Jim Ringo

The Pioneering Center Who Revolutionized Offensive Line Play

Few linemen in NFL history have left as lasting an impact on the game as Jim Ringo. A Pro Football Hall of Famer, 10-time Pro Bowler, and two-time NFL Champion, Ringo was the gold standard at center for more than a decade, anchoring one of the most dominant offensive lines in football history. His intelligence, technique, and relentless work ethic redefined how centers played the game, setting the template for future generations of interior linemen.

Ringo wasn’t just a great blocker—he was a strategic leader on the field, responsible for reading defenses, adjusting protections, and setting the tone for one of the most successful offenses of the 1950s and 1960s. As the longtime center for the Green Bay Packers during their rise to dominance under Vince Lombardi, Ringo helped pave the way for Hall of Fame running backs like Jim Taylor and Paul Hornung, ensuring the Packers’ offensive juggernaut could control the line of scrimmage week after week.

His contributions weren’t limited to Green Bay—after leaving the Packers, he continued to excel with the Philadelphia Eagles, further proving that his greatness transcended one system or one team. This collection honors Jim Ringo, the cerebral center who set the foundation for modern offensive line play, serving as a leader, technician, and enforcer in the trenches.

The Numbers Behind Ringo’s Greatness

Jim Ringo’s legacy is etched in the record books, and his consistency, durability, and dominance made him one of the greatest linemen of all time.

Career Statistics & Achievements (1953–1967)

• Pro Football Hall of Fame Inductee (1981, first-ballot)
• 10-time Pro Bowler (1957–1965, 1967)
• Seven-time First-Team All-Pro (1957–1963)
• Two-time NFL Champion (1961, 1962, Green Bay Packers)
• NFL 1960s All-Decade Team
• Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame
• Philadelphia Eagles Hall of Fame
• 182 consecutive starts (NFL record for centers at retirement)
• Played in 187 career games over 15 seasons

Ringo wasn’t just consistent—he was dominant, serving as the anchor of two championship teams and providing elite blocking for some of the greatest rushing attacks in NFL history.

The College Years – A Hidden Gem at Syracuse

Before becoming an NFL icon, Ringo’s path to greatness was far from guaranteed.

• Born in Orange, New Jersey, in 1931, Ringo wasn’t heavily recruited out of high school, but he found his way to Syracuse University, where he developed into a standout offensive lineman.
• Though undersized at 6'1", 230 pounds, he made up for it with quickness, leverage, and intelligence, proving to be one of the most fundamentally sound linemen in college football.
• Despite his talent, he was largely overlooked in the 1953 NFL Draft, eventually being selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 7th round (80th overall pick).

At the time, few expected Ringo to become one of the greatest offensive linemen of all time, but his dedication, toughness, and skill quickly proved otherwise.

The Green Bay Packers Years – The Foundation of a Dynasty

Ringo’s early years in Green Bay were far from easy—when he arrived in 1953, the Packers were a struggling team, finishing 2-9-1 in his rookie season. But over time, he developed into one of the most reliable and technically sound centers in football.

• By 1957, he earned his first Pro Bowl selection, beginning a streak of 10 straight Pro Bowls that would define his career.
• In 1959, Vince Lombardi was hired as the Packers' head coach, and under his leadership, Green Bay transformed from NFL bottom-dwellers into champions.
• Ringo was a key leader in the trenches, commanding one of the best offensive lines in football history, which helped Paul Hornung and Jim Taylor dominate on the ground.

The Packers’ offense became a juggernaut, and Ringo was at the center of it all, literally and figuratively.

The Glory Years – Back-to-Back Championships

By the early 1960s, the Packers had become the best team in football, and Ringo was the cornerstone of their offensive dominance.

• 1961 NFL Championship – Green Bay dominated the New York Giants 37-0, marking their first championship under Lombardi. Ringo played a crucial role in neutralizing the Giants’ defensive front, helping the Packers rush for over 200 yards.
• 1962 NFL Championship – The Packers defeated the Giants again, this time in a brutal, hard-fought 16-7 battle. The game was played in freezing conditions at Yankee Stadium, but Ringo and the Packers’ offensive line paved the way for Jim Taylor’s 85-yard, one-touchdown performance.

With back-to-back championships, the Packers were now an NFL dynasty, and Ringo was at the peak of his career as the game’s premier center.

The Shocking Trade – A New Challenge in Philadelphia

In 1964, Ringo’s time in Green Bay ended unexpectedly in one of the most famous trades in Packers history.

• Legend has it that Ringo and his agent approached Vince Lombardi seeking a raise, only for Lombardi to respond by trading him to the Philadelphia Eagles the same day.
• While the story may have been exaggerated, the fact remained—after 11 dominant seasons in Green Bay, Ringo was headed to Philadelphia.

Instead of slowing down, Ringo continued his excellence in Philadelphia, proving that his success wasn’t just a product of Lombardi’s system.

• He was immediately named team captain and became the Eagles' best offensive lineman, earning three more Pro Bowl selections (1964–1966).
• Even in his mid-30s, he remained one of the top linemen in the league, providing veteran leadership and consistency.
• He played until 1967, retiring after 15 seasons, having cemented his place as one of the greatest offensive linemen in NFL history.

A Pioneer at Center – Setting the Standard for Generations

Ringo wasn’t just great in his own era—he set the blueprint for modern-day centers, redefining what the position could be.

• Before Ringo, centers were often big, slow, and primarily focused on snapping the ball.
• He changed the perception of the position, proving that athletic, intelligent, and agile linemen could dominate in the middle.
• His quick feet, precise blocking angles, and ability to recognize defensive shifts made him an extension of the quarterback, influencing the development of modern centers like Mike Webster, Dwight Stephenson, and Kevin Mawae.

Ringo helped revolutionize offensive line play, proving that the best centers are just as valuable as tackles and guards.

Defining Moments of Ringo’s Career

• 1953 – Drafted in the 7th Round by Green Bay: Arrives as a low-profile prospect, but quickly proves himself.
• 1957 – First Pro Bowl Selection: Becomes one of the NFL’s elite linemen.
• 1961 – First NFL Championship with Packers: Helps Green Bay dominate the Giants.
• 1962 – Back-to-Back Titles: Leads one of the most dominant rushing attacks in history.
• 1964 – Traded to the Eagles: Continues his dominance, proving he’s great beyond Lombardi’s system.
• 1981 – Hall of Fame Induction: Enshrined as one of the greatest centers of all time.

A Legacy That Will Never Be Forgotten

Jim Ringo wasn’t just a Hall of Fame player—he was a game-changer.

• He was the backbone of Lombardi’s dynasty, helping lead Green Bay to back-to-back championships.
• He revolutionized the center position, paving the way for future stars.
• He was the ultimate technician, proving that intelligence, speed, and fundamentals matter just as much as size and strength.

A Champion, A Trailblazer, and One of the Greatest Centers in NFL History.