1996 Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project Class.

Here we are!  Again!!

If you have been following our Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project, you know we have asked the question: What if the PFHOF had begun in January 1946?

After soliciting and obtaining a passionate group of football fans and historians, we sent out a ballot for a Preliminary Vote, in which each voter selected 25 names as their semi-finalists and five names for the Senior Pool. We then asked the group to vote for their 15 Finalists in the Modern Era and 3 in the Senior Category. The final stage was to vote for their five Modern Era inductee and one Senior inductee.

This is the result of the 51st official class. 

Below are the final results of this project based on 31 votes.

Remember that we have reverted back to the top five candidates entering the Hall in the Modern Era

This is for the “Modern Era”

*Bold indicates they have been elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Class of 1996:

This is for the “Senior Era”, 

*Bold indicates they have been elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Class of 1996.

This is for the “Coaches/Contributors”, 

*Bold indicates they have been elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Class of 1996.

About the 1996 Inductees:

Ozzie Newsome, TE, CLE 1978-90: Inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project in 1996 on his 1st Ballot.  Inducted into the actual Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1999.

At the time of his retirement, many felt that Ozzie Newsome was one of the most prolific Tight Ends in football history, and some say he still is.

Taken in the First Round (23^rd Overall) out of Alabama, Newsome brought his blocking and receiving skills to the Browns in 1978.  Known for his cerebral play, Newsome helped take the Browns to two AFC Championship Games, and he would have three 1,000-Yard seasons, which were excellent for a Tight End in the 1980s.  Newsome played his entire career with Cleveland, accumulating 7,980 Yards with 47 Touchdowns.

Newsome was elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1996, his first year of eligibility, and was part of the first class of the Browns Ring of Honor in 2010.  As an executive, he orchestrated teams that won two Super Bowls when the franchise relocated to Baltimore.

Mike Webster, C, PIT 1974-88 & KAN 1989-90: Inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project in 1996 on his 1st Ballot.  Inducted into the actual Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1997.

After being drafted in the Fifth Round in 1974, Mike Webster worked on Special Teams, Center, and Guard in his first two seasons, contributing to the Steelers in little ways while helping them win their first two Super Bowls.  What followed was one of the greatest runs ever by an NFL Center.

Webster began the 1976 season as the Steelers’ starting Center, and he would do so for the next 150 Games.  He became an icon in Pittsburgh for his tenacity and ability to play through injuries, regardless of the severity.  The Steelers were mostly known for their defense, but Webster ran the line that won two more Super Bowls and kept Pittsburgh competitive through the 80s.

“Iron” Mike would win two more Super Bowls and was a perennial Pro Bowl Selection from 1978 to 1985, with another one in 1987. Five of those Pro Bowl years were also First Team All-Pro seasons, with four of them being consecutive (1978-81). He would later earn the honor of being named to the 1970s and 1980s All-Decade Team, and he was also chosen for the 75^th and 100th Anniversary Team.  Webster played for Pittsburgh until 1988, when he signed with Kansas City for two more years.  The Pro Football Hall of Fame called his name in 1997, and he was posthumously named to the Steelers Hall of Honor 20 years later. 

Webster's end was tragic.  The Center incurred substantial brain damage and was diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease that football players are now all aware of.  He died at the age of 50, following years of pain, dementia, and depression.

Kenny Easley, DB, SEA 1981-87.  Inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project in 1996 on his 4th Ballot.  Inducted into the actual Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017.

A star player with UCLA, Kenny Easley was the fourth overall pick by the Seattle Seahawks in 1981. 

Easley came in with high expectations, which he showed with a good rookie season as their starting Strong Safety.  That good start was followed by a four-year run during which he was considered the best, or among the best, Defensive Backs in the game of pro football.  Easley went to the Pro Bowl in four straight years (1982-85) with a fifth in 1987, and he was also a three-time First Team All-Pro (1983-85).  His best year was in 1984, when he was the Defensive Player of the Year, the first Seahawk to win the honor.  That year, he led the NFL in Interceptions with 10 and would finish his career with 32.

