Emlen Tunnell: The Charismatic Life of a WWII Hero and NFL Legend

By David Lyons

The most successful Black football star of his era, and, in 1967, the first Black inductee to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, Emlen Tunnell is, sadly, almost forgotten now. Emlen enlisted in the Coast Guard during WWII. He saved shipmates from peril; one who was on fire, the other who had fallen overboard into frigid ice water.Tunnell followed his United States Coast Guard service playing for the University of Iowa. Hawkeye fans nicknamed him "the Gremlin" for causing havoc in the air, reminiscent of the damage caused by phantom gremlins of WWII. He became a triple threat, by running, passing, and catching the football and a menace on defense.During the summer of 1948, Tunnell hitchhiked a ride to the New York Giants office to ask for a tryout. He became the first Black player on their team, playing safety and earning the nickname: "Mr. Offense on Defense." Vince Lombardi recruited Tunnell to help him rebuild the Green Bay Packers. After three seasons the Packers went from one of the worst teams to winning the NFL Championship in 1961. Despite facing racism and discrimination both on and off the field, Tunnell's charm, intelligence, and charisma were truly disarming. He often mentored his teammates and introduced them to Black culture. After playing for 14 seasons in the NFL, Tunnell became an NFL scout and the first Black assistant coach for the Giants until his untimely death in 1975 at the New York Giants summer training camp.David Lyons's touching biography of Emlen Tunnell highlights the remarkable journey of this extraordinary man athlete, who captivated fans with his exceptional skills in kick and punt returns, tackling, and pass interceptions. He transformed the safety position into a thrilling position, making it as dynamic and engaging as that of a running back.Emlen Tunnell: The Charismatic Life of the World War II Hero and an NFL Legend - recounts the exceptional life and career of this great athlete and war hero and does justice to his remarkable legacy.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: B0FXH16QGF
• ISBN13: 9798991257909
• Release Date: October 2025
• Publisher: David J. Lyons, Publications LLC
• Length: 392 Pages
• Dimensions: 9.0" x 0.9" x 6.0"