Chuck Foreman: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|American football player (born 1950)}} |
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{{Use American English|date=February 2023}} |
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{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2019}} |
{{Use mdy dates|date=January 2019}} |
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{{Infobox NFL biography |
{{Infobox NFL biography |
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| name = Chuck Foreman |
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|image= |
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| image =Chuck Foreman, 1972.png |
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|caption= |
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| caption =Foreman in 1972 |
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| number = 44, 22 |
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|position=[[Running back]] |
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| position = [[Running back]] |
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|number=44 |
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|birth_date={{Birth date and age|1950|10|26}} |
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|1950|10|26}} |
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|birth_place=[[ |
| birth_place = [[Jenks, Oklahoma]], U.S. |
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| death_date = |
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|draftyear=1973 |
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| death_place = |
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|draftround=1 |
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| height_ft = 6 |
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|draftpick=12 |
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| |
| height_in = 2 |
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| |
| weight_lb = 210 |
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| high_school = [[Jenks High School|Jenks]] |
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| weight_lbs = 210 |
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| college = [[Miami Hurricanes football|Miami (FL)]] (1969–1972) |
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|high_school=[[Frederick High School|Frederick (MD)]] |
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| draftyear = 1973 |
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|college=[[Miami Hurricanes football|Miami (FL)]] |
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| draftround = 1 |
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|teams= |
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| draftpick = 12 |
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* [[Minnesota Vikings]] ([[1973 NFL season|1973]]–[[1979 NFL season|1979]]) |
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| pastteams = |
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* [[New England Patriots]] ([[1980 NFL season|1980]]) |
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* [[Minnesota Vikings]] ({{NFL Year|1973|1979}}) |
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|statlabel1=Rushing yards |
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* [[New England Patriots]] ({{NFL Year|1980}}) |
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|statvalue1=5,950 |
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| highlights = |
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|statlabel2=Average |
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|statvalue2=3.8 |
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|statlabel3=[[Touchdown]]s |
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|statvalue3=53 |
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|nfl=FOR402704 |
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|pfr = ForeCh00 |
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|highlights= |
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* 5× [[Pro Bowl]] ([[1974 Pro Bowl|1973]]–[[1978 Pro Bowl|1977]]) |
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* 2× First-team [[All-Pro]] ([[1975 All-Pro Team|1975]], [[1976 All-Pro Team|1976]]) |
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* 2× Second-team [[All-Pro]] ([[1974 All-Pro Team|1974]], [[1977 All-Pro Team|1977]]) |
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* [[NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year]] (1973) |
* [[NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year]] (1973) |
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* [[UPI NFC Offensive Player of the Year]] (1976) |
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* 2× First-team [[All-Pro]] ([[1975 All-Pro Team|1975]], [[1976 All-Pro Team|1976]]) |
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* 2× Second-team All-Pro ([[1974 All-Pro Team|1974]], [[1977 All-Pro Team|1977]]) |
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* 5× [[Pro Bowl]] ([[1974 Pro Bowl|1973]]–[[1978 Pro Bowl|1977]]) |
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* [[List of NFL annual receptions leaders|NFL receptions leader]] (1975) |
* [[List of NFL annual receptions leaders|NFL receptions leader]] (1975) |
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* [[Minnesota Vikings Ring of Honor]] |
* [[Minnesota Vikings Ring of Honor]] |
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* |
* 50 Greatest Vikings |
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* Minnesota Vikings 25th Anniversary Team |
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|HOF= |
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* Minnesota Vikings 40th Anniversary Team |
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| statlabel1 = Rushing yards |
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| statvalue1 = 5,950 |
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| statlabel2 = Rushing average |
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| statvalue2 = 3.8 |
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| statlabel3 = Rushing [[touchdown]]s |
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| statvalue3 = 53 |
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| statlabel4 = [[Reception (gridiron football)|Receptions]] |
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| statvalue4 = 350 |
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| statlabel5 = Receiving yards |
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| statvalue5 = 3,156 |
