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341. Gaynell Tinsley

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There are only three seasons to draw from in the professional career of Gaynell Tinsley, but it was deemed good enough to get him an All-Decade Selection for the 1930s.

One of the great stars at LSU of the 1930s, Gaynell Tinsley, was a second-round pick in 1937, and he would dazzle as a rookie, where he led the NFL in Receiving Yards with 675, a record at the time.  Immediately, Tinsley became one of the NFL’s best receivers, a mantle he held again in 1938, when he ranked second in Receiving Yards (516) but led the league in Receptions.  He took 1939 off to focus on Baseball (he played in the minors), but he returned in 1940.  That comeback was short-lived as a torn ligament took him out, forcing him to end his season early.  He retired after that, but many considered him one of the best receivers of his era.

That fact alone should garner him Pro Football Hall of Fame consideration.

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The Bullet Points

  • Country of Origin: Ruple, Louisiana, U.S.A.
  • Eligible Since: Tuesday, 01 January 1963
  • Position: End
  • Games Played: 29
  • Notable Statistics: 25 Games Started
    93 Receptions
    1,356 Receiving Yards
    7 Receiving Touchdowns
    6 Rushing Attempts
    45 Rushing Yards
    2 Interceptions
    10 Interception Return Yards

    No Playoff Games
  • Played For: Chicago Cardinals
  • College: LSU
  • Drafted: 2nd Round, 12th Overall in 1937
  • Major Accolades and Awards:

    NFL Championships (None)
    NFL 1930s All-Decade Team
    First Team All-Pro Selection (1) (1937)
    Pro Bowl Selection (1) (1938)
    Most Receptions (1) (1938)
    Most Receiving Yards (1) (1937)

  • Other Points of Note:

    Top Ten Finishes: Receptions (2) (1937 & 1938)
    Top Ten Finishes: Receiving Yards (2) (1937 & 1938)
    Top Ten Finishes: Receiving Touchdowns (1) (1937)
    Top Ten Finishes: Touchdowns (1) (1937)
    Top Ten Finishes: Points Scored (1) (1937)
    Top Ten Finishes: Yards from Scrimmage (2) (1937 & 1938)
    Top Ten Finishes: All-Purpose Yards (2) (1937 & 1938)

  • Notable All Time Rankings: None.
  • Years Nominated for the Hall of Fame: None

Should Gaynell Tinsley be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 0%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 33.3%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 66.7%
No opinion. - 0%
No way! - 0%
Last modified on Wednesday, 30 September 2026 04:59

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