While Rosey Grier was better known for being one of the inaugural members of the Los Angeles Rams' "Fearsome Foursome," the defensive stalwart was a better player in the first two-thirds of his professional career when he was with the New York Giants. Grier helped the New York win the 1956 NFL Championship, and the two Pro Bowls (1956 and 1960) he was named to was as a Giant. He would also be selected as a First Team All-Pro in 1956 and was a two-time Second Team All-Pro.
Selected in the 2nd Round out of the University of Arkansas in 1938, Jim Benton would go onto be one of the first great receivers in the history of the Rams franchise. Benton led the NFL in Yards per Reception as a rookie and was named to the Pro Bowl in his second season. He took 1941 off and returned to the NFL in 1942, and due to a heart murmur, he was not permitted to enlist in the U.S. Military for World War II. He was loaned to the Chicago Bears in 1943 as the Rams were unable to field a team due to a depletion of talent but returned in 1944 and 1945 and 1946 but together two excellent seasons where he was the NFL leader in Receiving Yards.
A late round draft pick by the Washington Redskins from Loyola Marymount in 1951, Gene Brito would play on both sides of the ball in his first two seasons. The End was certainly solid in his role, but by 1953, Brito was focused on the Left Defensive End position and was chosen for his first Pro Bowl.
Ox Emerson was a member of the NFL All-Decade 1930's Team. He started his professional football career in 1931 with the Portsmouth Spartans. In his second season, he was selected to his first of five straight First Team All-Pros. Despite being ironically nicknamed due to his height of under six feet and weight of less than 200 pounds, Emerson used his skill and smaller size to his advantage, evading tacklers with his footwork and positioning.
After the Spartans relocated to Detroit, the team was renamed the Lions. Emerson played a crucial role in their Championship win in 1935. Throughout his career, his work in the trenches was a vital part of the team's rushing success, making him one of the best Linemen that Detroit ever had. Emerson has been a Centennial Slate Hall of Fame Finalist, indicating that he has a possible chance of gaining entry through a seniors committee in the future.