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| statlabel6 = Receiving touchdowns |
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| statvalue6 = 23 |
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| pfr = ForeCh00 |
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}} |
}} |
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'''Walter Eugene''' "'''Chuck'''" '''Foreman''' (born October 26, 1950) is a retired [[American football]] [[running back]] who played for the [[Minnesota Vikings]] and the [[New England Patriots]] in the [[National Football League]]. Considered one of the best passing-catching backs in [[History of the NFL|NFL history]],<ref name="Twin">{{cite web |url=https://www.twincities.com/2015/05/22/vikings-chuck-foreman-waits-for-call-from-hall-of-fame/ |title=Chuck Foreman waits for call from hall of fame |last=Tomasson |first=Chris |date=May 22, 2015 |publisher=''[[St. Paul Pioneer Press]]'' |access-date=August 6, 2018}}</ref> Foreman started in three [[Super Bowl|Super Bowls]] with the Vikings and was the premiere back for the team for most of the 1970s. Upon entering the league in [[1973 NFL season|1973]], he was named the [[NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year]], and he was selected to the [[Pro Bowl]] for the first five seasons of his career. During this time, he was also named to 2 first-team [[All-Pro]] teams and 2 second-team All-Pro teams. Nicknamed "The Spin Doctor" for his elusive running abilities, Foreman held the Vikings franchise record for [[Carry (gridiron football)|rushing]] yards from scrimmage upon his retirement. As part of the team's 50th anniversary celebration, Foreman was named as one of the [[Minnesota Vikings#50 Greatest Vikings (2010)|50 Greatest Vikings]] in 2010. |
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'''Walter Eugene''' "'''Chuck'''" '''Foreman''' (born October 26, 1950) is an American former professional [[American football|football]] player who was a [[running back]] for the [[Minnesota Vikings]] and the [[New England Patriots]] in the [[National Football League]] (NFL). Considered one of the best passing-catching backs in [[History of the NFL|NFL history]],<ref name="Twin">{{cite news |url=https://www.twincities.com/2015/05/22/vikings-chuck-foreman-waits-for-call-from-hall-of-fame/ |title=Chuck Foreman waits for call from hall of fame |last=Tomasson |first=Chris |date=May 22, 2015 |newspaper=[[St. Paul Pioneer Press]] |access-date=August 6, 2018}}</ref> Foreman started in three [[Super Bowl]]s with the Vikings and was the premiere back for the team for most of the 1970s. Upon entering the league in [[1973 NFL season|1973]], he was named the [[NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year]], and he was selected to the [[Pro Bowl]] for the first five seasons of his career. During this time, he was also named to the first-team [[All-Pro]] and second-team All-Pro teams two times each. Nicknamed "The Spin Doctor" for his elusive running abilities, Foreman held the Vikings franchise record for [[Carry (gridiron football)|rushing]] yards from scrimmage upon his retirement. As part of the team's 50th anniversary celebration, Foreman was named as one of the [[Minnesota Vikings#50 Greatest Vikings (2010)|50 Greatest Vikings]] in 2010. The [[Professional Football Researchers Association]] named Foreman to the PRFA Hall of Very Good Class of 2010.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.profootballresearchers.com/hall-of-very-good-2010.htm |title=Hall of Very Good Class of 2010 |accessdate=November 23, 2016 |archive-date=October 17, 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181017172732/http://www.profootballresearchers.com/hall-of-very-good-2010.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref> |
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Foreman was raised [[Frederick, Maryland]] and was a standout athlete in football, basketball and track at [[Frederick High School]]. After attending the [[University of Miami]], he was drafted 12th overall in the [[1973 NFL draft]] by the Vikings. Foreman suffered a knee injury during the [[1978 NFL season|1978 season]], after which his skills declined, and he officially retired from professional football in 1980. Following his football career, Foreman was involved with numerous business ventures in the [[Twin Cities]] area. In 2000, he was arrested for his part in a [[mail fraud]] scheme, for which he was sentenced to probation. After sentencing, he began public speaking at schools and became a substitute teacher in [[Bloomington, Minnesota|Bloomington]]. In recent years, there have been efforts by fans and former Vikings players for Foreman to be elected to the [[Pro Football Hall of Fame]]. |
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Foreman was raised in [[Frederick, Maryland]] and was a standout athlete in football, basketball, and track at [[Frederick High School (Maryland)|Frederick High School]]. After attending the [[University of Miami]], he was drafted 12th overall in the [[1973 NFL draft]] by the Vikings. Foreman suffered a knee injury during the [[1978 NFL season|1978 season]], after which his skills declined, and he officially retired from professional football in 1980. Following his football career, Foreman was involved with numerous business ventures in the [[Twin Cities]] area. In 2000, he was arrested for his part in a [[mail fraud]] scheme, for which he was sentenced to probation. After sentencing, he began public speaking at schools and became a substitute teacher in [[Bloomington, Minnesota|Bloomington]]. In recent years, fans and former Vikings players have been trying to get Foreman elected to the [[Pro Football Hall of Fame]]. |
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==Early life and college career== |
==Early life and college career== |
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Foreman was born and raised in Frederick, Maryland<ref name="Sun">{{cite |
