This week in West Contra Costa County history.
Norm Van Brocklin died May 2, 1983; from Walnut Creek
Norm Van Brocklin died on May 2, 1983. He was a Hall of Fame quarterback and coach. He played 12 seasons in the NFL, first with the Los Angeles Rams, then with the Philadelphia Eagles. He won championships with both teams. In 1951, he helped lead the Rams to a title. In 1960, he was named league MVP and led the Eagles to a championship. He made nine Pro Bowls and set a passing record that still stands. After retiring as a player, he coached the Minnesota Vikings and Atlanta Falcons. He led both teams to their first winning seasons. Van Brocklin grew up in Walnut Creek, California. His family settled there when he was young. He attended Acalanes High School in nearby Lafayette and played multiple sports. His early years in Walnut Creek shaped his path to football. Though he later lived elsewhere, Walnut Creek remained part of his story.