Hall of Fame
Larry Shears spent four years starting at left corner for the Blue Tigers, leading Lincoln to three winning seasons. An iron man who only missed one game in his career, Shears was the captain and most valuable player for the 1970 squad which went 7-3 in LU's first season in the MIAA. Shears also led Lincoln to an 8-2 record as a sophomore, helping the Blue Tigers post two shutouts that year, and a 5-3-1 mark as a junior.
In 1971, Shears was selected in the 11th round of the National Football League draft by the Atlanta Falcons and played in nine games during his rookie year. Following a two-year stint with the Falcons, Shears signed with the New York Stars (which eventually became the Charlotte Hornets) of the World Football League. Shears led the club in interceptions in 1975 after finishing second on the squad in picks in 1974.