Foreman was born and raised in Frederick, Maryland<ref name="Sun">{{cite news |url=http://www.baltimoresun.com/sports/bs-sp-catching-up-foreman-1206-20131205-story.html# |title=Catching Up With ... Former Vikings RB Chuck Foreman |last=Klingaman |first=Mike |date=December 5, 2013 |newspaper=[[The Baltimore Sun]] |access-date=August 7, 2018}}</ref> where he attended Frederick High School, competing in [[basketball]], [[American football|football]], and [[track and field]].<ref name="Interview">{{cite interview |last=Foreman |first=Chuck |interviewer=Bob Sansevere |title=Former Minnesota Vikings RB Chuck Foreman talks, Bob Sansevere listens |url=https://www.twincities.com/2007/09/30/former-minnesota-vikings-rb-chuck-foreman-talks-bob-sansevere-listens/ |publisher=Digital First Media |date=September 30, 2007 |work=[[St. Paul Pioneer Press]] |access-date=August 7, 2018}}</ref> Growing up, he was a fan of the [[Washington Redskins]] and the [[Baltimore Colts]] of the NFL<ref name="Bleacher">{{cite interview |last=Foreman |first=Chuck |interviewer=Zeke Fuhrman |title=One-On-One With Minnesota Vikings Legend Chuck Foreman |url=https://bleacherreport.com/articles/304962-one-on-one-with-chuck-foreman |publisher=Bleacher Report, Inc. |date=December 8, 2009 |work=[[Bleacher Report]] |access-date=August 7, 2018}}</ref> as well as the [[Washington Wizards|Baltimore Bullets]] of the [[National Basketball Association|NBA]]. Playing the [[End (gridiron football)|end]] position on the football team, he began incorporating the [[Rotation#Sports|spin move]] into his running style after watching Bullets player [[Earl Monroe]] use the same maneuver while playing basketball, a move which inspired Foreman's nickname during his professional career. During his high school career, Foreman caught four touchdown passes in a single game against [[Bel Air High School (Bel Air, Maryland)|Bel Air High School]].<ref name="Sun" /> Although he received more scholarship offers for basketball than football, Foreman accepted a football scholarship from the University of Miami in 1970, as he enjoyed playing the sport more than basketball.<ref name="Interview" /> |
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As a member of the [[Miami Hurricanes football |
As a member of the [[Miami Hurricanes football]] team, Foreman played multiple positions in his college career.<ref name="Interview" /> He was limited on offense during his [[1970 Miami Hurricanes football team|1970 sophomore campaign]] due to injuries in the team's defensive backfield, which necessitated that he change his position to [[cornerback]]. [[Fran Curci]] took over as [[head coach]] for the [[1971 Miami Hurricanes football team|1971 season]] and switched Foreman back to running back. That season, he combined with teammate [[Tom Sullivan (American football)|Tom Sullivan]] to form a running back tandem nicknamed "The [[Gold Dust Twins]]" due to their running abilities. This was Foreman's finest statistical season as a ball-carrier,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.fredericknewspost.com/archive/history-lesson-foreman-was-one-of-the-gold-dust-twins/article_993635e6-22d5-5555-9c61-5cc846588f1f.html |title=History Lesson: Foreman was one of the 'Gold Dust Twins' at Miami |last=Goldberg |first=Stan |date=October 30, 2011 |publisher=[[Frederick News-Post|The Frederick News-Post]] |access-date=August 7, 2018}}</ref> as he rushed 191 times for 951 yards. He also caught 7 passes for 72 yards that season<ref name="CFB">{{cite web |url=https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/players/chuck-foreman-1.html |title=Chuck Foreman College Stats |publisher=Sports Reference LLC |access-date=August 7, 2018}}</ref> and was named a first-team [[All-America|All American]] by the publication ''[[Sporting News]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://hurricanesports.com/news/2011/7/28/205551649.aspx |title=University of Miami All-Americans (1950-79) |date=July 28, 2011 |publisher=[[University of Miami]] |access-date=August 7, 2018}}</ref> Foreman transitioned to wide receiver for his [[1972 Miami Hurricanes football team|senior season]],<ref name="Interview" /> and although his production on the ground dipped to 484 yards on 107 carries, his receiving production increased to 557 yards on 37 receptions. Foreman finished his college career having never played in a [[bowl game]].<ref name="CFB" /> |
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Foreman had a noted issue with [[fumble|fumbling]] during his college career, which he attributed to holding the ball too loosely, resulting in it being knocked out of his hands by his knees while running. Foreman was instructed on proper ball-carrying technique by [[New York Jets]] coach [[Weeb Ewbank]] during the 1973 [[Senior Bowl]], which helped to alleviate the issue in preparation for his professional career.<ref name="Sun" /> |
Foreman had a noted issue with [[fumble|fumbling]] during his college career, which he attributed to holding the ball too loosely, resulting in it being knocked out of his hands by his knees while running. Foreman was instructed on proper ball-carrying technique by [[New York Jets]] coach [[Weeb Ewbank]] during the 1973 [[Senior Bowl]], which helped to alleviate the issue in preparation for his professional career.<ref name="Sun" /> |
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==Professional career== |
==Professional career== |
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Foreman was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings with the 12th pick in the first round of the 1973 NFL Draft. He learned that he was drafted while sitting in his apartment at the University of Miami and at first felt consternation toward playing in Minnesota due to the cold, recalling a time in which [[flamethrower |
Foreman was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings with the 12th pick in the first round of the 1973 NFL Draft. He learned that he was drafted while sitting in his apartment at the University of Miami and at first felt consternation toward playing in Minnesota due to the cold, recalling a time in which [[flamethrower]]s were used to thaw the field of [[Metropolitan Stadium]] before a game.<ref name="Sun" /> The Vikings were initially unsure how to utilize Foreman due to his experience playing multiple positions in college. He insisted on playing running back to prove wrong coach Curci, who had told him that he would never be able to play the position in the NFL.<ref name="Interview" /> |
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During his rookie season, Foreman was inserted into the Vikings' offense as their premiere back, often catching passes out of the backfield in an offensive scheme that was a precursor to the [[West Coast offense]].<ref name="Bleacher" /><ref name="Fred">{{cite web |url=https://www.fredericknewspost.com/sports/level/professional/fresh-hope-for-chuck-foreman-s-hall-of-fame-chances/article_ace0a967-cbdb-5910-b6ac-6b51a119de25.html |title=Fresh hope for Chuck Foreman's Hall of Fame chances? |last=Smith |first=Joshua |date=February 8, 2017 |publisher= |
