bearsfan_51
02-01-2009, 03:16 PM
Hello all. I used to follow the HOF much more closely than I do now, when I was working for the historical wing of the HOF (sounds cool, pay sucked). Anyway, the announcements yesterday got me thinking about who I feel has been long overdue for consideration (and no, the list doesn't begin and end with Bo Jackson for you kiddies out there). As you may notice, I left Richard Dent out of the discussion, as I'm just too biased.
In chronological order:
Jerry Kramer, Guard, Green Bay Packers (1958-1968)
http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2008/01/16/alg_lombardi.jpg
I never really understood why so many Vince Lombardi Packers got into the Hall but not Kramer. He was on the 1960's all-decade team, a 5-time All Pro, a member of the 50th anniversary team in 1969, and #1 on NFL network's players that aren't in the Hall of Fame. Winning 2 Superbowls and 5 championships doesn't hurt either.
Tommy Nobis, Linebacker, Atlanta Falcons (1966-1976)
http://www.atlantasportshalloffame.org/m-9501.jpg
Nobbis was the 1st pick ever for the Atlanta Falcons, and recorded a whopping 294 tackles as a rookie, winning the rookie of the year award. A 5-time pro-bowler, Nobbis is often consider to be a much better player today than he was then, where he was buried by being on awful Atlanta teams.
Claude Humphrey, Defensive End, Atlanta Falcons, Philadelphia Eagles (1968-1981)
http://life.atlantafalcons.com/uploads/1219254389/gallery_196523_38_18899.jpg
I must have something for the Falcons defense of the 1970's. One of the best pass rushers of the decade, Humphrey finished his career with 126.5 sacks. He's been a finalist numerous times, and deserves to make the call.
Ken Stabler, Quarterback, Oakland Raiders (1970-1984)
http://i.a.cnn.net/si/2007/writers/classic_nfl/09/10/raiders/raiders.jpg
If Joe Namath is in the HOF, Stabler should be too. The 1974 NFL MVP, Stabler was one of the best quarterbacks of the 70's and captain of one of the best teams of the decade. He's hurt severely by the 75.4 passer rating and TD/INT ratio, but there is a history of players with poor stats making the HOF, so a case could be made for Stabler.
Robert Brazile, Linebacker, Houston Oilers (1975-1984)
http://www.sportsattic2.com/nflphotos/photos11/Brazile,Robert2.jpg
Although Lawrence Taylor is often credited as the prototype 3-4 OLB, many, including LT, have given Brazile credit as the originator of the pass-rushing linebacker. As the 3-4 continues to increase in popularity, I think it's only fitting that the HOF reconsider their position on Brazile. Brazile, a defensive nightmare used by head coach Bum Phillips, was a 7-time pro bowler, defensive rookie of the year.
Russ Grimm, Guard, Washington Redskins (1981-1991)
http://footballcollectible.com/secure/images/products/RussGrimm-Redskins-150.jpg
Most people know about Grimm by now. A constant on the "Hogs" front of the 1980's, Grimm was by far the best. I hope Grimm gets in at some point, but Jerry Kramer has been waiting for decades.
Deron Cherry, Safety, Kansas City Chiefs (1981-1991)
http://www.georgeblowfish.com/cherry.jpg
One of the best free safties to play the game, Cherry was a 6-time pro bowler from 1983-1988. Cherry holds 50 career interceptions, at a time when passing still wasn't as common as it is today, and is oddly enough a partial owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars. A serious neck injury ended his career.
Roger Craig, Runningback, San Francisco 49'ers(1983-1993)
http://i.cdn.turner.com/sivault/si_online/covers/images/1985/0128_large.jpg
Craig certainly benefitted by being on some great offensive teams, but the 49'ers were a better running team than given credit for. Craig was one of the first "multi-purpose" backs. A 3-time Superbowl champ, Craig is the only runningback to lead the league in receptions for a year, was the 1988 offensive player of the year, and made the playoffs every year of his career.
Kevin Greene, Linebacker, Los Angeles Rams, Pittsburgh Steelers, Carolina Panthers (1985-1999)
http://community.post-gazette.com/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.26.55/kevingreene.jpg
I don't quite understand why Greene doesn't at least get some discussion on these lists. The man has 160 sacks as a linebacker, has a former DPOY, and made 5 pro bowls. Plus he had a super awesome mullet.
Chris Carter, Wide Receiver, Minnesota Vikings (1987-2002)
http://theblackquarterback.files.wordpress.com/2008/02/carter.jpg
I've heard the arguments against Carter. They're pretty weak. Yes he wasn't a game-breaker. Yes, he was arguably second fiddle to Randy Moss much of his career. Yes, his stats are being surpased by other players in the era of receptions. That doesn't take away from Carter's lengthy resume, which should get him in without question.
Shannon Sharpe, Tight End, Denver Broncos (1990-2003)
http://i.a.cnn.net/si/2004/football/nfl/05/17/sharpe.retrospective/p1_shannon_sharpe_getty.jpg
Another player that will get in soon without much issue. I can understand why he didn't get in this year (tight ends usually aren't at the front of the line), but he'll get in very soon as he should.
John Randle, Defensive Tackle, Minnesota Vikings (1990-2003)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v201/FalconFB47/324994.jpg
I love John Randle. As a Bears fan I feel like I probably should hate him, but he was so good and played with such a passion that it was hard not to appreciate him. He'll get in pretty soon, just not on the first ballot.
