Hall of Fame
(Charter Member). First Northern Illinois (1) NFL draft pick, (2) NFL Championship Game performer, (3) All-Pro, and (4) Pro Bowl player. Selected in 17th round of 1948 NFL draft (150th player chosen) by Los Angeles Rams. Played DE-E six years (70 games) with Rams (1948-53) and one season (12 games) with Chicago Bears (1954). "When we got Brink it was like finding a fat wallet on the sidewalk," recalled Rams' coach Clark Shaughnessy. "He developed faster than any young end I've seen in a long time." Caught four passes for 36 yards as NFL rookie (1948). Tabbed for two Pro Bowls (1950-51). Made First-Team AP and New York Daily News All-NFL, plus Second-Team UPI All-NFL (1951), then First-Team UPI All-NFL and Second-Team New York Daily News All-NFL (1952) at DE. Contemporary of Elroy "Crazy Legs" Hirsch, Bob Waterfield, Norm Van Brocklin, Glenn Davis, Tom Fears, etc., in era when Rams produced one NFL title (1951) and four division crowns (1949-52). Separated football and QB Otto Graham for key fumble recovery vs. Cleveland in NFL Championship Game (12-23-51). Scored touchdown on 87-yard fumble return at Wrigley Field as Bear vs. Rams (1954). Played in Chicago Tribune College All-Star Football Game at Soldier Field (8-15-52). Named on NIU All-Century squad (1999). Three-time First-Team All-Little 19 / IIAC grid pick (1945-47). Starred on 8-2-0 Little 19 champ (1946) and first two Northern Illinois bowl squads (Turkey Bowl in 1946 and Refrigerator Bowl in 1947). Named NIU captain as senior. World War II vet. Foley (MN) native.