During his rookie season, Foreman was inserted into the Vikings' offense as their premiere back, often catching passes out of the backfield in an offensive scheme that was a precursor to the [[West Coast offense]].<ref name="Bleacher" /><ref name="Fred">{{cite web |url=https://www.fredericknewspost.com/sports/level/professional/fresh-hope-for-chuck-foreman-s-hall-of-fame-chances/article_ace0a967-cbdb-5910-b6ac-6b51a119de25.html |title=Fresh hope for Chuck Foreman's Hall of Fame chances? |last=Smith |first=Joshua |date=February 8, 2017 |publisher=[[Frederick News-Post|The Frederick News-Post]] |access-date=August 7, 2018}}</ref> After rushing for 801 yards on 182 carries and catching 37 passes for 362 yards during the regular season, Foreman won the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Award and was voted to the [[1974 Pro Bowl|Pro Bowl]],<ref name="PFR">{{cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/F/ForeCh00.htm |title=Chuck Foreman Stats |publisher=Sports Reference LLC |access-date=August 7, 2018}}</ref> helping the Vikings improve from a 7–7 record in [[1972 Minnesota Vikings season|1972]] to a 12–2 record and a [[NFC Central]] division championship in [[1973 Minnesota Vikings season|1973]].<ref name="Twin" /><ref name="PFRMIN">{{cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/min/ |title=Minnesota Vikings Team Encyclopedia |publisher=Sports Reference LLC |access-date=August 7, 2018}}</ref> In the [[1973-74 NFL playoffs|playoffs]], the Vikings defeated the [[1973 Washington Redskins season|Washington Redskins]] in the divisional round and the [[1973 Dallas Cowboys season|Dallas Cowboys]] in the [[NFC Championship Game]] en route to a [[Super Bowl]] appearance against the [[1973 Miami Dolphins season|Miami Dolphins]].<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/teams/min/1973.htm |title=1973 Minnesota Vikings Statistics & Players |publisher=Sports Reference LLC |access-date=August 7, 2018}}</ref> The Vikings lost [[Super Bowl VIII]] 24–7; Foreman was held to only 18 yards rushing and 27 yards receiving in the game.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/boxscores/197401130mia.htm |title=Super Bowl VIII - Minnesota Vikings vs. Miami Dolphins - January 13th, 1974 |publisher=Sports Reference LLC |access-date=August 7, 2018}}</ref> He later said that the Dolphins were the best team that the Vikings faced in the Super Bowl that decade.<ref name="Fred2">{{cite web |url=https://www.fredericknewspost.com/sports/level/professional/frederick-alum-former-vikings-star-chuck-foreman-recounts-some-of/article_d169b38b-38a9-5da9-abb5-c27f9bee45f3.html |title=Frederick alum, former Vikings star Chuck Foreman recounts some of his biggest, most painful NFL moments |last=Smith |first=Joshua |date=February 16, 2016 |publisher=[[Frederick News-Post|The Frederick News-Post]] |access-date=August 8, 2018}}</ref> |
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In [[1974 Minnesota Vikings season|1974]], Foreman was again voted to the [[1975 Pro Bowl|Pro Bowl]] and was selected as a second-team All-Pro by the [[Pro Football Writers Association]], the [[Newspaper Enterprise Association]], and the [[Associated Press]]. He ran for 777 yards on 199 attempts while adding 586 yards on 53 receptions and also led the league in combined rushing and receiving touchdowns with 15. Although the Vikings' record worsened to 10–4, they repeated as NFC Central champions and reached the Super Bowl for the second consecutive year, where they lost 16–6 to the [[1974 Pittsburgh Steelers season|Pittsburgh Steelers]]. Foreman only gained 18 yards on 12 carries and 50 yards on 5 receptions, yet he believes that the Vikings were the better team in the game, and the loss was a result of self-inflicted mistakes.<ref name="Fred2" /> |
In [[1974 Minnesota Vikings season|1974]], Foreman was again voted to the [[1975 Pro Bowl|Pro Bowl]] and was selected as a second-team All-Pro by the [[Pro Football Writers Association]], the [[Newspaper Enterprise Association]], and the [[Associated Press]]. He ran for 777 yards on 199 attempts while adding 586 yards on 53 receptions and also led the league in combined rushing and receiving touchdowns with 15. Although the Vikings' record worsened to 10–4, they repeated as NFC Central champions and reached the Super Bowl for the second consecutive year, where they lost 16–6 to the [[1974 Pittsburgh Steelers season|Pittsburgh Steelers]]. Foreman only gained 18 yards on 12 carries and 50 yards on 5 receptions, yet he believes that the Vikings were the better team in the game, and the loss was a result of self-inflicted mistakes.<ref name="Fred2" /> |
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Although he was a running back, Foreman led the NFL with 73 receptions in [[1975 NFL season|1975]],<ref name="Sun" /><ref name="PFR" /> which was an NFL record for his position at the time. In the final game of the regular season on the road against the [[1975 Buffalo Bills season|Buffalo Bills]], Foreman was in contention to complete an [[National Football Conference|NFC]] Triple Crown by leading the conference in touchdowns, receptions, and rushing yards for a season. Foreman and Bills star running back [[O. J. Simpson]] were also competing to break [[Gale Sayers|Gale Sayers's]] [[National Football League|NFL]] record for combined rushing and receiving touchdowns in a season. After scoring his third touchdown of the game, Foreman was struck in the eye by a snowball thrown by a Bills fan and suffered from blurred vision as a result. Although he later scored a fourth touchdown in the game to tie the record at 22, head coach [[Bud Grant]] pulled Foreman from the game for the fourth quarter as a precaution. Simpson broke the record on a 64-yard touchdown reception to bring his total on the season to 23. Later that day, [[Jim Otis]] of the [[Arizona Cardinals|St. Louis Cardinals]] surpassed Foreman's season rushing total by 6 yards. This left Foreman in second place with 1,070 yards, becoming the first 1,000-yard rusher in Vikings franchise history.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.profootballhof.com/teams/minnesota-vikings/team-facts/ |title=Minnesota Vikings Team Facts |publisher=[[Pro Football Hall of Fame]] |access-date=August 8, 2018}}</ref> |
