http://www.bronkonagurski.com/football daily 1.0 2016-05-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/525c2cabe4b0e9bbe4cabd7f/1382374657629-686G2NBOEZM95AQ0EB3L/Bronko+Nagurski.jpeg FOOTBALL LEGEND Born the oldest of four children in Rainy River, Ontario to Eastern European immigrant parents, Bronko spent his youth in International Falls, Minnesota, a border town. He assisted his father both at the general store in town and as a hand on the family farm. Athletic from a young age, Bronko played both football and basketball in high school. His senior year he transferred to Bemidji High School in hopes of securing a college football scholarship, but was declared ineligible because of the transfer, so he played on their basketball team. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/525c2cabe4b0e9bbe4cabd7f/1382374657629-686G2NBOEZM95AQ0EB3L/Bronko+Nagurski.jpeg FOOTBALL LEGEND Born the oldest of four children in Rainy River, Ontario to Eastern European immigrant parents, Bronko spent his youth in International Falls, Minnesota, a border town. He assisted his father both at the general store in town and as a hand on the family farm. Athletic from a young age, Bronko played both football and basketball in high school. His senior year he transferred to Bemidji High School in hopes of securing a college football scholarship, but was declared ineligible because of the transfer, so he played on their basketball team. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/525c2cabe4b0e9bbe4cabd7f/1382374637714-LVOT3VJPO7PKOX2WCOW5/BN2.jpg FOOTBALL LEGEND Nagurski played both tackle on defense and fullback on offense at the University of Minnesota from 1927 to 1929. In 1929, he was a consensus All-American at tackle and also named All-American at fullback. He is the only athlete to be named All-American at two positions in the same year. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/525c2cabe4b0e9bbe4cabd7f/1382577598432-A22NUKFMM457Y8H6IHEZ/UMvsNorthwestern2.jpg FOOTBALL LEGEND Perhaps his greatest collegiate game was against Wisconsin in 1928. Wearing a corset to protect cracked vertebrae, he recovered a Badger fumble deep in their territory and then ran the ball six straight times to score the go-ahead touchdown. Later in the same game, he intercepted a pass to seal the victory. During his time with the Gophers, the team went 18-4-2 and won the Big Ten Conference championship in 1927. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/525c2cabe4b0e9bbe4cabd7f/1382577046007-NCSEBLXCM42K3VZKCTJ0/Nag+-1.jpg FOOTBALL LEGEND Nagurski played professionally for the Chicago Bears from 1930 to 1937. At 6 feet 2 inches and 235 pounds, he would have been a formidable presence in any era of the NFL, and in his day he was a dominant force in the league, helping the Bears win several division titles and three NFL championships (1932, 1933, 1943). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/525c2cabe4b0e9bbe4cabd7f/1382577279990-JOR0MHB3WKE8WVT9BLP0/Nag+-9.jpg FOOTBALL LEGEND A time-honored and perhaps apocryphal story about Nagurski is a scoring gallop that he made against the Washington Redskins, knocking two linebackers in opposite directions, stomping a defensive halfback and crushing a safety, then bouncing off the goalposts and Wrigley Field's brick wall. On returning to the huddle for the extra point try, he reportedly said: "That last guy hit me awfully hard." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/525c2cabe4b0e9bbe4cabd7f/1382577417310-DX2ZO2CNM70QAD5SFEE2/Nagurski+-12.jpg FOOTBALL LEGEND In addition to his running skills, Bronko was also a devastating blocker. Behind Bronko's blocking, Beattie Feathers (48) was the first player to gain 1,000 yards in a season (1934). Bronko said of his team mate, “Beattie had an uncanny knack for following a blocker and ran with his hand on my hip. Together, he gained a lot of yards." https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/525c2cabe4b0e9bbe4cabd7f/1391968447347-CJUM8ZA5OSTYS03OVXGH/Nag+-2.jpg FOOTBALL LEGEND During World War II, professional football teams were short of players and in 1943 Bronko Nagurski returned to the Bears for one season. He scored a touchdown in the Bears' championship victory against the Washington Redskins. