Top 5 NFL player comebacks after year or longer suspensions

3. Paul Hornung, Green Bay Packers

Even football fanatics may be surprised to see the man nicknamed “the Golden Boy” on this list. Hornung was one of two players suspended for the 1963 season after gambling on games. The star running back had become the face of the NFL by that time, winning the 1961 MVP and being named to two Pro Bowl and two All-Pro teams.

After his suspension, Hornung returned to the Packers in 1964. Hornung was still a strong player, helping the Packers win both the 1965 NFL Championship and Super Bowl I in 1966 before retiring after the season. Though he had a notable suspension, he was still inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1986.

Hornung was suspended for gambling in 1963.
He took responsibility for his actions and accepted his punishment, like a man should.#Packers pic.twitter.com/MlvAVll17o

— Old Time Football 🏈 (@Ol_TimeFootball) December 23, 2022