Although he was a running back, Foreman led the NFL with 73 receptions in [[1975 NFL season|1975]],<ref name="Sun" /><ref name="PFR" /> which was an NFL record for his position at the time. In the final game of the regular season on the road against the [[1975 Buffalo Bills season|Buffalo Bills]], Foreman was in contention to complete an [[National Football Conference|NFC]] Triple Crown by leading the conference in touchdowns, receptions, and rushing yards for a season. Foreman and Bills star running back [[O. J. Simpson]] were also competing to break [[Gale Sayers|Gale Sayers's]] [[National Football League|NFL]] record for combined rushing and receiving touchdowns in a season. After scoring his third touchdown of the game, Foreman was struck in the eye by a snowball thrown by a Bills fan and suffered from blurred vision as a result. Although he later scored a fourth touchdown in the game to tie the record at 22, head coach [[Bud Grant]] pulled Foreman from the game for the fourth quarter as a precaution. Simpson broke the record on a 64-yard touchdown reception to bring his total on the season to 23. Later that day, [[Jim Otis]] of the [[Arizona Cardinals|St. Louis Cardinals]] surpassed Foreman's season rushing total by 6 yards. This left Foreman in second place with 1,070 yards, becoming the first 1,000-yard rusher in Vikings franchise history.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.profootballhof.com/teams/minnesota-vikings/team-facts/ |title=Minnesota Vikings Team Facts |publisher=[[Pro Football Hall of Fame]] |access-date=August 8, 2018}}</ref> |
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Foreman was awarded first-team All-Pro honors and appeared in a third-consecutive [[1976 Pro Bowl|Pro Bowl]] for his 1975 season.<ref name="PFR" /> The Vikings also won the NFC Central for a third-consecutive season with a 12–2 record. However, they were defeated in the divisional round of the playoffs by the [[1975 Dallas Cowboys season|Dallas Cowboys]] in what has become known as the [[Hail Mary pass|Hail Mary Game]], during which Cowboys quarterback [[Roger Staubach]] completed a game-winning 50-yard touchdown pass to [[Drew Pearson (American football)|Drew Pearson]] in the final seconds. |
Foreman was awarded first-team All-Pro honors and appeared in a third-consecutive [[1976 Pro Bowl|Pro Bowl]] for his 1975 season.<ref name="PFR" /> The Vikings also won the NFC Central for a third-consecutive season with a 12–2 record. However, they were defeated in the divisional round of the playoffs by the [[1975 Dallas Cowboys season|Dallas Cowboys]] in what has become known as the [[Hail Mary pass|Hail Mary Game]], during which Cowboys quarterback [[Roger Staubach]] completed a game-winning 50-yard touchdown pass to [[Drew Pearson (American football)|Drew Pearson]] in the final seconds. |
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Foreman amassed 51 touchdowns over a |
Foreman amassed 51 touchdowns over a three-year span (1974–1976), and he played in three [[Super Bowl]]s with the Vikings. In game 7 of 1976, he became the only Viking to rush for 200 yards in a game until [[Adrian Peterson]] in 2007. Injuries plagued him throughout the 1978 and 1979 seasons and Foreman was subsequently traded to the [[New England Patriots]], where he spent the 1980 season before retiring. He ended his career with 5,950 rushing yards on 1,556 carries (3.8 yard average), and 53 rushing touchdowns. He had 350 receptions, one of 51 receivers to reach that number up to that point.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/rec_career_1980.htm | title=NFL Career Receptions Leaders Through 1980 | website=[[Pro-Football-Reference.com]] }}</ref> At the time he had retired, he was ranked 17th in league history in rushing yards, 15th in carries, and 11th in rushing touchdowns; Foreman now ranks in the top 75 (as of 2023) in touchdowns.<ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/rush_td_career_1980.htm | title=NFL Career Rushing Touchdowns Leaders Through 1980 | website=[[Pro-Football-Reference.com]] }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=https://www.pro-football-reference.com/leaders/rush_att_career_1980.htm | title=NFL Career Rushing Attempts Leaders Through 1980 | website=[[Pro-Football-Reference.com]] }}</ref> |
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==Personal life== |
==Personal life== |
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Foreman's son [[Jay Foreman (American football)|Jay Foreman]] played [[linebacker]] in the [[NFL]] from 1999 to 2006. He is a substitute teacher in Minnesota at [[Bloomington Kennedy High School]] and Valley View Middle School in [[Bloomington, Minnesota|Bloomington]], [[Minnesota]]. Foreman has also established Sound Advice For Life, a student development program with the goal of providing positive reinforcement and guidelines for a productive life. |
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*Chuck is a substitute teacher in Minnesota at [[Bloomington Kennedy High School]] and Valley View Middle School in [[Bloomington, Minnesota|Bloomington]], [[Minnesota]] |
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*Chuck hosts a weekly internet radio talk show called SPIN IT! with Chuck Foreman |
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==NFL career statistics== |
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Sound Advice For Life is a student development program established by Chuck Foreman to provide positive reinforcement and guidelines for a productive life. |
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{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;" |
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==Career statistics== |
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===College=== |
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===NFL=== |
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'''bold''' = NFL leader, * = Pro-Bowl, + = All-Pro |
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{|class="wikitable" |
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! rowspan=2| Year !! rowspan=2| Team !! rowspan=2| GP !! colspan=4| Rushing !! colspan=3| Receiving !! rowspan=2 |Fum |
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! Att !! Yds !! TD !! Y/G !! Rec !! Yds !! TD |
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! [[1973 NFL season|1973]] || [[1973 Minnesota Vikings season|MIN]] |
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|1973* || MIN || 12 || 182 || 801 || 4 || 66.8 || 37 || 362 || 2 || 6 || 6 |
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| 12 || 182 || 801 || 4 || 66.8 || 37 || 362 || 2 || 6 |
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! [[1974 NFL season|1974]] || [[1974 Minnesota Vikings season|MIN]] |
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|1974* || MIN || 13 || 199 || 777 || 9 || 59.8 || 53 || 586 || 6 || '''15''' || 6 |
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| 13 || 199 || 777 || 9 || 59.8 || 53 || 586 || 6 || 6 |