Easley was vocal during the 1987 strike, and some believe this was why he was traded to the Cardinals in the off-season.  The trade did not stick, as Easley flunked the physical, and it was learned that he had kidney problems, which forced him out of football.  He would later sue the Seahawks, claiming that the overuse of Advil prescribed due to an ankle issue led to his kidney problems.  After an out-of-court settlement, the two parties reconciled, and Easley was inducted into their Ring of Honor.

Ray Guy, P, OAK/RAI, 1973-86.  Inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project in 1996 on his 5th Ballot.  Inducted into the actual Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2014.

Ray Guy made headlines when he became the first punter drafted in the first round.  Guy proved worthy of the trust the Raiders placed in him, as his booming, accurate kicks changed how special teams were thought of.  Guy’s punts were not just powerful; they had long hang time and could be deadly accurate when needed.  

Punters were never thought of as having the ability to win games, but there were occasions when Guy’s leg did just that for the Raiders.

Claude Humphrey, DE, ATL 1968-78 & PHI 1979-81.  Inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project in 1996 on his 10th Ballot.  Inducted into the actual Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017.

The Atlanta Falcons chose Humphrey with the Third Overall Pick in 1968, and despite his obvious talent, the Defensive End played his college ball at Tennessee State, and did not face the elite competition that other draftees did.  Anyone who was worried need not have been, as Humphrey won the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year and began a run of dominance in destroying Quarterbacks.

Humphrey had at least 10 Sacks in six of his first seven years, which was far more impressive considering that, beyond Tommy Nobis, there were no other Falcons defenders that offenses feared.  He went to five consecutive Pro Bowls (1970-74) that included two First Team All-Pros (1972 & 1973), and had there been an All-Half Decade Team, you can bet that Humphrey would be on it.

A knee injury prevented Humphrey from competing in 1975, but he returned at a high level, adding another Pro Bowl in 1977.  Humphrey joined the Philadelphia Eagles in 1979, played there for three years, and finally tasted the playoffs, which included an NFC Championship Game appearance. 

Humphrey had 130 (Unofficial) Sacks over his career, with at least 10 in nine of his seasons.

Gino Cappelletti FL-SE-DB-WR-PK, BOS 1960-70.  Inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project in 1996 on his 1st Senior Ballot.  Was never inducted into the actual Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The New England Patriots would have a lot of talent come wear their uniform, but only one of them would have the nickname of "Mr. Patriot."

The road to the pros was a long one for Cappalletti, as he went undrafted in 1955 after an excellent college career at the University of Minnesota and would play semi-pro for a few years.  The creation of the American Football League in 1960 would create opportunities, and Cappelletti signed with the Boston Patriots, where he was hired as a Kicker and Cornerback.  He would find a perfect home on the East Coast, and over the 1960s, he would be the team's permanent kicker and lead the AFL in field goals three times.  That, however, was not the only job that Cappalletti would have for the Pats.

Cappelletti moved away from the defensive side of the ball and would also play at Flanker and Split End, and over his 11 seasons in Boston, he would accrue 292 Receptions for 4,589 Yards and 42 Touchdowns.  Four of his seasons would see him finish in the top ten in Receiving Yards.

Scoring TDs, Field Goals, and Extra Points, Cappalletti would retire by far as the franchise leader in points, though Adam Vinatieri has since eclipsed that.  He is, however, the All-Time leader in Points Scored for the AFL, a record we feel certain anyone, Vinatieri included, can never touch.

Ralph Wilson, Owner, BUF 1960-2013.  Inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project in 1996 on his 5th Coach/Contributor Ballot.  Inducted into the actual Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2009.

Ralph Wilson was a businessman who founded the Buffalo Bills in 1959 as an original member of the American Football League (AFL). Serving as a key part of the "Foolish Club," he helped the upstart league challenge the established NFL before successfully negotiating its historic merger in 1970. Wilson's leadership early on brought Western New York two AFL Championships in 1964 and 1965.

Throughout his 54 years as owner, he became the NFL's "voice of reason," heavily advocating for league stability, revenue sharing, and keeping his franchise in its original market. His franchise saw its peak success in the 1990s, winning four consecutive AFC titles to make an unprecedented four straight Super Bowl appearances.