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/525c2cabe4b0e9bbe4cabd7f/1464653304677-D1QVU6R5VMQK1RFAND33/Shoes+Photo+Credit+Jeff+Campagna.jpg FOOTBALL LEGEND - Bronko's Spikes Nagurski's spikes are held in the archives of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, in Canton, Ohio. Photo Credit: Jeff Campagna http://www.bronkonagurski.com/wrestling daily 0.75 2014-02-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/525c2cabe4b0e9bbe4cabd7f/1382493521233-2O21A1G7KBX6AINMAE0X/wrestler.jpg WRESTLING CAREER Bronko began wrestling in February 1933 and won his first match in 2 minutes and 14 seconds. He wrestled January to July and then play football from September to December. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/525c2cabe4b0e9bbe4cabd7f/1382493521233-2O21A1G7KBX6AINMAE0X/wrestler.jpg WRESTLING CAREER Bronko began wrestling in February 1933 and won his first match in 2 minutes and 14 seconds. He wrestled January to July and then play football from September to December. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/525c2cabe4b0e9bbe4cabd7f/1391966272332-L4FQC42D7GBWF956U59A/Screen+Shot+2014-02-09+at+12.14.54+PM.png WRESTLING CAREER - Nagurski vs Sonnenberg Please note: This video does not contain audio. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/525c2cabe4b0e9bbe4cabd7f/1391967684165-6J427WRYBE6Z16RDMKT4/wrestling_belt.jpg WRESTLING CAREER After winning the title in June 1937 by defeating Dean Detten in Minneapolis, he both wrestled and played football for the rest of the year. During one 21 day period, Bronko played in 5 football games and defended his wrestling title 8 times, while traveling from the Midwest to the West Coast, across to the East Coast and back to Midwest. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/525c2cabe4b0e9bbe4cabd7f/1391966971882-BSW11G18OYN8LWEX55ML/Screen+Shot+2014-02-09+at+12.28.09+PM.png WRESTLING CAREER - Nagurski vs. Londos https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/525c2cabe4b0e9bbe4cabd7f/1391967931748-UYJFAD3HEHJK3P3C10Q6/Theater_marque.jpg WRESTLING CAREER He held the NWA (National Wrestling Alliance) title five times from 1937 to 1941. His favorite holds were the rope butt, the flying tackle and the body slam. He retired from wrestling in 1942 and did not resume it until 1946; he retired for good in 1958. http://www.bronkonagurski.com/news2 daily 0.75 2021-12-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/525c2cabe4b0e9bbe4cabd7f/1639081156715-OCFUMVG0O10ZK8R41P08/unnamed.jpg EVENTS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/525c2cabe4b0e9bbe4cabd7f/1639081156715-OCFUMVG0O10ZK8R41P08/unnamed.jpg EVENTS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/525c2cabe4b0e9bbe4cabd7f/1494180111188-518DQR1EZNJXJM5CA6TF/IMG_1732.JPG EVENTS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/525c2cabe4b0e9bbe4cabd7f/1450315026557-9M5UFVR1OPZ9SC67DACC/IMG_0989.jpg EVENTS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/525c2cabe4b0e9bbe4cabd7f/1639081410653-PDITY40MXL8JPVRSFL4L/IMG_0993.jpg EVENTS http://www.bronkonagurski.com/museum daily 0.75 2016-03-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/525c2cabe4b0e9bbe4cabd7f/1382493076160-3XDHWITALYCOTUOG2OOQ/museum+building2.jpg HOMETOWN The Bronko Nagurski Museum, constructed as a wing to the Koochiching County Historical Society, was opened in June of 1993. The museum features exhibits and memorabilia on Bronko's life and career. 214 6th Avenue, International Falls, Minnesota, 56649 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/525c2cabe4b0e9bbe4cabd7f/1382493076160-3XDHWITALYCOTUOG2OOQ/museum+building2.jpg HOMETOWN The Bronko Nagurski Museum, constructed as a wing to the Koochiching County Historical Society, was opened in June of 1993. The museum features exhibits and memorabilia on Bronko's life and career. 