There are others: Cortez Kennedy, Terell Davis, Randall Cunningham, Richard Webb, Dermonti Dawson, Chris Doleman, Steve Atwater,etc., but this is my top list.
In chronological order:
Jerry Kramer, Guard, Green Bay Packers (1958-1968)
http://assets.nydailynews.com/img/2008/01/16/alg_lombardi.jpg
I never really understood why so many Vince Lombardi Packers got into the Hall but not Kramer. He was on the 1960's all-decade team, a 5-time All Pro, a member of the 50th anniversary team in 1969, and #1 on NFL network's players that aren't in the Hall of Fame. Winning 2 Superbowls and 5 championships doesn't hurt either.
Tommy Nobis, Linebacker, Atlanta Falcons (1966-1976)
http://www.atlantasportshalloffame.org/m-9501.jpg
Nobbis was the 1st pick ever for the Atlanta Falcons, and recorded a whopping 294 tackles as a rookie, winning the rookie of the year award. A 5-time pro-bowler, Nobbis is often consider to be a much better player today than he was then, where he was buried by being on awful Atlanta teams.
Claude Humphrey, Defensive End, Atlanta Falcons, Philadelphia Eagles (1968-1981)
http://life.atlantafalcons.com/uploads/1219254389/gallery_196523_38_18899.jpg
I must have something for the Falcons defense of the 1970's. One of the best pass rushers of the decade, Humphrey finished his career with 126.5 sacks. He's been a finalist numerous times, and deserves to make the call.
Ken Stabler, Quarterback, Oakland Raiders (1970-1984)
http://i.a.cnn.net/si/2007/writers/classic_nfl/09/10/raiders/raiders.jpg
If Joe Namath is in the HOF, Stabler should be too. The 1974 NFL MVP, Stabler was one of the best quarterbacks of the 70's and captain of one of the best teams of the decade. He's hurt severely by the 75.4 passer rating and TD/INT ratio, but there is a history of players with poor stats making the HOF, so a case could be made for Stabler.
Robert Brazile, Linebacker, Houston Oilers (1975-1984)
http://www.sportsattic2.com/nflphotos/photos11/Brazile,Robert2.jpg
Although Lawrence Taylor is often credited as the prototype 3-4 OLB, many, including LT, have given Brazile credit as the originator of the pass-rushing linebacker. As the 3-4 continues to increase in popularity, I think it's only fitting that the HOF reconsider their position on Brazile. Brazile, a defensive nightmare used by head coach Bum Phillips, was a 7-time pro bowler, defensive rookie of the year.
Russ Grimm, Guard, Washington Redskins (1981-1991)
http://footballcollectible.com/secure/images/products/RussGrimm-Redskins-150.jpg
Most people know about Grimm by now. A constant on the "Hogs" front of the 1980's, Grimm was by far the best. I hope Grimm gets in at some point, but Jerry Kramer has been waiting for decades.
Deron Cherry, Safety, Kansas City Chiefs (1981-1991)
http://www.georgeblowfish.com/cherry.jpg
One of the best free safties to play the game, Cherry was a 6-time pro bowler from 1983-1988. Cherry holds 50 career interceptions, at a time when passing still wasn't as common as it is today, and is oddly enough a partial owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars. A serious neck injury ended his career.
Roger Craig, Runningback, San Francisco 49'ers(1983-1993)
http://i.cdn.turner.com/sivault/si_online/covers/images/1985/0128_large.jpg
Craig certainly benefitted by being on some great offensive teams, but the 49'ers were a better running team than given credit for. Craig was one of the first "multi-purpose" backs. A 3-time Superbowl champ, Craig is the only runningback to lead the league in receptions for a year, was the 1988 offensive player of the year, and made the playoffs every year of his career.
Kevin Greene, Linebacker, Los Angeles Rams, Pittsburgh Steelers, Carolina Panthers (1985-1999)
http://community.post-gazette.com/cfs-file.ashx/__key/CommunityServer.Components.UserFiles/00.00.00.26.55/kevingreene.jpg
I don't quite understand why Greene doesn't at least get some discussion on these lists. The man has 160 sacks as a linebacker, has a former DPOY, and made 5 pro bowls. Plus he had a super awesome mullet.
Chris Carter, Wide Receiver, Minnesota Vikings (1987-2002)
http://theblackquarterback.files.wordpress.com/2008/02/carter.jpg
I've heard the arguments against Carter. They're pretty weak. Yes he wasn't a game-breaker. Yes, he was arguably second fiddle to Randy Moss much of his career. Yes, his stats are being surpased by other players in the era of receptions. That doesn't take away from Carter's lengthy resume, which should get him in without question.
Shannon Sharpe, Tight End, Denver Broncos (1990-2003)
http://i.a.cnn.net/si/2004/football/nfl/05/17/sharpe.retrospective/p1_shannon_sharpe_getty.jpg
Another player that will get in soon without much issue. I can understand why he didn't get in this year (tight ends usually aren't at the front of the line), but he'll get in very soon as he should.
John Randle, Defensive Tackle, Minnesota Vikings (1990-2003)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v201/FalconFB47/324994.jpg
I love John Randle. As a Bears fan I feel like I probably should hate him, but he was so good and played with such a passion that it was hard not to appreciate him. He'll get in pretty soon, just not on the first ballot.
There are others: Cortez Kennedy, Terell Davis, Randall Cunningham, Richard Webb, Dermonti Dawson, Chris Doleman, Steve Atwater,etc., but this is my top list.