Inducted February 11, 1988

When Mark Nichols reports to his next training camp with the Detroit Lions, it will mark the start of his eighth season in profession football. A product of East Bakersfield High School, Nichols attended Bakersfield college for two years and, in his sophomore season for the Renegades, averaged 27.5 yards per catch. At San Jose State, under Coach Jack Elway, Nichols set a single-season record for receiving yardage, 773, and touchdown catches, 11. He was the Lions' first-round draft selection (and 16th player picked overall) in 1981 and has been a frequent starter, although his career has been hampered by injuries. He missed the 1986 season after complicating his finest NFL performance the year before, with 36 catches for 592 yards. Nichols' personal best in the NFL is five catches and 117 yards in a game. Nichols now makes his home in the Detroit area and operates a limousine service in the off-season.