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! [[1975 NFL season|1975]] || [[1975 Minnesota Vikings season|MIN]] |
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|1975*+ || MIN || 14 || 280 || 1070 || 13 || 76.4 || '''73''' || 691 || 9 || 22 || '''12''' |
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| 14 || 280 || 1,070 || 13 || 76.4 || '''73''' || 691 || 9 || '''12''' |
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|- |
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! [[1976 NFL season|1976]] || [[1976 Minnesota Vikings season|MIN]] |
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|1976* || MIN || 14 || 278 || 1155 || 13 || 82.5 || 55 || 567 || 1 || '''14''' || 7 |
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| 14 || 278 || 1,155 || 13 || 82.5 || 55 || 567 || 1 || 7 |
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! [[1977 NFL season|1977]] || [[1977 Minnesota Vikings season|MIN]] |
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|1977* || MIN || 14 || 270 || 1112 || 6 || 79.4 || 38 || 308 || 3 || 9 || 9 |
|||
| 14 || 270 || 1,112 || 6 || 79.4 || 38 || 308 || 3 || 9 |
|||
|- |
|- |
||
! [[1978 NFL season|1978]] || [[1978 Minnesota Vikings season|MIN]] |
|||
|1978 || MIN || 14 || 237 || 749 || 5 || 53.5 || 61 || 396 || 2 || 7 || 8 |
|||
| 14 || 237 || 749 || 5 || 53.5 || 61 || 396 || 2 || 8 |
|||
|- |
|- |
||
! [[1979 NFL season|1979]] || [[1979 Minnesota Vikings season|MIN]] |
|||
|1979 || MIN || 12 || 87 || 223 || 2 || 18.6 || 19 || 147 || 0 || 2 || 4 |
|||
| 12 || 87 || 223 || 2 || 18.6 || 19 || 147 || 0 || 4 |
|||
|- |
|- |
||
! [[1980 NFL season|1980]] || [[1980 New England Patriots season|NE]] |
|||
|1980 || NWE || 16 || 23 || 63 || 1 || 3.9 || 14 || 99 || 0 || 1 || 0 |
|||
| 16 || 23 || 63 || 1 || 3.9 || 14 || 99 || 0 || 0 |
|||
|- |
|- |
||
! |
! colspan=2| Career || 109 || 1,556 || 5,950 || 53 || 54.6 || 350 || 3,156 || 23 || 52 |
||
|} |
|} |
||
=== |
=== NFL records === |
||
====NFL==== |
|||
* Most receiving touchdowns by a 10 touchdown rusher, season: 9 (tied with [[Marshall Faulk]]) |
* Most receiving touchdowns by a 10 touchdown rusher, season: 9 (tied with [[Marshall Faulk]]) |
||
* Most games with a rushing and receiving touchdown, season: 5 |
* Most games with a rushing and receiving touchdown, season: 5 |
||
=== |
=== Minnesota Vikings Franchise Records === |
||
* Most total touchdowns, season: 22 |
* Most total touchdowns, season: 22 |
||
* Most receiving touchdowns by a running back, season: 9 (tied with [[Bill Brown (American football)|Bill Brown]]) |
* Most receiving touchdowns by a running back, season: 9 (tied with [[Bill Brown (American football)|Bill Brown]]) |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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*[http://www.ChuckForeman.net/ Official website of Chuck Foreman] |
*[http://www.ChuckForeman.net/ Official website of Chuck Foreman] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101009094255/http://www.chuckforeman.net/ |date=October 9, 2010 }} |
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{{1973 NFL Draft}} |
{{1973 NFL Draft}} |
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{{Vikings1973DraftPicks}} |
{{Vikings1973DraftPicks}} |
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{{AP Offensive Rookies of the Year}} |
{{AP Offensive Rookies of the Year}} |
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{{NFL receptions leaders}} |
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{{Vikings Ring Of Honor}} |
{{Vikings Ring Of Honor}} |
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[[Category:New England Patriots players]] |
[[Category:New England Patriots players]] |
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[[Category:National Conference Pro Bowl players]] |
[[Category:National Conference Pro Bowl players]] |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Award winners]] |
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[[Category:Sportspeople from Frederick, Maryland]] |
[[Category:Sportspeople from Frederick, Maryland]] |
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Latest revision as of 20:34, 24 December 2024
 Foreman in 1972 | |||||||||||||||
| No. 44, 22 | |||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Position: | Running back | ||||||||||||||
| Personal information | |||||||||||||||
| Born: | October 26, 1950 Jenks, Oklahoma, U.S. | ||||||||||||||
| Height: | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | ||||||||||||||
| Weight: | 210 lb (95 kg) | ||||||||||||||
| Career information | |||||||||||||||
| High school: | Jenks | ||||||||||||||
| College: | Miami (FL) (1969–1972) | ||||||||||||||
| NFL draft: | 1973 / round: 1 / pick: 12 | ||||||||||||||
| Career history | |||||||||||||||
| Career highlights and awards | |||||||||||||||
| |||||||||||||||
| Career NFL statistics | |||||||||||||||
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Walter Eugene "Chuck" Foreman (born October 26, 1950) is an American former professional football player who was a running back for the Minnesota Vikings and the New England Patriots in the National Football League (NFL). Considered one of the best passing-catching backs in NFL history,[1] Foreman started in three Super Bowls with the Vikings and was the premiere back for the team for most of the 1970s. Upon entering the league in 1973, he was named the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, and he was selected to the Pro Bowl for the first five seasons of his career. During this time, he was also named to the first-team All-Pro and second-team All-Pro teams two times each. Nicknamed "The Spin Doctor" for his elusive running abilities, Foreman held the Vikings franchise record for rushing yards from scrimmage upon his retirement. As part of the team's 50th anniversary celebration, Foreman was named as one of the 50 Greatest Vikings in 2010. The Professional Football Researchers Association named Foreman to the PRFA Hall of Very Good Class of 2010.[2]
Foreman was raised in Frederick, Maryland and was a standout athlete in football, basketball, and track at Frederick High School. After attending the University of Miami, he was drafted 12th overall in the 1973 NFL draft by the Vikings. Foreman suffered a knee injury during the 1978 season, after which his skills declined, and he officially retired from professional football in 1980. Following his football career, Foreman was involved with numerous business ventures in the Twin Cities area. In 2000, he was arrested for his part in a mail fraud scheme, for which he was sentenced to probation. After sentencing, he began public speaking at schools and became a substitute teacher in Bloomington. In recent years, fans and former Vikings players have been trying to get Foreman elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
