Del Shofner, who teamed with legendary quarterback Y.A. Tittle to give the New York Giants a modernized version of the passing offense back in the 1960s, died at the age of 85 on Wednesday.
Originally a first-round pick of the Los Angeles Rams in the 1957 NFL Draft, Shofner entered the league as a defensive player, but switched to receiver during his sophomore season and went on to lead the league in receiving yards (1,097).
Following the 1960 regular season, Shofner was traded to the Giants and went on to become the first receiver in NFL history with two 1,000-yard seasons, tallying a total of 1,125 that year. He added two more 1,000-yard seasons in 1962 and 1963.
Shofner would retire following the 1967 season.
During his 11-year career, Shofner would appear in 125 games (103 starts) and record 349 receptions for 6,470 yards and 51 touchdowns. He also hauled in three interceptions on defense for the Rams, and served as their punter from 1957 through 1960, averaging 42 yards per punt.
Shofner was a five-time Pro Bowler (1958, 1959, 1961–1963), five-time First Team All-Pro (1958, 1959, 1961–1963), led the NFL in receiving yards in 1958 and was named to the NFL 1960s All-Decade Team.
He was also the 1957 Sugar Bowl MVP for Baylor.
Shofner is survived by his three children, Laurie Shofner Corwin, Stacey Gates and David Shofner, and five grandchildren.
