Vote Nance into the Patriots Hall of Fame
5/20/2009 6:57:11 AM | Football
Former Syracuse and professional football standout Jim Nance '65 is one of three finalists for the New England Patriots Hall of Fame. It is the second year in a row for Nance as a finalist for the honor, which began in 2007. The Patriots were known as the Boston Patriots from 1960 through 1970. Each year one player or head coach is honored. Fans are invited to vote online for one of the individuals who were nominated by a panel of media, alumni and staff. The polls close on May 31, 2009.
Nance was selected by the Patriots in the 19th round of the 1965 AFL draft out of Syracuse. His 45 rushing touchdowns set a franchise record, while his 5,323 rushing yards rank second in team history. In 1966, Nance was named the AFL Most Valuable Player after leading the league with 1,458 rushing yards. It was the highest single-season total in the AFL's 10-year history and a mark that stood as a Patriots record for 30 years (1966-95). Nance led the AFL in rushing the following year, gaining 1,216 yards. A two-time Pro Bowl selection, Nance continued his career with the NY Jets in 1973.
At Syracuse, Nance rushed for 1,605 yards in three seasons, including when he led the team in 1962 (417 yards) and 1964 (951 yards). His 13 rushing touchdowns in 1964 ties for fifth on the Syracuse single-season record list.
