Before breaking barriers as the first Black player on the New York Giants, Emlen Tunnell led a life filled with determination in the face of adversity. Tunnell made history on the football field while displaying true heroism off it as a Coast Guard veteran.
Persevering to Break Football’s Color Barrier
Tunnell displayed grit after a broken neck in college nearly ended his football career. Though rejected from multiple military branches due to injury, he served his country with the Coast Guard from 1943-1946.
After finishing college, Tunnell hitchhiked 150 miles to try out with the Giants. His tenacity paid off with a contract in 1948, becoming the first African American signed to the team.
All-Star Defensive Standout and Champion
As a defensive halfback and safety, Tunnell’s quickness and size made him a perfect fit for the Giants’ “umbrella defense.” His stellar skills earned the nicknames “Offense on Defense” and “The Gremlin.”
Tunnell played 14 seasons total with the Giants and Green Bay Packers. He holds a number of defensive records and appeared in nine Pro Bowls. Tunnell won an NFL Championship with each franchise, in 1956 and 1961.
Recognized as First Black Hall of Famer
With 79 career interceptions, Tunnell set a record that lasted two decades after retirement in 1962. He remains second all-time in picks. Tunnell was fittingly the first Black man and the first pure defensive player inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1967.
After his playing days, Tunnell held coaching roles with the Giants from 1962-1975. He became the first Black coach in franchise history.
Posthumous Recognition of Selfless Heroism
Though unassuming in life, details later emerged about Tunnell’s remarkable World War II service. He saved shipmates from deadly flames and frigid water after their vessels were torpedoed and caught fire.
For his selfless lifesaving actions, Tunnell received the Silver Lifesaving Medal in 2011 and a Coast Guard cutter was commissioned in his name in 2017. Tunnell’s courage on and off the field cemented his legacy as a pioneer and American hero.
