Lynn Chandnois, Steelers Back and Kick Returner
April 21st, 2011 | Published in Player Deaths | 1 Comment
Lynn Chandnois, a back and kick returner for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1950 to 1956, passed away on April 19. Chandnois was a two-time Pro Bowler, and he still has the NFL’s second-best career kickoff return average, behind Gale Sayers. According to the Detroit Free Press, Chandnois also still holds the records at Michigan State for most career interceptions and interception return yards.
Chandnois appeared on a card from a major card company every year from 1951 to 1957, which is remarkable for the time. Pictured here is his rookie card, a 1951 Bowman. His 1955 Bowman card is an error card; it has his name spelled “Chadnois.” You can see all of Lynn Chandnois’s football cards in the Vintage Football Card Gallery.
March 25th, 2012 at 4:54 AM (#)
Mr. Chandnois was the best kickoff return man in the NFL during the whole 1950’s decade. His 29.57 has been passed by only 1 man in the last 56 years. That man is the current leader in kickoff return average 30.56 the Great Mr. Gale Sayers. This should let people who think there are better men in this category know just who the TOP two kickoff return men in the history of the NFL are. I don’t forsee anyone passing up either Lynn or Gale in the near future. Not the way these crybabys play. I don’t think there is one returner today who would play without a face mask the way Mr. Chandnois did in his 7yrs in the NFL. The reason he gave me for not wearing one is that the mask interfered with him watching the ball coming down when looked up. Remember just one or two great seasons don’t make a great returner. It’s his final average after he’s done playing.