The Hall of Class of 2010

[boknows34]

Jerry Rice
Emmitt Smith
Russ Grimm
Ricky Jackson (even though the announcer called him Randy!)
John Randle
Dick LeBeau (senior)
Floyd Little (senior)

First five out of HOF voting: Tim Brown, Don Coryell, Cris Carter, Charles Haley, Roger Craig. Next five out were Dermontti Dawson, Richard Dent, Cortez Kennedy, Andre Reed, and Shannon Sharpe.

Shocked at Carter missing the 1st cut. Glad to see a Hog finally make it while Dawson can take strength that he's next in line for the O-Linemen. Brown, Carter, Reed and Sharpe have now created a backlog for receivers. Remember the seniors are voted on separately so were not competing againt the 15 modern era names. LeBeau and Little did not keep out any of the names who didn't make it.

Next year's new names: Deion Sanders and Marshall Faulk are locks. Jerome Bettis and Curtis Martin are eligible too which won't be good news for Craig.

Edit: Should say Hall of Fame Class of 2010. Can't edit the headlines.

[E-Man]

I was hoping that Carter would finally get in, but the other guys are deserving. I don't necessarily think they are more deserving than Cris Carter though.

[boknows34]

PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME CLASS OF 2010

RUSS GRIMM
Guard … 6-3, 273 … Pittsburgh … 1981-1991 Washington Redskins … 11 seasons, 140 games … Selected in third round (69th player overall) in 1981 NFL Draft … Originally pegged to play center, moved to left guard as rookie … Immediate starter on line that earned nickname "The Hogs" … Teaming with tackle Joe Jacoby, formed perhaps most punishing side of an offensive line in football at the time … With Grimm’s speed and strength, Redskins rode success of dominating running attack to victory in Super Bowl XVII in which John Riggins rushed for then-record 166 yards … During playoff run that year, team averaged 152 yards rushing … Following 1983 season, Grimm was selected to first of four straight Pro Bowls … Also marked start of four consecutive years (1983-86) of All-Pro recognition … Also named All-NFC in each of those seasons … In 1987 moved to center and started five games before being sidelined until season finale with knee injury … Missed 11 games in 1988 with knee injury … Appeared in five NFC championship games and four Super Bowls including wins in Super Bowls XVII, XXII, XXVI … Elected to NFL's 1980s All-Decade Team … Born May 2, 1959 in Scottdale, Pennsylvania.

RICKEY JACKSON
Linebacker … 6-2, 243 … Pittsburgh … 1981-1993 New Orleans Saints, 1994-95 San Francisco 49ers … 15 playing season, 227 games … Selected by Saints in 2nd round (51st player overall) in 1981 draft … One of key players that fueled New Orleans transition from perennial losers into contenders in late 1980s … Made immediate impact as rookie when he led team with franchise rookie record eight sacks and was leading tackler … In 1983 established himself as elite pass rusher recording 12 sacks … That year marked first of six double-digit sack totals in career … Also earned Jackson first of six trips to Pro Bowl … Named first-team All-Pro 1986, 1987, 1992, 1993 … In 1987, Saints first winning season, Jackson recorded 9.5 sacks, 74 tackles, three forced fumbles, and two interceptions … Saints captured their first-ever division title in 1991 and Jackson recorded 11.5 sacks, 59 tackles, three forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and three passes defensed … Team never finished below .500 during Jackson’s final seven years … Jackson finished NFL career with two seasons with 49ers who converted him to defensive end and pass rush specialist … Retired after 1995 season with 128 career sacks that does not include rookie total since sack did not become official statistic until 1982 … Also intercepted eight passes during career … Born March 20, 1958 in Pahokee, Florida.

