Lynn Chandnois

Lynn Chandnois (February 24, 1925 – April 19, 2011) was an American professional football player for the Pittsburgh Steelers of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the Michigan State Spartans, earning first-team All-American honors in 1949. He won the NFL Player of the Year award for the Steelers in 1952, and played twice in the Pro Bowl.

Biography

Early life Lynn Chandnois was born in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan on February 24, 1925. He moved to Flint, Michigan, to live with an aunt and attend school. Chandnois earned All-State honors at Flint Central High School in basketball and football.

After graduating in 1944, he joined the United States Naval Air Corps and served for two years where he achieved the rank of Aviation Machinist's Mate 3rd Class Petty Officer.

Collegiate career Chandnois a 6 ft. 2 in. 195 lb halfback, defensive back and kick returner attended Michigan State University and was a four-year football standout for the Spartans. He also played basketball for one year. He ranks first in career interceptions (20) and interception return yardage (384), and was the team's MVP in 1948 and an All-American in 1949. He was the State of Michigan's Outstanding Amateur Athlete in 1950.

Professional career He was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the first round (eighth overall) of the 1950 NFL draft. He played in seven NFL seasons with the Steelers from 1950 to 1956.

Life after football Death and legacy Lynn died on April 19, 2011, in Flint, Michigan, survived by his wife Paulette, daughters Lynda Harris of Grand Blanc, Michigan, and Suzanne Arnold of Prescott, Arizona.

Only Gale Sayers has a higher lifetime NFL kickoff return average.

NFL career statistics Legend Bold Career high

Year Team Games Rushing Receiving GP GS Att Yds Avg Lng TD Rec Yds Avg Lng TD 1950 PIT 12 4 71 216 3.0 17 0 7 158 22.6 51 0 1951 PIT 12 8 108 332 3.1 34 2 28 440 15.7 55 4 1952 PIT 12 9 97 298 3.1 25 1 28 370 13.2 48 2 1953 PIT 12 11 123 470 3.8 38 3 43 412 9.6 55 0 1954 PIT 11 1 45 147 3.3 15 1 22 176 8.0 23 0 1955 PIT 9 9 105 353 3.4 23 5 27 385 14.3 51 0 1956 PIT 5 3 44 118 2.7 28 4 7 71 10.1 17 1 73 45 593 1,934 3.3 38 16 162 2,012 12.4 55 7

Footnotes