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Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026

Is Adam Vinatieri the only SD-born player in the Pro Football Hall of Fame?

Michael Klinski, South Dakota News Watch
no

Kicker Adam Vinatieri became the second South Dakota-born player to be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame when his induction was announced. 

Norm Van Brocklin, who was born in 1926 in Dewey County, was the first. He moved to California with his family when he was 5. Van Brocklin went on to play nine seasons for the Los Angeles Rams and three for the Philadelphia Eagles, where he won an NFL championship in 1960. 

Van Brocklin led the league in passing yards three times. He was inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame in 1966 (Oregon) and the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1971.

Vinatieri, who was born in Yankton and attended Rapid City Central and South Dakota State, is the NFL’s leader in points scored. He kicked the game-winning field goals in Super Bowl XXXVI and XXXVIII and won four titles in 24 seasons. 

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