DICK LEBEAU
Cornerback … 6-1, 185 … Ohio State … 1959-1972 Detroit Lions … 14 playing seasons, 185 games … Selected by Cleveland Browns in 5th round (58th overall) in 1959 draft … Cut by Browns during rookie training camp … Signed with Lions, earned place in starting lineup final six games of rookie year … Didn’t miss another game until late in 1971 season … Started 171 consecutive games, an NFL record for his position … In 1960, began to make mark by intercepting four passes, starting string of 12 straight seasons with three or more interceptions … In 1963, intercepted five passes which he returned for career-high 158 yards, including 70-yard TD return against Rams … It was one of three interceptions he returned for touchdowns in career … The following year, intercepted five passes and was voted to first of three consecutive Pro Bowls … Also earned All-NFL second-team accolades, an honor earned again in 1965, 1966, 1970 … Finest season came in 1970 when he recorded NFC-leading nine interceptions for 96 yards … In all, recorded 62 picks for 762 yards … Ranked second among pure cornerbacks at retirement with 62 interceptions, third overall … Currently ranks third all-time among pure cornerbacks … Born on September 9, 1937 in London, Ohio.

FLOYD LITTLE
Running Back … 5-10, 196 … Syracuse … 1967-1975 Denver Broncos … Nine playing seasons, 117 games … Selected by Denver in first round (6th player overall) of 1967 AFL-NFL Draft … Initially used mostly as return specialist . . . As rookie, led AFL in punt returns with 16.9 average on 16 returns … Scored only touchdown on a punt return that season in AFL, 72 yards against the Jets … Also returned career-high 35 kickoffs for 942 yards … In third year averaged league-high and career best 5.0 yards per carry rushing … In 1971, became Broncos’ first 1,000-yard rusher … Won NFL rushing title that year with 1,133 yards on 284 carries and 6 TDs … Receiving threat out of backfield, caught 25-plus passes in each of final five seasons … Had knack for finding end zone … During three-year stretch, 1971-1973 scored combined 32 TDs rushing and receiving … Named to two AFL All-Star Games, three AFC-NFC Pro Bowls … Named All-AFL/NFL twice, All-AFC first- or second-team four straight years … Amassed more than 12,000 all-purpose yards and 54 TDs … Gained 6,323 yards on 1,641 career carries, scored 43 TDs … Added 215 receptions for 2,418 yards, 9 TDs … Totaled 893 yards on 81 career punt returns, 2 TDs; returned 104 kickoffs for 2,523 yards in his nine-season career … Born July 4, 1942 in New Haven, Connecticut.

JOHN RANDLE
Defensive Tackle … 6-1, 278 … Trinity Valley Community College (TX); Texas A&I … 1990-2000 Minnesota Vikings, 2001-03 Seattle Seahawks … 14 playing seasons, 219 games … Little All-America pick as a senior at Texas A&I … Signed by Vikings as an undrafted free agent … Played in all 16 games as a rookie … Recorded 137.5 sacks during career . . Had eight consecutive seasons (1992-99) with 10-plus sacks and a ninth in 2001 … In 1997 had career best and league leading 15.5 sacks, and career high 71 tackles (39 solo) … Signed a free agent contract with Seahawks in 2001 and turned in one of most productive seasons in team history with 11 sacks, four forced fumbles and fumble recovery in end zone for a TD … Named first-team All-Pro/All-NFC six consecutive years (1993-98) and once All-AFC with Seahawks (2001) … Selected to play in seven Pro Bowls (1994-99, 2002) … Led Minnesota defensive line recording double digit sack totals in three of four years that Vikings won NFC Central Division titles and eight sacks in fourth … Born December 12, 1967 in Hearne, Texas.