Every legendary guitarist seems to carry a sense of inevitability—like they were born to shape music history. From Jimi Hendrix redefining electric expression to Eric Clapton mastering blues phrasing, their careers can feel almost mythic. But when you look more closely, their success didn’t emerge from innate talent alone. It was built through deliberate habits, creative risks, relentless practice, and an understanding of how to connect with audiences.

For aspiring guitarists, whether hobbyists or professionals, these careers offer more than inspiration—they offer a blueprint. By studying what the greats actually did, rather than just admiring what they achieved, you can extract practical strategies to develop your own musical identity and trajectory.

Building a Signature Sound

One of the defining traits of legendary guitarists is their unmistakable tone. You can recognize B.B. King’s expressive vibrato or Eddie Van Halen’s tapping technique within seconds. This didn’t happen by accident—it was the result of experimentation, curiosity, and a willingness to sound different.

Great players resist the urge to imitate for too long. While they often start by copying their heroes, they eventually push beyond imitation to discover what feels authentic. Hendrix didn’t just play blues—he stretched its boundaries with effects, feedback, and unconventional phrasing. Similarly, players like Tom Morello transformed the guitar into something almost unrecognizable, treating it as a sonic laboratory.

What you can take from this is simple: don’t rush to sound “correct.” Spend time exploring tone, effects, and phrasing. Record yourself. Notice what stands out. Your signature sound often hides in what feels slightly unusual or unexpected.

Mastering the Fundamentals with Relentless Consistency

Behind every flashy solo lies a foundation of disciplined practice. Legends didn’t skip the basics—they refined them obsessively. Jimmy Page, for example, developed his precision through years of studio work before achieving global fame, while Stevie Ray Vaughan’s raw energy was grounded in deep technical control.

Consistency matters more than intensity. Short, focused practice sessions repeated daily will outperform occasional bursts of effort. This is particularly relevant for adult learners balancing music with other responsibilities. Seeking out structured guidance—such as guitar lessons for adults—can help establish a sustainable routine that builds skill without overwhelming your schedule.

Great players also revisit fundamentals constantly. Scales, timing exercises, and chord transitions are not “beginner” tasks; they are lifelong tools. The difference lies in how deeply you engage with them over time.

Taking Creative Risks and Reinventing Often

The most iconic careers are defined by evolution. Artists who stagnate fade quickly, while those who embrace change remain relevant. David Bowie (though not primarily a guitarist) exemplified reinvention, and guitarists like John Mayer have similarly shifted styles—from pop to blues to folk-inspired work—without losing their identity.

Risk-taking doesn’t always mean drastic change. It can be as subtle as trying a new genre, collaborating with unfamiliar musicians, or writing in an unconventional structure. Prince blended rock, funk, and pop seamlessly, creating a sound that defied categorization.

The takeaway is to stay creatively restless. When something feels too comfortable, it may be time to challenge it. Growth often comes from moments where you feel slightly out of your depth.

Learning from Collaboration and Community

No legendary guitarist exists in isolation. Collaboration has played a crucial role in shaping careers and expanding musical horizons. Clapton’s work with Cream and Derek and the Dominos brought out different aspects of his playing, while bands like The Beatles thrived on the interplay between members.

Playing with others sharpens timing, listening skills, and adaptability. It also exposes you to different approaches and ideas that can reshape your own style. Even informal jam sessions can spark breakthroughs that solitary practice might not achieve.

Modern technology has made collaboration more accessible than ever. Online communities, virtual jam sessions, and recording collaborations allow you to connect with musicians worldwide. The key is to remain open—both to giving and receiving creative input.

Understanding the Business and Building a Personal Brand

Talent alone rarely guarantees a lasting career. The greats understood, consciously or intuitively, how to position themselves within the music industry. From Carlos Santana’s cultural fusion to Slash’s instantly recognizable image, branding has played a role in sustaining their visibility.

Today, this extends to digital presence. Sharing performances, engaging with audiences, and documenting your progress can help build a following. However, authenticity remains critical. Audiences respond to genuine passion and consistency more than polished perfection.

Equally important is understanding the practical side of music—contracts, royalties, and networking. Many legendary artists navigated challenging industry landscapes, learning from both successes and setbacks. Treating your craft with a professional mindset, even at an early stage, can open doors that raw ability alone cannot.

