As a new class of football legends prepares to receive their bronze busts during Saturday’s Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony in Canton, Ohio, it’s a fitting time to look back at the Magnolia State’s remarkable place in NFL history. Mississippi has long been known for producing championship coaches, unforgettable college stars and some of the toughest football players the game has ever seen. Among them are just ten native-born players who have reached the sport’s highest honor, the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
With Roger Craig becoming the latest native born Mississippian to enter Canton as part of the Class of 2026, we decided there was no better time to rank the Magnolia State’s ten Pro Football Hall of Famers, from one of football’s most overdue inductees to the player many believe is the greatest of all time.
10. Roger Craig – Running Back
Born: Preston, MS
High School: Davenport Central HS (Davenport, IA)
College: Nebraska (1979–1982)
NFL Career: San Francisco 49ers (1983–1990), Los Angeles Raiders (1991), Minnesota Vikings (1992–1993)
Pro Football Hall of Fame: Class of 2026
Born in the small community of Preston, in Kemper County. Although he moved to Iowa at a young age, Roger Craig grew into one of the NFL’s most revolutionary offensive players. . After starring at the University of Nebraska, Craig was selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the second round of the 1983 NFL Draft and quickly became the perfect weapon in Bill Walsh’s West Coast offense. In 1985, he made history as the first player in NFL history to rush for 1,000 yards and record 1,000 receiving yards in the same season, forever changing how teams viewed the running back position. Over an 11-year NFL career with the 49ers, Raiders and Vikings, Craig rushed for more than 8,100 yards, caught 566 passes, earned four Pro Bowl selections, won three Super Bowl championships and established himself as one of football’s first true dual-threat backs. After years of being one of the Hall of Fame’s most debated omissions, Craig was finally inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a member of the Class of 2026, cementing his legacy as both a pioneer of the modern running back position and one of the greatest football players ever born in Mississippi.
9. Billy Shaw – Guard
Born: Vicksburg, Mississippi
High School: Vicksburg HS
College: Georgia Tech (1957–1960)
NFL/AFL Career: Buffalo Bills (1961–1969, AFL)
Pro Football Hall of Fame: Class of 1999
A native of Vicksburg, Billy Shaw became one of the greatest offensive linemen of his era despite never playing a down in the NFL. After earning All-American honors at Georgia Tech, Shaw was selected first overall by the Buffalo Bills in the 1961 AFL Draft and spent his entire nine-year professional career helping establish the American Football League as a legitimate rival to the NFL. A cornerstone of Buffalo’s dominant offensive line, he was named an AFL All-Star eight times, earned five First-Team All-AFL selections, and helped lead the Bills to back-to-back AFL championships in 1964 and 1965. When Shaw was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1999, he became the only player in Canton whose entire professional career was spent exclusively in the AFL, a testament to both his individual greatness and the lasting impact he had on one of football’s most influential leagues. Shaw sadly passed away October 5, 2024 at the age of 85.
8. Frank “Bruiser” Kinard – Offensive Tackle / Defensive Lineman
Born: Pelahatchie, MS
High School: Central HS (Jackson)
College: Ole Miss (1935–1937)
NFL Career: Brooklyn Dodgers (NFL) (1938–1944), New York Yankees (AAFC) (1946), New York Bulldogs (1947)
Pro Football Hall of Fame: Class of 1971
Born in Pelahatchie and raised in the Jackson area, Frank “Bruiser” Kinard earned his nickname through a bruising style of play that made him one of football’s first dominant linemen. After becoming an All-American at Ole Miss, Kinard was selected by the Brooklyn Dodgers in 1938 and quickly established himself as one of the NFL’s premier tackles during an era when players routinely played on both offense and defense. A six-time First-Team All-Pro selection, Kinard’s combination of toughness, athleticism and durability helped set the standard for future generations of offensive and defensive linemen. Following his playing career, he continued to influence the game as both a college and professional coach before being inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1971. As one of the earliest stars to emerge from Mississippi, “Bruiser” Kinard helped put the Magnolia State on the football map and remains one of the true pioneers of professional football. Kinnard passed away in 1985 at the age of 70.