JERRY RICE
Wide Receiver … 6-2, 200 … Mississippi Valley State … 1985-2000 San Francisco 49ers, 2001-04 Oakland Raiders, 2004 Seattle Seahawks … 20 playing seasons, 303 games … Selected by 49ers in first round (16th player overall) of 1985 draft … Averaged 18.9 yards per catch on 49 receptions for 927 yards and 3 TDs as rookie … In 1986 caught 86 passes for a league-leading 1,570 yards and led the NFL in touchdown catches with 15 … Marked first of 11 straight 1,000-yard seasons … Also recorded double-digit receiving touchdowns in nine of next 10 seasons … In 1987 set the NFL record for touchdown receptions in season with 22 … Four seasons with 100-plus catches … Led NFL in receiving yards six times including NFL record 1,848 yards in 1995 … Led NFL in touchdown receptions six times … Owns virtually every significant receiving mark including receptions (1,549); receiving yards (22,895); most 1,000-yard receiving seasons (14); total touchdowns (208); combined net yards (23,546) … Holds multiple playoff and Super Bowl records … Played in eight conference championships and four Super Bowls … Earned three Super Bowl rings with 49ers and was named MVP in Super Bowl XXIII … Named first-team All-Pro 11 consecutive seasons and voted to 13 Pro Bowls … A member of NFL’s All-Decade Teams of 1980s and 1990s and NFL’s 75th Anniversary Team … Born October 13, 1962 in Starksville, Mississippi.

EMMITT SMITH
Running Back … 5-9, 207 … Florida … 1990-2002 Dallas Cowboys, 2003-04 Arizona Cardinals … 15 playing seasons, 226 games … Selected by Dallas in first round (17th player overall) of 1990 draft … Rushed for 937 yards, 11 touchdowns to earn Offensive Rookie of the Year honors … Second season rushed for league-leading 1,563 yards … Won rushing crowns in 1991, 1992, 1993, 1995 … Led NFL in rushing touchdowns three times and accumulated 277 pass receptions during that same five-season period … In 1995, recorded career highs for rushing yards (1,773), rushing touchdowns (25), and receptions (62) … Major contributor to Cowboys Super Bowl XXVII, XXVIII, XXX victories … Named first-team All-Pro 1992-95 … In 1993, named NFL’s MVP and MVP in Super Bowl XXVIII … After narrowly missing the 1,000-yard mark as rookie, embarked on a record run of 11 straight seasons with 1,000 yards rushing … Streak came to end in 2002 when he missed the 1,000-yard mark by 25 yards … On Oct. 27, 2002 in game vs. Seattle Seahawks, he supplanted Walter Payton as the NFL’s all-time rushing leader … Named to NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 1990s … Career totals of 18,355 yards and a 164 touchdowns rushing, 515 receptions for 3,224 yards and 11 touchdowns … Born May 15, 1969 in Pensacola, Florida.

[terribletowel39]

Very happy Dick LeBeau made it in. Very. He has deserved it for a long time.

[NY+Giants=NYG]

Dick L. Is a legend! I am glad he got in. I am amused that Carter didn't make the cut. Last year it was funny to see him mope on air because he didn't make it. I think there are a lot of others that should be in before he gets in. Good to see Randle get in.

[Ness]

Wow Cris Carter still isn't in. I wonder how long Tim Brown will have to wait as well. Nice to see Rickey Jackson got in. I thought he would have been held back yet again. Too bad Roger Craig didn't make it, but I think it's always going to be a long shot for him. Surprised Atwater wasn't a finalist.

[T-RICH49]

the fact Chris Carter is still not in is a joke.IMO the HOF vote should be taken out of writers hands and given to former players

[Shane P. Hallam]

the fact Chris Carter is still not in is a joke.IMO the HOF vote should be taken out of writers hands and given to former players

Once again, to put someone in, you have to boot someone out, and all 5 of these guys are deserving. I want Carter in as much as anyone, and he will be, but it will be a few years.

[SeanTaylorRIP]

It's better for Cris anyway. You don't want to go in the hall with Jerry. He would be so overshadowed. No one wants to go in the Hall along with the best player to ever play your position.

[Xonraider]

I expected Tim Brown to be cut from this years class, he was very good but not near Jerry Rice. Hopefully he makes it next year or in 2011.

