Bronko Nagurski a Real All-Timer

Allan Malamud’s column of Jan. 10 includes comments to the effect that the legendary Bronko Nagurski could not play defensive tackle today. Bronko played 60 years ago and his talent has stood the test of time. In 1982, the Sporting News selected an all-time college football team and Bronko was a first-team defensive tackle along with fellow Golden Gopher Leo Nomellini. George Halas said he was the greatest football player who ever lived.

If he were in his youth today, he undoubtedly would be into weight training and would be the all-pro nose tackle. He could have been another Dick Butkus as an inside linebacker as well as an all-pro at tight end. I saw Bronko wrestle many times when I was a boy out in Minnesota. He was pushing 40, but had great agility even then.

JOHN HOLMES, Northridge