Conclusion

Legendary guitar careers are rarely the result of a single breakthrough moment. They are shaped through years of exploration, discipline, risk-taking, and connection. By studying the habits and decisions of iconic players, you can identify patterns that apply to your own journey—regardless of your starting point or goals.

The path to becoming a great guitarist isn’t about mimicking someone else’s career step by step. It’s about adopting the principles that drove their success and adapting them to your own circumstances. With patience, curiosity, and a commitment to growth, you can carve out a musical identity that feels both personal and enduring. 

The mid-1920s saw a surge in offensive play across Major League Baseball, but few players, like Kiki Cuyler, matched the speed of that era. He not only hit well but also raced around bases with relentless speed, earning the nickname "The Flint Flash." For a brief, intense period at Forbes Field, Cuyler was at the top of the sport, combining contact hitting with exceptional speed to help lead his team to a championship.

Following a handful of brief September look-ins at the start of the decade, Cuyler fully broke into the everyday starting lineup as a rookie during the 1924 campaign. Thrust into the starting right field vacancy, he systematically dismantled National League pitching staffs, batting a spectacular .354 while lashing out 165 hits and swiping 32 bases in just 117 games.

That impressive debut immediately showcased his position as a top player, paving the way for a second summer that became one of the most outstanding individual seasons in franchise history. His real breakthrough in baseball came during the 1925 pennant race, when Cuyler delivered a spectacular, multifaceted offensive performance. He led all of baseball with a record 144 runs scored in the post-1900 National League and hit an impressive 26 triples—a league-high—among his 220 total hits.

He posted an impressive .357 batting average and hit 18 home runs, including an incredible eight inside-the-park homers, finishing second to Rogers Hornsby in the National League MVP voting. That fall, his legacy was cemented during Game 7 of the 1925 World Series, where he demonstrated remarkable resilience by hitting a crucial, bases-clearing double off Washington star Walter Johnson in the eighth inning, despite a heavy rain and muddy conditions at Forbes Field, helping secure the championship.

Despite his rapid rise to the top of the sport, his local narrative suddenly collapsed irreversibly. The emergence of future Hall of Famer Paul Waner pushed Cuyler to different outfield positions. In 1926, he delivered another strong season with 197 hits and 35 stolen bases. However, behind the scenes, Tensions simmered. Before the 1927 season, a toxic, low-variance personality clash erupted between Cuyler and new Pirates manager Donie Bush, mainly over the batting order and defensive roles. The conflict became so intense that Bush benched Cuyler for the entire 1927 World Series, leaving an astonished Pittsburgh crowd to watch from the stands as the Yankees swept the series in four games.

Following the season, Cuyler was traded to the Chicago Cubs.  With Pittsburgh, Cuyler had 680 hits, 115 doubles, 65 triples, and 44 home runs alongside a spectacular .336/.399/.511 slash line across 599 games. 

Last January, the Baseball Hall of Fame announced the Class of 2026, and for us at Notinhalloffame.com, this means it is time to revise the list of those to consider for the Hall.

At present, it is a work in progress, as we have multiple projects underway (including prepping the ballot for the 2026 United States Athletic Hall of Fame), but we are also slowly working on the Baseball Hall revision.

Our revisions take into account the following:

• Removing those who were inducted and including those who are now eligible.
• Taking in your votes and comments and adjusting accordingly.

Simple, right?

As this is a work in progress, the section is under construction, but we will keep you apprised of the changes as we go.

The entire list (again, it is under construction) is here,  but in the meantime, here is the revised 126-150:

126. Luis Gonzalez
127. Ron Cey
128. Firpo Marberry
129. Cupid Childs
130. Roy Oswalt
131. Johnny Sain
132. Willie Davis
133. Vern Stephens
134. George Uhle
135. Cliff Lee
136. Johnny Damon
137. Cesar Cedeno
138. Dennis Martinez
139. Tommy Bridges
140. Jamie Moyer
141. Al Dark
142. Jose Cruz
143. Dizzy Trout
144. Mel Harder
145. Jimmy Sheckard
146. Sam McDowell
147. Camilo Pascual
148. Silver King
149. Nomar Garicaparra
150. Jorge Posada

Look for more updates soon.