Jim Nance

In the year that the franchise celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2009, Patriots fans had an opportunity to vote for one of three hall of fame finalists, each of whom were perennial American Football League (AFL) All-Stars for the then Boston Patriots. Fullback Jim Nance posthumously earned the honor of becoming the 14th player and the first running back to be inducted into the team’s Hall of Fame. Nance played seven season with the Patriots from 1965-1971 and was the AFL’s MVP in 1966 when he rushed for 1,458 yards and 11 touchdowns. He also was the first AFL back to eclipse the 1,000-yard rushing mark in consecutive seasons. His 104.1 rushing yards per game in 1966 remains a Patriots record. His 45 rushing TDs is tops in team history while his 5,323 rushing yards is second to Sam Cunningham. Nance was named to the Patriots All-Time Team in 2009. Inducted 2009.