Herb Adderley Biography

Herbert Anthony Adderley, born on June 8, 1939, was an American professional football cornerback who played in the NFL for the Green Bay Packers and the Dallas Cowboys. He was enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1980 for his contributions to professional football. Adderley played college football for the Michigan State Spartans, where he was an All-Big Ten offensive star as a halfback. Raised in Philadelphia, he graduated from Northeast High School in 1957, where he earned All-City Honors in football, basketball, and baseball. Initially intending to pursue basketball, he was persuaded by his high school football coach Charles Martin to focus on football. In January 1957, he received the 17th annual Men of Cliveden Award as the outstanding scholastic athlete in the Philadelphia region. He led the Spartans in rushing yards as a junior in 1959 and recorded pass reception yardage in both 1959 and 1960.