134. Nolan Cromwell

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Nolan Cromwell played his entire career with the Los Angeles Rams (1977-87), and after winning the starting free safety job in 1979, he became one of the top Defensive Backs in the early 1980s, where his ability to anticipate routes had few equals.

From 1980 to 1983, Cromwell went to the Pro Bowl, and he earned First Team All-Pro honors in the first three of those years.  Notably, in his fourth Pro Bowl (1983), he earned that accolade as a strong safety rather than his previous position at free safety. Overall, he recorded 37 Interceptions over his career and was often used on special teams as one of the most reliable holders in history.

After his playing career ended, Cromwell became a successful coach, most notably winning a Super Bowl XXXI Ring as the Wide Receivers Coach for the Green Bay Packers.

The Bullet Points

  • Country of Origin: Smith Center, Kansas, U.S.A.
  • Eligible Since: Friday, 01 January 1993
  • Position: Safety
  • Games Played: 161
  • Notable Statistics: 124 Games Started
    37 Interceptions
    671 Interception Return Yards
    4 Interception Return Touchdowns
    19 Fumble Recoveries
    24 Fumble Recovery Yards
    12 Forced Fumbles*
    2.0 Quarterback Sacks**
    7 Rushing Attempts
    55 Rushing Yards
    3 Rushing Touchdowns
    1 Extra Point Made
    1 Extra Point Made
    1 Punt Return
    8 Punt Return Yards
    1 Kick Return
    3 Kick Return Yards
    0 Pass Completion
    1 Pass Attempt
    86 Approximate Value

    12 Playoff Games
    10 Playoff Games Started
    2 Interceptions
    44 Interception Return Yards
    1 Forced Fumble*
    1 Rushing Attempt
    7 Rushing Yards

    *Forced Fumbles were unofficially calculated by Pro Football Reference from 1978 to 1998
    **Quarterback Sacks were unofficially calculated by Pro Football Reference from 1960 to 1981.
  • Played For: Los Angeles Rams
  • College: Kansas
  • Drafted: 2nd Round, 31st Overall in 1977
  • Major Accolades and Awards:

    Super Bowl Champion (None)
    UPI Defensive Player of the Year (1) (1980)
    First Team All-Pro Selection (3) (1980, 1981 & 1983)
    Pro Bowl Selection (4) (1980, 1981, 1982 & 1983)

  • Other Points of Note:

    Top Ten Defensive Player of the Year Finishes:
    4th in 1980

    Top Ten Finishes: Interceptions (1) (1980)
    Top Ten Finishes: Interception Return Yards (1) (1980)

  • Notable All Time Rankings: 61. Interception Return Yards: 671
  • Years Nominated for the Hall of Fame: None

Should Nolan Cromwell be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 67.9%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 7.1%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 10.7%
No opinion. - 0%
No way! - 14.3%
Last modified on Tuesday, 22 September 2026 01:12

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