214 6th Avenue, International Falls, Minnesota, 56649 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/525c2cabe4b0e9bbe4cabd7f/1382492238081-7TUWCUNFN0F7MOVF0P0N/museum+statue.jpg HOMETOWN The Bronko Nagurski Museum is the first museum dedicated to an individual football player. In the spirit of Bronko, the museum is not elaborate or overstated. Photographs, artifacts, contracts and other materials from Bronko’s distinguished life are on exhibit. The museum is open year-round except holidays, 9am-5pm, Monday through Friday. 214 6th Avenue, International Falls, Minnesota, 56649 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/525c2cabe4b0e9bbe4cabd7f/1382492554839-I19N3JVIFEWJF49BKIET/rainy+lake.jpg HOMETOWN Throughout his careers, after the wrestling matches and legendary football games, and finally upon retirement from professional sports, Bronko returned to the home he made with his family on Rainy Lake, in International Falls, Minnesota. To plan your next trip to The Falls, or just learn more about Bronko's hometown, visit www.rainylake.org. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/525c2cabe4b0e9bbe4cabd7f/1390786665754-4ZNS0H2C2AHIF50UWIUC/smokey.jpg HOMETOWN - Smokey The Bear The giant statue in Smokey Bear Park is the classic Falls Photo opportunity for kiddos and parents alike, snow or shine. http://www.bronkonagurski.com/recognition daily 0.75 2014-04-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/525c2cabe4b0e9bbe4cabd7f/1382578658917-6X95TICAVOZ135B9P5R8/stamps2.jpg CULTURAL RECOGNITION The United States Postal Service issued a stamp on August 8, 2003, honoring Bronko Nagurski as part of a series titled, “Early Football Heroes”, which also includes Red Grange (Chicago Bears), Ernie Nevers (Duluth Eskimos & Chicago Cardinals), and Walter Camp (founder of American football). The official release was at the College Football Hall of Fame at South Bend, Indiana and a Special Issue was held at the Bronko Nagurski Museum in International Falls, Minnesota. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/525c2cabe4b0e9bbe4cabd7f/1382578658917-6X95TICAVOZ135B9P5R8/stamps2.jpg CULTURAL RECOGNITION The United States Postal Service issued a stamp on August 8, 2003, honoring Bronko Nagurski as part of a series titled, “Early Football Heroes”, which also includes Red Grange (Chicago Bears), Ernie Nevers (Duluth Eskimos & Chicago Cardinals), and Walter Camp (founder of American football). The official release was at the College Football Hall of Fame at South Bend, Indiana and a Special Issue was held at the Bronko Nagurski Museum in International Falls, Minnesota. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/525c2cabe4b0e9bbe4cabd7f/1391969092097-Z52G169MJCVGF107YAEG/pro-football-hall-of-fame.jpg CULTURAL RECOGNITION Bronko was inducted as a charter member to the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1963. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/525c2cabe4b0e9bbe4cabd7f/1382578754242-B27GXMN40I17N0T9DW68/monster+gradient2.jpg CULTURAL RECOGNITION In 2003, Thomas Dunne Books published Jim Dent’s “Monster of the Midway” chronicling the Chicago Bears’ legendary 1943 comeback season. Short of players due to WWII, the Bears called Bronko and his battered-frame out of retirement to lead the team to legendary victory against the Washington Redskins at Wrigley Field, a facility that looms large in Bronko’s legend. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/525c2cabe4b0e9bbe4cabd7f/1390782355046-IY4TQSX508QN82D8K1VH/Super+Bowl+Ticket+copy.jpg CULTURAL RECOGNITION Nagurski tossed the coin at Super Bowl XVIII in Tampa, Florida, January 22, 1984. The Los Angeles Raiders defeated the Washington Redskins that year in a final score of 38-9. