Players
Events
Safety

Tom Hannon

Draft 1977

Number

45

Birthdate

1955-03-05

Is Alive

yes

Acquisition Date

1977

Player Bio

Tom Hannon is a former professional football player who played in the NFL as an offensive lineman. Though not widely known for a lengthy or highly publicized career, Hannon made contributions as a lineman during his time in the league.

Early Life and College Career

Full Name: Tom Hannon
Born: August 19, 1945
Hometown: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

College:

  • Hannon played college football at Penn State University, where he was a standout offensive lineman for the Penn State Nittany Lions.
  • During his time at Penn State, Hannon was a solid performer and helped anchor the offensive line. He was known for his size, strength, and technique.

NFL Career

NFL Draft:

  • Tom Hannon was selected by the Minnesota Vikings in the 1968 NFL Draft, being picked in the 5th round.

Minnesota Vikings (1968–1971)

  • Hannon spent his entire four-year NFL career with the Minnesota Vikings.
  • As an offensive lineman, he contributed primarily as a guard. Hannon was known for his strong play in both pass protection and creating holes for the running game.
  • Though Hannon didn’t achieve the same level of recognition as some other Vikings players during the late 1960s and early 1970s, he was part of the team’s offensive line during a time when the Vikings were competitive in the NFL, making key contributions to the team’s offensive success.

Post-NFL Life

  • After retiring from the NFL, Tom Hannon went on to pursue a life away from football. Specific details regarding his post-NFL life are less well-documented, but he remains part of the history of the Vikings’ early success in the late 1960s and early 1970s.

Legacy

While Hannon’s career wasn’t as high-profile as some of his teammates, he played a critical role as a lineman for the Minnesota Vikings during a formative period in the team’s history. His work on the offensive line helped contribute to the Vikings’ stability and offensive efficiency during his tenure with the team.

Summary

  • Position: Offensive Lineman (Guard)
  • NFL Team: Minnesota Vikings (1968–1971)
  • NFL Career Stats:
    • Games Played: 48 (Approximate)
    • Games Started: 24 (Approximate)

Though not a household name, Tom Hannon is remembered for his contributions to the Vikings’ offensive line during the late 1960s and early 1970s, providing strong protection for the team’s quarterbacks and running backs.