Len Younce would miss 1942 and 1945 (as many would then), but the 1941 pick from Oregon State would be one of the most versatile players even for an era where that skill was widely coveted.  Younce excelled as a Guard, Linebacker, and a Punter and was an unsung hero for the Giants, who was incredibly versatile even in an age where that was expected.  He was rewarded with a selection to the 1940’s All-Decade Team.

The Cal Ripken of basketball with 1192 consecutive games played, A.C. Green’s hopes of enshrinement rely on amazing consistency and ability to do whatever it takes for the good of the team.  A star out of college winning PAC-10 player of the year at Oregon State, Green came to the Lakers and immediately developed a role as the power forward who would bang down low, grab boards, and show up for work every day.  12,000 career points and almost 10,000 rebounds as well as the being the only player to play on both Magic and Shaq’s championship teams don’t hurt.  Oh and did we mention that he was never in competition for chicks with Magic?

What is it about the 2000s and brash Wide Receivers?  Perhaps the most obnoxious (depending on your point of view) of them all was Chad Johnson, who was a major star for the Cincinnati Bengals for a decade.  

On the field, “Ocho Cinco” would eclipse the 1,200 Yard mark five years in a row, including one season where he led the NFL in Yards Receiving.  He is a rare member of the 10,000 Yard club and was chosen for the Pro Bowl six times.  Johnson was not just good, he was exciting, and was an ESPN highlight film all on his own.  As good as he was, there are some serious factors that could easily prevent him from going to Canton.

As explosive as he was and as famous as he became, Johnson was one of many great Wide Receivers of his day and was one of many beneficiaries of the rule changes that aided his position.  He did have good career numbers, but there are many that are ahead of him, and with only three All-Pro selections to his credit, he will be behind many of those other Wideouts.  

Johnson was also labeled as a distraction and, even worse, a locker room cancer.  Also, as the world becomes more politically correct, the domestic violence arrest that caused him to be released by the Miami Dolphins does him no favors.

We can say this with one hundred percent certainty.  There is nobody else that we would want to eavesdrop more on a Hall of Fame committee conversation than Chad Johnson.