Year, 6 Pro Bowls, 5 All-Pro First Team nods, his number retired by the 49ers, and being placed in the 49ers Hall of Fame.
The star halfback came to Minnesota in 1961 through the expansion draft. That year, he led the Vikings in rushing, scoring 7 touchdowns and bringing a punt back to the house. After two years with the team, Minnesota traded the rights to “The King” to the New York Giants for two draft selections and a player to be named later.
His great 13-year career ended with 5,281 rushing yards, 3,247 receiving yards, 920 punt return yards, 1,921 kick return yards, and a total of 60 touchdowns during the regular season. His time with the Vikings was short, but he will always be remembered as “The King” of the “Million Dollar Backfield” in San Francisco.