Former Washingtonoffensive lineman Dick Stanfel is a finalist for induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame as a Seniors Committee candidate.
Stanfel, a 6-3, 236-pound guard who played in the NFL from 1951-58, is more closely associated with the Detroit Lions. He played for Washington from 1956-58.
Known as a powerful run blocker, Stanfel earned Pro Bowl berths all three years in Washington.
After a standout college career at the University of San Francisco, Stanfel entered the NFL as a second-round draft pick by Detroit in 1951. He would go on to help the Lions capture NFL titles in 1952 and 1953.
In 1956, Stanfel was traded to Washington as part of a blockbuster four-team deal. He was reunited with his college coach Joe Kuharich, who had become Washington's head coach.
Named Washingtons team captain, Stanfel continued to play at a high level, appearing in 34 games and earning first-team All-Pro honors all three years he played for Washington
Overall, Stanfel was voted to five Pro Bowls in his stellar career and he was named to the All-Decade Team for the 1950s.
After the 1958 season, Stanfel abruptly retired at the age of 31 to pursue a coaching career.
He worked in the college ranks as an offensive line coach at Notre Dame and California and spent nearly two decades as an NFL assistant coach with the Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers, New Orleans Saints and Chicago Bears. He was an interim head coach for the Saints during the 1980 season.
In 2002, Stanfel was named one of the 70 Greatest in franchise history celebrating the franchise's 70th anniversary.
At the time, Stanfel reflected on his tenure with Washington, recalling the team as "a close-knit" group supported by great fans. He mentioned quarterback Eddie LeBaron, linebacker Chuck Drazenovich and defensive end Gene Brito as his most admired teammates.
If Stanfel is inducted into the Hall of Fame when selectors meet on Feb. 4 in Indianapolis, it would be the second consecutive year that a Washington player earned induction as a Seniors candidate. Last year, Washington great Chris Hanburger was inducted as a Seniors candidate.
The Seniors Committee reviews the qualifications and nominates players whose careers took place more than 25 years ago.
