Leo Nomellini

Leo Joseph Nomellini (June 19, 1924 – October 17, 2000) was a Hall of Fame American football player with the San Francisco 49ers. He was born at Lucca in Italy. He was a two-time All-American at the University of Minnesota and the 49ers' first-ever NFL draft choice in 1950.

Nomellini played every 49ers game for 14 seasons, 174 regular-season and 266 pro games in all. During his career he played both defensive and offensive tackle, winning all pro honors at both positions. He was selected to the All-NFL team six times, two years on offense, four years on defense. Nomellini was named to the NFL's all-time team as a defensive tackle.

During the off-season Nomellini often wrestled professionally as Leo "The Lion" Nomellini.

Championships and accomplishments

 * NWA Minneapolis Wrestling and Boxing Club - American Wrestling Association
 * AWA World Tag Team Championship (1 time) - with Wilbur Snyder
 * NWA World Tag Team Championship (Minneapolis version) (3 times) - with Verne Gagne (2) and Butch Levy (1)


 * NWA San Francisco
 * NWA World Tag Team Championship (San Francisco version) (4 times) - with Hombre Montana (1), Enrique Torres (2), and Rocky Brown (1)