[bored of education]

John Randle is one of my all time favorite players. He was the best DT I ever seen play. He was a nutcase but he could do it all; stop the run, rush the passer, take on multiple blockers etc.

http://themixtapemonster.files.wordpress.com/2009/12/john-randle_nc.jpg

[BlindSite]

Sharpe Carter and Brown should all make it quickly imo. Meaning I don't think we'll see Martin or Bettis in right away.

[SeanTaylorRIP]

Curtis Martin just seems like one of those guys who will take a little bit to make the Hall since he was such a humble and quiet personality.

[Vox Populi]

Curtis Martin just seems like one of those guys who will take a little bit to make the Hall since he was such a humble and quiet personality.

Plus outside of like... one season, he was never the best back in the league or even top 3, really. He was just a really solid, consistent and durable back, not an outstanding one. In like 15 years when he hasn't gotten in people will ride him like people rode Art Monk until he got in.

[GhostDeini]

John Randle making it is a good sign for Warren Sapp.

HOF voters have never respected the WR position. They made Michael Irvin wait for a couple years and he won 3 rings. I'm affraid Carter & Brown might not ever get voted.

[prock]

John Randle making it is a good sign for Warren Sapp.

HOF voters have never respected the WR position. They made Michael Irvin wait for a couple years and he won 3 rings. I'm affraid Carter & Brown might not ever get voted.

THIS, is the dumbest thing ive ever read in my life. its a shame carter wasnt first ballot, let alone not get in at all!

[gsorace]

John Randle making it is a good sign for Warren Sapp.

Was there any doubt that either of them was going to get in?

[asorrysight1]

I'm torn about this class. I am extremely disappointed Carter didn't get in again, but I am ecstatic to see Dick LeBeau finally get in. It was a long time coming.

[yo123]

Cris Carter should be in but I won't rant about that for the 147575th time.

John Randle getting in is just all kinds of awesome.

[Crazy_Chris]

Personally I think the most interesting part was the with the WR position. With Carter being a part of the first cuts looks as if Andre Reed is the next WR in line to get enshrined.

[FUNBUNCHER]

Imagine how long it's going to take the current crop of WRs still playing to be up for HOF consideration; Randy Moss, T.O., Marvin Harrison(recently retired), etc.

There's just a major backlog of HOF worthy candidates.

[themaninblack]

John Randle may be one of my favorite players ever as well.

[BeerBaron]

\

There's just a major backlog of HOF worthy candidates.

Exactly.

And that is why I point out to anyone who argues that a certain player "may slip in during a down year" probably won't.....there isn't going to be a "down year" for some time imo. Truly HOF worthy guys will get passed over while even better guys get in over the next few years....and after that, there will be plenty of borderline guys just missing from year to year.

Unless you are truly and unquestionably a "great" NFL player, you may not get in for a while....

[boknows34]

Exactly.

And that is why I point out to anyone who argues that a certain player "may slip in during a down year" probably won't.....there isn't going to be a "down year" for some time imo. Truly HOF worthy guys will get passed over while even better guys get in over the next few years....and after that, there will be plenty of borderline guys just missing from year to year.

Unless you are truly and unquestionably a "great" NFL player, you may not get in for a while....


The backlog will indeed get much longer in the next few years: Its going to be very tough to get elected and some worthy names are going to have to wait a long time.

1st time eligibles:

2011:
Deion Sanders
Marshall Faulk
Willie Roaf
Jerome Bettis
Curtis Martin

2012:
Bill Parcells
Will Shields

2013:
Jon Ogden
Warren Sapp
Larry Allen
Michael Strahan
Morten Andersen

2014:
Derrick Brooks
Marvin Harrison
Tony Dungy

2015:
Junior Seau
Kurt Warner
Isaac Bruce

Guys like Brett Favre (I know, I know ;)), Walter Jones and Orlando Pace are getting very close to retirement too. Then you have locks like Ray Lewis, Tony Gonzalez and LaDainian Tomlinson in their twilight years while Ed Reed has been talking retirement too. After that its going to be Moss, TO, Hutchinson, Mawae, Jason Taylor, Brian Dawkins, Adam Vinatieri and Champ Bailey, all fighting for places. Torry Holt and Edge James are suddenly looking like 'future HOFers' that might have to wait for years to hear their names called.

