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Tag: emlen tunnell

Coast Guard Logo for the Long Blue Line Emlen Tunnell

Aug. 15, 2026

The Long Blue Line: “Offense on Defense”—football legend Emlen Tunnell was a Coast Guard hero

When Vince Lombardi became head coach of the Green Bay Packers in the 1950s, his first big move was to sign Coast Guard hero Emlen Tunnell. It was a smart move - Tunnell later earned the nickname “Mr. Defense,” and became the first African American inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.But before his storied football career, Tunnell stepped

Emlen Tunnell was the first African American to play NFL football for the New York Giants. Tunnell also posthumously received the Coast Guard Silver Lifesaving Medal for his actions in World War II. (U.S. Coast Guard courtesy photo)

Feb. 23, 2021

Podcast: Football legend, Coast Guard hero

Podcast on Emlen Tunnell, an NFL legend and Coast Guard hero.

Emlen Tunnell was the first African American to play NFL football for the New York Giants. Tunnell also posthumously received the Coast Guard Silver Lifesaving Medal for his actions in World War II. (U.S. Coast Guard courtesy photo)

Feb. 5, 2021

'Offense on Defense': Football legend was a Coast Guard hero 

Emlen Tunnell was the first African American in the Pro Football Hall of Fame

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