Early life and college career
[edit]Foreman was born and raised in Frederick, Maryland[3] where he attended Frederick High School, competing in basketball, football, and track and field.[4] Growing up, he was a fan of the Washington Redskins and the Baltimore Colts of the NFL[5] as well as the Baltimore Bullets of the NBA. Playing the end position on the football team, he began incorporating the spin move into his running style after watching Bullets player Earl Monroe use the same maneuver while playing basketball, a move which inspired Foreman's nickname during his professional career. During his high school career, Foreman caught four touchdown passes in a single game against Bel Air High School.[3] Although he received more scholarship offers for basketball than football, Foreman accepted a football scholarship from the University of Miami in 1970, as he enjoyed playing the sport more than basketball.[4]
As a member of the Miami Hurricanes football team, Foreman played multiple positions in his college career.[4] He was limited on offense during his 1970 sophomore campaign due to injuries in the team's defensive backfield, which necessitated that he change his position to cornerback. Fran Curci took over as head coach for the 1971 season and switched Foreman back to running back. That season, he combined with teammate Tom Sullivan to form a running back tandem nicknamed "The Gold Dust Twins" due to their running abilities. This was Foreman's finest statistical season as a ball-carrier,[6] as he rushed 191 times for 951 yards. He also caught 7 passes for 72 yards that season[7] and was named a first-team All American by the publication Sporting News.[8] Foreman transitioned to wide receiver for his senior season,[4] and although his production on the ground dipped to 484 yards on 107 carries, his receiving production increased to 557 yards on 37 receptions. Foreman finished his college career having never played in a bowl game.[7]
Foreman had a noted issue with fumbling during his college career, which he attributed to holding the ball too loosely, resulting in it being knocked out of his hands by his knees while running. Foreman was instructed on proper ball-carrying technique by New York Jets coach Weeb Ewbank during the 1973 Senior Bowl, which helped to alleviate the issue in preparation for his professional career.[3]
Professional career
[edit]Foreman was drafted by the Minnesota Vikings with the 12th pick in the first round of the 1973 NFL Draft. He learned that he was drafted while sitting in his apartment at the University of Miami and at first felt consternation toward playing in Minnesota due to the cold, recalling a time in which flamethrowers were used to thaw the field of Metropolitan Stadium before a game.[3] The Vikings were initially unsure how to utilize Foreman due to his experience playing multiple positions in college. He insisted on playing running back to prove wrong coach Curci, who had told him that he would never be able to play the position in the NFL.[4]
During his rookie season, Foreman was inserted into the Vikings' offense as their premiere back, often catching passes out of the backfield in an offensive scheme that was a precursor to the West Coast offense.[5][9] After rushing for 801 yards on 182 carries and catching 37 passes for 362 yards during the regular season, Foreman won the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year Award and was voted to the Pro Bowl,[10] helping the Vikings improve from a 7–7 record in 1972 to a 12–2 record and a NFC Central division championship in 1973.[1][11] In the playoffs, the Vikings defeated the Washington Redskins in the divisional round and the Dallas Cowboys in the NFC Championship Game en route to a Super Bowl appearance against the Miami Dolphins.[12] The Vikings lost Super Bowl VIII 24–7; Foreman was held to only 18 yards rushing and 27 yards receiving in the game.[13] He later said that the Dolphins were the best team that the Vikings faced in the Super Bowl that decade.[14]
In 1974, Foreman was again voted to the Pro Bowl and was selected as a second-team All-Pro by the Pro Football Writers Association, the Newspaper Enterprise Association, and the Associated Press. He ran for 777 yards on 199 attempts while adding 586 yards on 53 receptions and also led the league in combined rushing and receiving touchdowns with 15. Although the Vikings' record worsened to 10–4, they repeated as NFC Central champions and reached the Super Bowl for the second consecutive year, where they lost 16–6 to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Foreman only gained 18 yards on 12 carries and 50 yards on 5 receptions, yet he believes that the Vikings were the better team in the game, and the loss was a result of self-inflicted mistakes.[14]
Although he was a running back, Foreman led the NFL with 73 receptions in 1975,[3][10] which was an NFL record for his position at the time. In the final game of the regular season on the road against the Buffalo Bills, Foreman was in contention to complete an NFC Triple Crown by leading the conference in touchdowns, receptions, and rushing yards for a season. Foreman and Bills star running back O. J. Simpson were also competing to break Gale Sayers's NFL record for combined rushing and receiving touchdowns in a season. After scoring his third touchdown of the game, Foreman was struck in the eye by a snowball thrown by a Bills fan and suffered from blurred vision as a result. Although he later scored a fourth touchdown in the game to tie the record at 22, head coach Bud Grant pulled Foreman from the game for the fourth quarter as a precaution. Simpson broke the record on a 64-yard touchdown reception to bring his total on the season to 23. Later that day, Jim Otis of the St. Louis Cardinals surpassed Foreman's season rushing total by 6 yards. This left Foreman in second place with 1,070 yards, becoming the first 1,000-yard rusher in Vikings franchise history.[15]
Foreman was awarded first-team All-Pro honors and appeared in a third-consecutive Pro Bowl for his 1975 season.[10] The Vikings also won the NFC Central for a third-consecutive season with a 12–2 record. However, they were defeated in the divisional round of the playoffs by the Dallas Cowboys in what has become known as the Hail Mary Game, during which Cowboys quarterback Roger Staubach completed a game-winning 50-yard touchdown pass to Drew Pearson in the final seconds.