Add the 10 finalists who were not inducted today including Carter, Dawson, Dent, Brown, Sharpe, Kennedy and Reed and its obvious the fight for places in the next decade is going to be brutal. And we haven't even mentioned Chris Doleman, Kevin Greene, Terrell Davis, John Lynch, Bryant Young, La'Roi Glover and Aeneas Williams.

[boknows34]

Congrats also to American Idol's Randy Jackson on being elected to the HOF despite never coming within a million light years of the NFL.

http://www.nfl.com/videos/washington-redskins/09000d5d8163f713/Hall-of-Fame-class-of-2010

Check 0.22

http://american-idol.download-tvshows.com/files/randy_jackson1.jpg

[RaiderNation]

Tim Brown :(

[Xonraider]

2011:
Deion Sanders
Marshall Faulk
Willie Roaf
Jerome Bettis
Curtis Martin

Hmm, looking at this list makes me think Timmy makes it next year.

[boknows34]

Tim Brown :(

I never thought he stood a chance of getting elected 1st ballot, not after Carter got snubbed his first two years. Brown also picked the wrong year. I think the voters wanted to make sure Jerry Rice was not just the only WR but the only 1st ballot WR in this class.

[yo123]

I never thought he stood a chance of getting elected 1st ballot, not after Carter got snubbed his first two years. Brown also picked the wrong year. I think the voters wanted to make sure Jerry Rice was not just the only WR but the only 1st ballot WR in this class.

I know you might be right, but this is the kind of stuff that pisses me off about this whole process. You're either a hall of famer or you're not. This "I think he's a hall of famer but not a first ballot hall of famer" stuff is just ********.

[boknows34]

I know you might be right, but this is the kind of stuff that pisses me off about this whole process. You're either a hall of famer or you're not. This "I think he's a hall of famer but not a first ballot hall of famer" stuff is just ********.

The thing is most of these guys in the Final 15 will make it to Canton eventually but the HOF are restricted to selecting a maximum of 5 modern era inductees each year. I think you can separate HOFers - with OL as an example. Guys like Munoz, Hannah and Matthews march in easily 1st time while others like Grimm are not quite at the same level but still deemed worthy of Canton. You don't have to be in the discussion for GOAT at your position to make the HOF but those that do should jump the queue.

I have noticed the HOF voters are also conscious of getting a balance right between positions, and also between offense and defense. They did come under criticism a few years ago for being biased against defensive players getting elected and have tried to rectify it ever since. Having Rice and Emmitt as 100% locks this year could have led the voters to look for other positions outside the offensive skill positions (they ended up adding a Hog, a pass rushing DT and a 3-4 OLB) to provide that positional balance among the modern era inductees. If they had elected say Carter and Brown alongside Rice and Emmitt the HOF voters would very likely be fiercely criticised for ignoring defense and having too many offensive players/pass catchers. Whatever decision they come to there'll be criticism.

Carter/Brown/Reed/Sharpe have almost certainly split the vote and cancelled each other out.

[descendency]

Football needs to remove the cap of 5 people per year. Cris Carter CLEARLY should be in. Clearly. Shannon Sharpe??? Are you kidding me? How is he NOT in the Hall of Fame? Tim Brown and Andre Reed ... *face palm*

[Addict]

Carter will get there, it's not like they induct a bunch of schmucks every year instead of him. Really there's not a single new member that i'd disagree with.

Also: Jerry Rice is all kinds of awesome. That little piece of text is scary to read almost.

[frubulubu]

I expected Tim Brown to be cut from this years class, he was very good but not near Jerry Rice. Hopefully he makes it next year or in 2011.

He should be in, hopefully he dosent have to wait such a long time. Maybe Carter and and Brown can be inducted next year.