Former Los Angeles Rams defender and wide receiver Del Shofner passed away earlier this week at the age of 85. His death was caused by natural causes.
Although in a completely different era of football, Shofner was utilized by the Rams in nearly every facet of the game. He started primarily as a defender, but eventually transitioned to the offense as a wide receiver. He also spent time as a punter and even threw one pass.
He totaled 2,155 receiving yards and 16 receiving touchdowns in his four years with the Rams, including one year with 1,097 receiving yards, a league high for 1958. On the defensive end, he grabbed three interceptions. He also totaled over 6,000 punting yards, including one 66-yard punt.
After his wild career with the Rams, Shofner joined the New York Giants solely as a wide receiver. Shofner totaled 4,315 receiving yards in his seven years with the Giants. Shofner had an excellent year in 1962 in which he totaled 12 receiving touch downs, the second most in the NFL that year.
Throughout his career, Shofner earned five All-Pro selections and five Pro Bowl selections. He made it to the playoffs three times with the Giants, but unfortunately did not win any championships. The Pro Football Hall of Fame added Shofner to their all decade team for the 1960’s.
Before the pros, Shofner attended Baylor University. His positional fluidity seemed to begin there as he is listed as a running back on sports-reference.com. He totaled 537 rushing yards on just 84 attempts and 249 receiving yards on 14 catches.