7. Lem Barney – Cornerback
Born: Gulfport, MS
High School: 33rd Avenue HS (Gulfport)
College: Jackson State (1964–1966)
NFL Career: Detroit Lions (1967–1977)
Pro Football Hall of Fame: Class of 1992
Born in Gulfport and raised in McComb, Lem Barney developed into one of the NFL’s premier defensive backs after an outstanding collegiate career at Jackson State under legendary coach John Merritt. Selected second overall by the Detroit Lions in the 1967 NFL Draft, Barney made an immediate impact by intercepting 10 passes as a rookie, earning NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors. Over his 11-year career, he recorded 56 interceptions, earned seven Pro Bowl selections, was named a First-Team All-Pro five times, and became one of the league’s most feared shutdown cornerbacks thanks to his elite speed and instincts. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1992, Barney remains one of the greatest defensive players ever produced by Mississippi and helped pave the way for future stars from Jackson State and historically Black colleges across the South.
6. Willie Brown – Cornerback
Born: Yazoo City, MS
High School: Taylor HS (Yazoo City)
College: Grambling State (1959–1962)
NFL Career: Denver Broncos (1963–1966, AFL), Oakland Raiders (1967–1978)
Pro Football Hall of Fame: Class of 1984
Born in Yazoo City, Willie Brown overcame being overlooked in the NFL Draft to become one of the greatest cornerbacks in professional football history. After starring at Grambling State under legendary coach Eddie Robinson, Brown began his career with the Denver Broncos before finding his home with the Oakland Raiders, where he became the leader of one of the NFL’s most intimidating defenses. During his 16-year professional career, Brown intercepted 54 passes, earned nine Pro Bowl selections, was named a First-Team All-Pro four times, and helped lead the Raiders to victory in Super Bowl XI, punctuated by his iconic 75-yard interception return for a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1984, Brown’s physical style, football intelligence, and leadership made him one of the defining defensive backs of his generation and one of Mississippi’s greatest contributions to the game. He passed away in 2019 at the age of 78.
5. Jackie Slater – Offensive Tackle
Born: Jackson, MS
High School: Wingfield HS (Jackson)
College: Jackson State (1972–1975)
NFL Career: Los Angeles Rams (1976–1995)
Pro Football Hall of Fame: Class of 2001
Born and raised in Jackson, Jackie Slater built one of the longest and most respected careers ever by an NFL offensive lineman. After an outstanding career at Jackson State, where he became one of the nation’s premier tackles, Slater was selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the third round of the 1976 NFL Draft and went on to spend all 20 of his NFL seasons with the franchise. Renowned for his durability, technique and consistency, Slater earned seven Pro Bowl selections, was named a First-Team All-Pro three times, and became the first offensive lineman to play in 20 NFL seasons. His longevity and excellence set the standard for generations of offensive tackles, and his leadership earned the admiration of teammates and opponents alike. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2001, Slater remains one of the greatest offensive linemen in league history and one of Mississippi’s most accomplished football legends.
4. Lance Alworth – Wide Receiver
Born: Brookhaven, MS
High School: Brookhaven HS
College: Arkansas (1959–1961)
NFL/AFL Career: San Diego Chargers (1962–1970), Dallas Cowboys (1971–1972)
Pro Football Hall of Fame: Class of 1978
Born and raised in Brookhaven, Lance Alworth became one of the first true superstar wide receivers in professional football. After earning All-American honors at the University of Arkansas, Alworth chose the AFL’s San Diego Chargers over the NFL and quickly transformed the passing game with his rare combination of speed, athleticism and big-play ability. Nicknamed “Bambi” for his graceful running style, he was selected to seven AFL All-Star Games, earned seven First-Team All-AFL honors, led the league in receiving yards three times, and helped the Chargers capture the 1963 AFL Championship. He later finished his career with the Dallas Cowboys, winning Super Bowl VI before retiring. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1978, Alworth is widely regarded as one of the greatest receivers of all time and helped redefine the position decades before the modern passing era, making him one of Mississippi’s most influential football legends.
