Hall of Fame
John Hansen (Wahoo, Neb.) was a standout linebacker for the Plainsmen defense from 1985-87 finishing his career as one of the top tacklers in school history.
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Hansen was named an honorable mention NAIA All-American at linebacker in 1987 with 133 tackles, a mark that still ranks 8th on the NWU all-time charts. He was an All-District selection and All-NIAC in his senior season, while being named to the World Herald All State College team.
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A three-time All-Conference selection at linebacker, Hansen passed on medical school to come back and play his senior season. He opened his senior season with a 20-tackle (16 solo) performance against Gustavus Adolphus to earn NAIA District 11 Defense Player of the Week recognition. He had at least 10 tackles in every game during his final season on the field.
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Hansen finished his career with 332 career tackles in three seasons, a mark that ranked him fourth at time of graduation and still ranks fifth in NWU history. He was named 2nd-Team GTE/CoSIDA Academic All-America in 1987 and was Academic All-Region in 1986.
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