When safety Emlen Tunnell played his final game in 1961, he ranked No. 1 in NFL history with 79 career interceptions. But he was first in so much more.

Ignored in the NFL draft, Tunnell walked into the Giants' office in 1948 and asked founder Tim Mara for a tryout. Thus he became the first African American to play and eventually coach for the Giants. He was also the first black player elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

That is only part of the incredible story that is Tunnell, who suffered a broken neck at the University of Toledo, an injury so severe that both the Army and Navy rejected his efforts to enlist during World War II. The Coast Guard finally accepted him and he became a war hero, saving the lives of two fellow shipmates. Following his service, he enrolled at the University of Iowa. He left the Hawkeyes after the 1947 season and recorded seven interceptions in his debut campaign in the NFL, returning one for a touchdown to help him earn the nickname "offense on defense."

Tunnell played 11 seasons for the Giants and still holds franchise records with 74 interceptions and 257 punt returns. In 1952, Tunnell gained more yards on interceptions and kickoff returns than the NFL rushing leader did running the ball.

He was named All-NFL four times and played in nine Pro Bowls. After finishing his career with the Packers, Tunnell had a record 79 interceptions. A key component in the Giants' famed "Umbrella Defense" of the 1950s, Tunnell was a member of the 1956 championship team with Big Blue and won another title with Green Bay in 1961.