Packers' Robinson finalist for Hall of Fame, Kramer denied
GREEN BAY - One former Vince Lombardi Packer has made the next-to-last cut for consideration in the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but despite a powerful plea from family, Hall of Fame colleagues and others, another one failed to make the cut.
Dave Robinson, a linebacker with Vince Lombardi's Green Bay Packers from 1963-67 and eventually through 1972 in Green Bay, is a finalist for induction in Canton. The final decision on his potential induction will come in February of 2013.
Guard Jerry Kramer was a member of five Packers NFL championship teams during his 11-year career (1958-68), but he did not receive the finalist status.
He was part of Vince Lombardi-coached championship teams in 1961-62 and 1965-67, the only franchise ever to win three consecutive NFL championships.
Robinson played starting linebacker on the triple-championship teams. He was a four-time all-pro.
He consistently was one of the best pass-defending linebackers in the sport, and his pass rush of Don Meredith in the 1966 NFL Championship Game in the final 30 seconds of the game led to the clinching interception in the Packers' 34-27 win over the Dallas Cowboys.
"I look back on it now...we're the only team in modern history to win three consecutive championships. That's the biggest pride," said Robinson to Newsradio 620 WTMJ's Jay Sorgi. "Nobody has done it before or after."
Kramer's block helped to spring Bart Starr into the end zone during the Ice Bowl one year later, and it became one of the most famous blocks in NFL history.
" 'You don't do things right once in a while, you do them right all the time!' I hear that over and over again in my mind, and I hear so many of the things he said in my life today, and he still has a profound impact on my life," said Kramer, a five-time all-pro, to Sorgi about the coach of those Packers teams.
Those squads also won the first two Super Bowls following the 1966-67 season.
This site uses Facebook comments to make it easier for you to contribute. If you see a comment you would like to flag for spam or abuse, click the "x" in the upper right of it. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use.