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/525c2cabe4b0e9bbe4cabd7f/1390784637469-X24U1V2WZGSP9J8AN34S/image-asset.jpeg CULTURAL RECOGNITION - Hearts In Atlantis (Warner Bros) "Hearts in Atlantis is a 2001 film directed by Scott Hicks, starring Anthony Hopkins. It is loosely adapted from Stephen King's novel." (Wikipedia) Video clip credit to Warner Bros. Release date: September 28, 2001 (USA) Director: Scott Hicks Story by: Stephen King Screenplay: William Goldman MPAA rating: PG-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/525c2cabe4b0e9bbe4cabd7f/1382578434555-N51LUWIC01G2GWH1CUPQ/Ode+to+Bronkogradient.jpg CULTURAL RECOGNITION The Nagurski legend looms large in sports mythology, living on in film (Hearts in Atlanis, 2001), TV (According to Jim, 2004), literature (Introduction to The Princess Bride, by William Goldman, 1973) and even poetry (Bronko Nagurski, By J. L. Huggins, 1937). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/525c2cabe4b0e9bbe4cabd7f/1390784954802-X38ZK25A2LQWYGVDWH8R/Nagurski1.jpg CULTURAL RECOGNITION https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/525c2cabe4b0e9bbe4cabd7f/1390787710005-9AKLC93B0SRGHKBXDISY/WWII_Aircraft_Nagurski.jpg CULTURAL RECOGNITION In February 1944, Lt. Fred E. Stone, a Minneapolis native, contacted Bronko through Cedric Adams, a Minneapolis Star Journal columnist, and requested permission to use his name and image as nose art on their new B-24 bomber. The crew successfully navigated the approval process, christened the aircraft and in March it was ferried to England where it was prepared for combat. It’s first bombing mission was on April 9, 1944. May 11, 1944, it was taking off on its 11th mission with a full load of fuel and bombs when its nose wheel collapsed. Fortunately, all of the crew survived but the plane was damaged beyond repair and was retired from service. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/525c2cabe4b0e9bbe4cabd7f/1390789730137-J5QDTH78AGXYQO3IEO3C/According+to+Jim.png CULTURAL RECOGNITION Bronko Nagurski made a "guest appearance" on the ABC sitcom According to Jim, starring Jim Belushi, in 2004, in the episode titled, 'Plot Twist.' Belushi's character contemplates his final resting place and whether or not it should be next to his family, or his legendary sports hero. (Image: ABC) http://www.bronkonagurski.com/about daily 0.75 2014-01-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/525c2cabe4b0e9bbe4cabd7f/1382576099673-KBJJASMA813HMMNS05GE/Nag+-4small2.jpg CONTACT US The Official Site of Bronko Nagurski is designed and operated by Bronko Nagurski Enterprises, the entity run by the Nagurski family to protect and preserve the Bronko Nagurski name. For licensing inquiries, please contact Bronko Nagurski Enterprises at bronkonagurski@gmail.com.   https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/525c2cabe4b0e9bbe4cabd7f/1382576099673-KBJJASMA813HMMNS05GE/Nag+-4small2.jpg CONTACT US The Official Site of Bronko Nagurski is designed and operated by Bronko Nagurski Enterprises, the entity run by the Nagurski family to protect and preserve the Bronko Nagurski name. For licensing inquiries, please contact Bronko Nagurski Enterprises at bronkonagurski@gmail.com.   https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/525c2cabe4b0e9bbe4cabd7f/1382576772317-12N965MCXBYPE2DU8LG1/Nag+-3.jpg CONTACT US For further information on Bronko Nagurski, visit: Bronko Nagurski’s Wikipedia Page Pro Football Hall of Fame Website Chicago Bears Website Nagurski’s Obituary in The New York Times Bronko Nagurski Enterprises YouTube Page https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/525c2cabe4b0e9bbe4cabd7f/1382493735227-AZ4BJZG3WYYKRFZQE9KQ/football3sm.jpg CONTACT US https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/525c2cabe4b0e9bbe4cabd7f/1382493457830-JCVNJJ1DIQFHCZJT0GH0/Nagurski1.jpg CONTACT US https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/525c2cabe4b0e9bbe4cabd7f/1382493602532-XE2KGWO1MNX7BEN5EOSX/Nag+-6.jpg