Three Key Moments
Off Broadway
The Redskins went 11-3 and reached the Super Bowl in 1972, with Hanburger making many key plays. One of those plays was Hanburger's interception of Joe Namath that he returned 41 yards for a touchdown against the New York Jets on Nov. 5. He intercepted Namath again on the next series as the Redskins went on to win, 35-17.
The Hangman
cometh
Hanburger was known for wearing a two-bar facemask and would often tackle players with a single-arm clothesline, earning the nickname "The Hangman." Hanburger was quick to defend himself, though, telling those that didn't like his style of tackling they "should duck."
1972 NFC
Championship Game
The Redskins faced the rival Cowboys in the 1972 NFC Championship Game, and Hanburger was all over the field as he contributed two tackles and six assists as Washington crushed Dallas, 26-3, to advance to its first Super Bowl. And while the Redskins would lose Super Bowl VII to the Dolphins, Hanburger had four solo tackles and two assists.
Quotable
"He was my kinda
player. He was a
great linebacker. He
had a lot of
ability. He was
very, very quick --
quicker 'n me. He
wasn't a big
linebacker. I was
20, 25 pounds bigger
than Chris. I was in
the middle and the
defense was built
around me. But he
was one of the best
blitzers that I've
ever seen in the
NFL. He was quick
and tough, and he
was a hangman." --
Hall of Famer Sam
Huff
"He'd be so happy for Chris because it respects the game for a dedicated player who didn't play the game for the limelight," -- George Allen's son, Bruce Allen
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