Foreman amassed 51 touchdowns over a three-year span (1974–1976), and he played in three Super Bowls with the Vikings. In game 7 of 1976, he became the only Viking to rush for 200 yards in a game until Adrian Peterson in 2007. Injuries plagued him throughout the 1978 and 1979 seasons and Foreman was subsequently traded to the New England Patriots, where he spent the 1980 season before retiring. He ended his career with 5,950 rushing yards on 1,556 carries (3.8 yard average), and 53 rushing touchdowns. He had 350 receptions, one of 51 receivers to reach that number up to that point.[16] At the time he had retired, he was ranked 17th in league history in rushing yards, 15th in carries, and 11th in rushing touchdowns; Foreman now ranks in the top 75 (as of 2023) in touchdowns.[17][18]
Personal life
[edit]Foreman's son Jay Foreman played linebacker in the NFL from 1999 to 2006. He is a substitute teacher in Minnesota at Bloomington Kennedy High School and Valley View Middle School in Bloomington, Minnesota. Foreman has also established Sound Advice For Life, a student development program with the goal of providing positive reinforcement and guidelines for a productive life.
NFL career statistics
[edit]| Year | Team | GP | Rushing | Receiving | Fum | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Att | Yds | TD | Y/G | Rec | Yds | TD | ||||
| 1973 | MIN | 12 | 182 | 801 | 4 | 66.8 | 37 | 362 | 2 | 6 |
| 1974 | MIN | 13 | 199 | 777 | 9 | 59.8 | 53 | 586 | 6 | 6 |
| 1975 | MIN | 14 | 280 | 1,070 | 13 | 76.4 | 73 | 691 | 9 | 12 |
| 1976 | MIN | 14 | 278 | 1,155 | 13 | 82.5 | 55 | 567 | 1 | 7 |
| 1977 | MIN | 14 | 270 | 1,112 | 6 | 79.4 | 38 | 308 | 3 | 9 |
| 1978 | MIN | 14 | 237 | 749 | 5 | 53.5 | 61 | 396 | 2 | 8 |
| 1979 | MIN | 12 | 87 | 223 | 2 | 18.6 | 19 | 147 | 0 | 4 |
| 1980 | NE | 16 | 23 | 63 | 1 | 3.9 | 14 | 99 | 0 | 0 |
| Career | 109 | 1,556 | 5,950 | 53 | 54.6 | 350 | 3,156 | 23 | 52 | |
NFL records
[edit]- Most receiving touchdowns by a 10 touchdown rusher, season: 9 (tied with Marshall Faulk)
- Most games with a rushing and receiving touchdown, season: 5
Minnesota Vikings Franchise Records
[edit]- Most total touchdowns, season: 22
- Most receiving touchdowns by a running back, season: 9 (tied with Bill Brown)
- Most consecutive seasons with at least 1 receiving and 1 rushing touchdown: 6 (tied with Ted Brown)
- Playoff rushes, career: 229
- Playoff rushing yards, career: 860
- Playoff rushing touchdowns, career: 7
References
[edit]- ^ a b Tomasson, Chris (May 22, 2015). "Chuck Foreman waits for call from hall of fame". St. Paul Pioneer Press. Retrieved August 6, 2018.
- ^ "Hall of Very Good Class of 2010". Archived from the original on October 17, 2018. Retrieved November 23, 2016.
- ^ a b c d e Klingaman, Mike (December 5, 2013). "Catching Up With ... Former Vikings RB Chuck Foreman". The Baltimore Sun. Retrieved August 7, 2018.
- ^ a b c d e Foreman, Chuck (September 30, 2007). "Former Minnesota Vikings RB Chuck Foreman talks, Bob Sansevere listens". St. Paul Pioneer Press (Interview). Interviewed by Bob Sansevere. Digital First Media. Retrieved August 7, 2018.
- ^ a b Foreman, Chuck (December 8, 2009). "One-On-One With Minnesota Vikings Legend Chuck Foreman". Bleacher Report (Interview). Interviewed by Zeke Fuhrman. Bleacher Report, Inc. Retrieved August 7, 2018.
- ^ Goldberg, Stan (October 30, 2011). "History Lesson: Foreman was one of the 'Gold Dust Twins' at Miami". The Frederick News-Post. Retrieved August 7, 2018.
- ^ a b "Chuck Foreman College Stats". Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved August 7, 2018.
- ^ "University of Miami All-Americans (1950-79)". University of Miami. July 28, 2011. Retrieved August 7, 2018.
- ^ Smith, Joshua (February 8, 2017). "Fresh hope for Chuck Foreman's Hall of Fame chances?". The Frederick News-Post. Retrieved August 7, 2018.
- ^ a b c "Chuck Foreman Stats". Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved August 7, 2018.
- ^ "Minnesota Vikings Team Encyclopedia". Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved August 7, 2018.
- ^ "1973 Minnesota Vikings Statistics & Players". Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved August 7, 2018.
- ^ "Super Bowl VIII - Minnesota Vikings vs. Miami Dolphins - January 13th, 1974". Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved August 7, 2018.
- ^ a b Smith, Joshua (February 16, 2016). "Frederick alum, former Vikings star Chuck Foreman recounts some of his biggest, most painful NFL moments". The Frederick News-Post. Retrieved August 8, 2018.
- ^ "Minnesota Vikings Team Facts". Pro Football Hall of Fame. Retrieved August 8, 2018.
- ^ "NFL Career Receptions Leaders Through 1980". Pro-Football-Reference.com.
- ^ "NFL Career Rushing Touchdowns Leaders Through 1980". Pro-Football-Reference.com.
- ^ "NFL Career Rushing Attempts Leaders Through 1980". Pro-Football-Reference.com.
External links
[edit]- Official website of Chuck Foreman Archived October 9, 2010, at the Wayback Machine