CONTACT US https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/525c2cabe4b0e9bbe4cabd7f/1382493658674-5JMDTJH1RHDFSNJE6R6U/bronko-+chopping+firewoodsm.jpg CONTACT US https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/525c2cabe4b0e9bbe4cabd7f/1382493786570-ZWN5N6UYEAGDNN684EH4/bronko+and+eileen-+returning+from+hawaii+sm.jpg CONTACT US https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/525c2cabe4b0e9bbe4cabd7f/1382493919706-Z4YCCA05TS0RHWKW118L/football2sm.jpg CONTACT US https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/525c2cabe4b0e9bbe4cabd7f/1382493979441-CHCWQJHRCUNCH97TFS3D/Nagurski+-2sm.jpg CONTACT US https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/525c2cabe4b0e9bbe4cabd7f/1382494023318-EQRENO0RTX8GKC82DB9A/Nagurski+-8.jpg CONTACT US http://www.bronkonagurski.com/news daily 0.75 2014-02-13 http://www.bronkonagurski.com/news/2014/1/26/2012-bronko-nagurski-trophy-winner monthly 0.5 2014-02-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/525c2cabe4b0e9bbe4cabd7f/1390880999549-32TI32XOOOHG2S9TRJO4/image-asset.jpeg News22 - 2013 Bronko Nagurski Trophy Winner http://www.bronkonagurski.com/news/2013/10/14/2012-bronko-nagurski-trophy-winner monthly 0.5 2014-02-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/525c2cabe4b0e9bbe4cabd7f/1390792780753-AS1MW4X421IZ4DRIHBXH/2012+Bronko+Trophy+Winner+Manti+Te%27o+AP+Photo.jpg News22 - 2012 Bronko Nagurski Trophy Winner Photo: AP http://www.bronkonagurski.com/news/2014/2/2/nagurski-card-sells-for-350000 monthly 0.5 2014-02-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/525c2cabe4b0e9bbe4cabd7f/1391387688445-EKXZ8AQ6YL86Q5GY0GWM/trading_card.png News22 - Nagurski Card Sells for $350,000 Nagurski Football Trading Card http://www.bronkonagurski.com/video daily 0.75 2016-02-10 http://www.bronkonagurski.com/football3 daily 0.75 2013-10-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/525c2cabe4b0e9bbe4cabd7f/1382305452811-8793CDHZPB2N6EF8OUQX/Bronko+Nagurski Football3 Bronko Nagurski https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/525c2cabe4b0e9bbe4cabd7f/1382305302433-C945EHEPEYS3GVUS0ONF/football.jpg Football3 Bronko Nagurski https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/525c2cabe4b0e9bbe4cabd7f/1381796214814-07A8NLUJ1XY7DSNXO1VT/Chicago+Bears+Promotional+Photo%2C+Nagurski+is+far+left. Football3 Chicago Bears Promotional Photo, Nagurski is far left. http://www.bronkonagurski.com/wrestling3 daily 0.75 2013-10-21 http://www.bronkonagurski.com/awards daily 0.75 2021-12-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/525c2cabe4b0e9bbe4cabd7f/1639081156715-OCFUMVG0O10ZK8R41P08/unnamed.jpg AWARDS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/525c2cabe4b0e9bbe4cabd7f/1494180111188-518DQR1EZNJXJM5CA6TF/IMG_1732.JPG AWARDS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/525c2cabe4b0e9bbe4cabd7f/1450315026557-9M5UFVR1OPZ9SC67DACC/IMG_0989.jpg AWARDS https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/525c2cabe4b0e9bbe4cabd7f/1639081410653-PDITY40MXL8JPVRSFL4L/IMG_0993.jpg AWARDS http://www.bronkonagurski.com/shop daily 0.75 2018-01-29 http://www.bronkonagurski.com/shop/test-item monthly 0.5 2018-01-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/525c2cabe4b0e9bbe4cabd7f/1517190433760-G5H3THW0L6FE2VND10A5/Nagurski3.jpg SHOP - Test Item http://www.bronkonagurski.com/shop/bronko-nagurski-football-image-digital-download-dby37 monthly 0.5 2018-01-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/525c2cabe4b0e9bbe4cabd7f/1517177798143-JODRK26794PPEHTECUNE/Nagurski+Running+thumbnail.jpg SHOP - DIGITAL DOWNLOAD - Bronko Nagurski Football Running Image http://www.bronkonagurski.com/shop/bronko-nagurski-football-image-digital-download monthly 0.5 2018-01-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/525c2cabe4b0e9bbe4cabd7f/1517177392231-633CQ0NXGLX267XVOREM/Bronko+Nagurski+Football+Pose+Thumbnail.jpg SHOP - DIGITAL DOWNLOAD - Bronko Nagurski Football Image