Don Who? A Case For Don Hutson

Before there were wide-receiver greats such as Randy Moss, Jerry Rice, and even Steve Largent, there was Don Hutson.

Before names such as Favre, Hornung, and Starr were heard throughout the hallowed halls of Lambeau Field, there was Don Hutson.

So why is it then that Hutson rarely gets the credit he deserves as one of the best players that ever played the game?

For some, it might be the fact that Hutson played in a pre-Super Bowl league, or even the fact that Hutson played almost 70-years ago when the Green and Gold was the...Blue and Gold?!?

Regardless of the reason, it is an unacceptable notion to forget the Father of the Modern WR. Aside from the numerous receiver routes that he created (and are still used by many players today), here is a quick look at some of his stats.

488 Receptions

7,991 Yards

(An astounding) 99 touchdowns

Hutson is also a member of the '30's All-Decade Team, NFL 75th Anniversary All-Time Team, a charter member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the Green Bay Packer Hall of Fame, and last but definitely not least, the eight NFL receiving records that Hutson still holds decades after he retired.

Damn. That's an impressive resume.

During a time when teams did not have an "air attack," Hutson tore apart defenses. In a league where teams played a maximum of 12 games a year, Hutson put up numbers that most receivers can only dream of getting in 16 games a year. 

And if it is a versatile player that you're looking for, Hutson also played (successfully) safety, kicker, and punter.

I wish I had the time to exemplify the career of Hutson, but I can only hope that this article gives Hutson a partial piece of the credit he deserves. 

So next time you discuss the greatest players in NFL history, don't be surprised to hear the name Don Hutson mentioned among the best the league has ever seen.

Go Pack Go.