Fresno Standouts Ellard, McDonald, Neal Nominated for Pro Football HOF
GV-Wire-1
By gvwire
Published 5 years ago on
September 13, 2019
Photo of Henry Ellard preparing to catch a football in a Los Angeles Rams uniform
Photo of Henry Ellard preparing to catch a football in a Los Angeles Rams uniform

Share

Former San Francisco 49ers strong safety Tim McDonald of Fresno, a linchpin of the defense in the franchise’s 1995 Super Bowl victory, was nominated Thursday for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
In addition, former Fresno State stars Henry Ellard and Lorenzo Neal were among the 122 modern-era played nominated.
McDonald was an All-American at Edison High School and USC before embarking on an NFL career that saw him named to six Pro Bowls — three each with the Phoenix Cardinals and the 49ers. Known as one of the hardest-hitting and most cerebral defenders in the game, he was named first-All Pro once and second-team All-Pro five times during his career.
Over 191 NFL games, he made 1,263 tackles, with 40 interceptions and 16 fumble recoveries.

Photo of 49ers strong safety Tim McDonald returning an interception
Former Edison High standout Tim McDonald, who won a Super Bowl with the San Francisco 49ers, is a Pro Football Hall of Fame nominee. (nfl.com)

Ellard Retired as NFL No. 3 All-Time Leading Receiver

Many analysts consider Ellard among the most underrated players in NFL history. Recruited out of Hoover High by Fresno State, he broke nearly every Bulldogs receiving record and set a then-NCAA record with 1,510 receiving yards in 1982. He still holds the NCAA record for yards per catch in a season, 24.4, also in 1982.
During his 16-year NFL career, Ellard led the league in receiving (1988 with the Los Angeles Rams), was a two-time All-Pro choice, and was named to three Pro Bowls. He retired as the third-leading receiver in NFL history with 13,777 yards and 65 touchdowns. He also gained 1,527 yards returning punts, 364 yard returning kickoffs, 50 rushing yards, and returned four punts touchdowns.

Experts Say Neal Is Best Blocking Fullback Ever

Neal perhaps is the best blocking fullback in NFL history. He blocked for tailbacks who gained 1,000 yards or more in 11 straight seasons from 1997 to 2007 during a 16-year NFL career.

Watch: Tomlinson Gets Hall of Fame Jacket from Lorenzo Neal


Notably, Neal was named the NFL’s All-Decade Team for the 2000s, and earned All-Pro accolades three times.
After starring at Lemoore High, he came to Fresno State where he was a powerful runner as well as a devastating blocker.
The modern-era players list will be reduced to 25 semifinalists in November and to 15 finalists in early January 2020. The finalists will then be presented to the full 48-member Pro Football Hall of Fame selection committee during its annual meeting on “Selection Saturday,” the day before Super Bowl LIV.

Photo of Lorenzo running with a football for the San Diego Chargers
Lorenzo Neal paved the way for tailbacks to gain at least 1,000 yards rushing in 11 straight seasons.
 

DON'T MISS

Records Show That Valley Children’s Leader Suntrapak’s Pay Exceeds $5 Million

DON'T MISS

The 49ers Have Been Docked a 2025 Fifth-Round Draft Pick for an Accounting Error

DON'T MISS

Fresno Bank Sued. It Allegedly Helped Bitwise Commit Fraud.

DON'T MISS

Ohtani to Begin Throwing Program Soon. Roberts Hints Dodgers Star Might Play in the Field

DON'T MISS

March Madness is Here. UConn, Purdue, Houston and North Carolina Get Top Seeding in NCAA Tournament

DON'T MISS

These Fresno Eclipse Chasers Are Hoping For 4 Minutes of Darkened Bliss in Texas

DON'T MISS

Hutson Is Done as Fresno State Basketball Coach After Tournament Loss

DON'T MISS

Aaron Donald Announces His Retirement After a Standout 10-Year Career With the Rams

DON'T MISS

Former 49ers DT Arik Armstead Agrees to a 3-Year, $51 Million Deal with the Jaguars, AP Source Says

DON'T MISS

Baseball Superstar Ohtani and His Wife Arrive in South Korea for Dodgers-Padres MLB Opener

No data was found

The 49ers Have Been Docked a 2025 Fifth-Round Draft Pick for an Accounting Error

12 hours ago

Fresno Bank Sued. It Allegedly Helped Bitwise Commit Fraud.

Bitwise /

12 hours ago

How California’s Prized Solution for Methane Gas Is Backfiring on Farmers

Environment /

15 hours ago

Supreme Court Seems Favorable to Biden Administration Over Efforts to Combat Social Media Posts

15 hours ago

Putin Extends Rule in Preordained Russian Election After Harshest Crackdown Since Soviet Era

15 hours ago

Ohtani to Begin Throwing Program Soon. Roberts Hints Dodgers Star Might Play in the Field

16 hours ago

Trump: Some Migrants Are ‘Not People’, There’ll Be a ‘Bloodbath’ if I Lose

16 hours ago

Tech Lawyer and Philanthropist Nicole Shanahan Rumored as RFK Jr.’s VP Pick

News /

16 hours ago

March Madness is Here. UConn, Purdue, Houston and North Carolina Get Top Seeding in NCAA Tournament

16 hours ago

Crafts Retailer Joann Files for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy as Consumers Cut Back on Pandemic-Era Hobbies

17 hours ago

Records Show That Valley Children’s Leader Suntrapak’s Pay Exceeds $5 Million

■Valley Children’s paid CEO Todd Suntrapak $5.2 million in 2021. The hospital also gave him a $5 million forgivable home loan. ■The Va...
Healthcare /

11 hours ago

Healthcare /
11 hours ago

Records Show That Valley Children’s Leader Suntrapak’s Pay Exceeds $5 Million

Local Education /
11 hours ago

3 Valley Schools Honored by State as Model Community Day Schools

Local Education /
12 hours ago

Will FUSD Trustees Look First Only at Internal Candidates in Superintendent Search?

12 hours ago

The 49ers Have Been Docked a 2025 Fifth-Round Draft Pick for an Accounting Error

Bitwise /
12 hours ago

Fresno Bank Sued. It Allegedly Helped Bitwise Commit Fraud.

Environment /
15 hours ago

How California’s Prized Solution for Methane Gas Is Backfiring on Farmers

15 hours ago

Supreme Court Seems Favorable to Biden Administration Over Efforts to Combat Social Media Posts

15 hours ago

Putin Extends Rule in Preordained Russian Election After Harshest Crackdown Since Soviet Era

MENU

CONNECT WITH US

Search

Send this to a friend