The 1951 NFL All-Pro Team is something of a misnomer. This was not an official league-sponsored honor, nor was the team a single entity. In fact, several different rival journalistic institutions — all independent of the NFL — each named their own All-Pro Teams following the conclusion of play in the
1951 NFL season. The first of the three most important 1951 All-Pro teams was announced on December 19 by the
United Press (UP). With the NFL's permanent adoption of the
free substitution rule on January 23, 1950, it was clear by this date to virtually all observers that "the days of the 30- and 60-minute player" were "apparently doomed." Consequently full offensive and defensive units were named by the UP for the first time — a 22-man roster. Offensively, the UP followed the conventional lineup of the day, selecting two
ends, two
offensive tackles, two
guards, a
center, a
quarterback, two
halfbacks, and a
fullback. On the defensive side the UP selected two
defensive ends, two
defensive tackles, two middle guards, two
linebackers, two
defensive halfbacks, and one
safety. The 1951 season similarly marked the first time that both offensive and defensive teams were named by the AP. ==Selections==