3. Brett Favre – Quarterback
Hometown: Kiln, MS
High School: Hancock HS (Kiln, MS)
College: Southern Miss (1987–1990)
NFL Career: Atlanta Falcons (1991), Green Bay Packers (1992–2007), New York Jets (2008), Minnesota Vikings (2009–2010)
Pro Football Hall of Fame: Class of 2016
Born and raised in the Kiln, Brett Favre developed into one of the greatest quarterbacks the NFL has ever seen after starring at Southern Miss, where he became one of the most accomplished players in school history. Selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the second round of the 1991 NFL Draft before being traded to the Green Bay Packers, Favre blossomed into the face of the franchise and one of the league’s most electrifying players. During his remarkable 20-year NFL career, he won an unprecedented three consecutive NFL Most Valuable Player awards (1995–97), led the Packers to victory in Super Bowl XXXI, earned 11 Pro Bowl selections, and retired as the NFL’s all-time leader in passing yards, touchdown passes and victories by a starting quarterback. His streak of 297 consecutive starts, including the playoffs, remains one of the most extraordinary records in professional sports. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2016, Favre’s toughness, gunslinger mentality and unforgettable career cemented his place as not only Mississippi’s greatest quarterback, but one of the most iconic players in NFL history.
2. Walter Payton – Running Back
Hometown: Columbia, MS
High School: Jefferson HS & Columbia HS
College: Jackson State (1971–1974)
NFL Career: Chicago Bears (1975–1987)
Pro Football Hall of Fame: Class of 1993
Born and raised in Columbia, Walter Payton became one of the most beloved and complete players in NFL history. After a record-breaking career at Jackson State, where he rushed for more than 3,500 yards and scored an NCAA-record 65 rushing touchdowns at the time, Payton was selected fourth overall by the Chicago Bears in the 1975 NFL Draft. Nicknamed “Sweetness,” he combined power, speed, balance and unmatched determination to become the NFL’s all-time leading rusher upon his retirement with 16,726 rushing yards. During his 13-year career, Payton earned nine Pro Bowl selections, was named First-Team All-Pro five times, won the NFL Most Valuable Player Award in 1977, and helped lead the Bears to a victory in Super Bowl XX. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1993, Payton’s impact reached far beyond the football field, with the NFL’s prestigious Walter Payton Man of the Year Award bearing his name. Nearly four decades after his retirement, “Sweetness” remains the gold standard for excellence, toughness and character, making him one of the greatest running backs, and greatest football players, the game has ever known. Sadly, he would pass away in 1999 and the age of 46.
1. Jerry Rice – Wide Receiver
Hometown: Crawford, Mississippi
High School: B. L. Moor High School (Crawford, Mississippi)
College: Mississippi Valley State University (1981–1984)
NFL Career: San Francisco 49ers (1985–2000), Oakland Raiders (2001–2004), Seattle Seahawks (2004)
Pro Football Hall of Fame: Class of 2010
Born in the small Oktibbeha County community of Crawford, Jerry Rice rose from humble beginnings to become the greatest wide receiver—and arguably the greatest player—in NFL history. After rewriting the NCAA record books at Mississippi Valley State alongside quarterback Willie Totten in the school’s high-powered “Satellite Express” offense, Rice was selected 16th overall by the San Francisco 49ers in the 1985 NFL Draft. Over an extraordinary 20-year NFL career, he became the league’s all-time leader in receptions (1,549), receiving yards (22,895), and receiving touchdowns (197), records that still stand today. Rice earned 13 Pro Bowl selections, was named a First-Team All-Pro 10 times, won three Super Bowl championships with the 49ers, and was named the Most Valuable Player of Super Bowl XXIII. Inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010, Rice’s relentless work ethic, unmatched consistency and record-shattering career have made him the standard by which every wide receiver is measured, cementing his place as not only Mississippi’s greatest football player, but one of the greatest athletes in the history of American sports.
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