39. Jim Patton

Although they only won one NFL Championship in the late ’50s and early ’60s, the New York Giants were a loaded team. Jimmy Patton was a star Safety on this squad, but his exploits have largely been forgotten.

When the Giants won the 1956 NFL Championship, Jimmy Patton was really coming to his own. He progressively got better and in 1958 led the league in interceptions. Patton was a big part of the Giants defense and helped them make the NFL Championship game multiple times.

Jimmy Patton’s football exploits seem like a faded memory. He was a five-time All-Pro, but with multiple Giant teammates already inducted, the odds for a man who was never a finalist seems remote at best.

Should Jim Patton be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 83.7%

Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 4.3%

Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 7.6%

No opinion. - 0%

No way! - 4.3%

The Bullet Points

Country of Origin: Greenville, Mississippi, U.S.A.
Eligible Since: Friday, 01 January 1971
Position: Safety
Games Played: 153
Notable Statistics: 52 Interceptions
712 Interception Return Yards
2 Interception Return Touchdowns
15 Fumble Recoveries
-4 Fumble Recovery Yards
3.5 Quarterback Sacks*
37 Punt Returns
143 Punt Return Yards
1 Punt Return Touchdown
28 Kick Returns
735 Kick Return Yards
1 Kick Return Touchdown
2 Rushing Attempts
-1 Rushing Yards
61 Approximate Value**

5 Playoff Games
1 Fumble Recovery
0 Fumble Recovery Yards
2 Punt Returns
26 Punt Return Yards

*Sacks were unofficially calculated by Pro Football Reference from 1960 to 1981
**Approximate Value was calculated by Pro Football Reference as of 1960.
Played For: New York Giants
College: Mississippi
Drafted: 8th Round, 95th Overall in 1955
Major Accolades and Awards: NFL Championships Rings (1) (New York Giants, 1956)
First Team All-Pro Selection (5) (1958, 1959, 1960, 1961 & 1962)
Pro Bowl Selections (5) (1958, 1959, 1960, 1961 & 1962)
Most Interceptions (1) (1958)
Other Points of Note: Top Ten Finishes: Approximate Value (1) (1961)
Top Ten Finishes: Interceptions (6) (1958, 1959, 1960, 1961, 1962 & 1963)
Top Ten Finishes: Interception Return Yards (4) (1958, 1960, 1961 & 1962)
Notable All Time Rankings: 26. Interceptions: 52
50. Interception Return Yards: 712