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 52nd 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 1997:

This is for the “Senior Era”, 

*Bold indicates they have been elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Class of 1997.

This is for the “Coaches/Contributors”, 

*Bold indicates they have been elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Class of 1997.

About the 1997 Inductees:

Russ Grimm, G-C, WAS 1981-91: Inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project in 1997 on his 1st Ballot.  Inducted into the actual Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010.

The Washington Redskins won three Super Bowls during the 1980s and early 1990s, but unlike most championship teams, their offensive line was considered the club's defining strength. The unit not only helped deliver three Super Bowl titles but also protected three different starting quarterbacks along the way. They were known as the "Hogs," and among them, Russ Grimm stood out as the group's premier player.

An original member of the Hogs, Grimm spent his entire NFL career with Washington after being selected in the third round of the 1981 NFL Draft out of Pitt. Establishing himself at left guard, he quickly developed into one of the league's elite players at his position and was a cornerstone of Washington's first Super Bowl championship. Over the next five seasons, Grimm cemented his reputation as the NFL's best left guard, earning five consecutive Pro Bowl selections and First-Team All-Pro honors in 1983. That season, he ranked second in the NFL in Approximate Value (18), while the Hogs became one of the most celebrated position groups in professional football.

As injuries accumulated, Grimm's role diminished from 1987 until his retirement following the 1991 season. Although he was no longer the dominant force he had been at his peak, his leadership and experience remained invaluable, and he continued to play an integral role in Washington's final two Super Bowl championships.

Dan Hampton, DE-DT, CHI 1979-90: Inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project in 1997 on his 1st Ballot.  Inducted into the actual Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2002.

Dan Hampton's illustrious NFL career began in 1979, when the Chicago Bears selected him fourth overall out of Arkansas. He quickly made a mark, earning All-Rookie honors with 70 tackles, 2 fumble recoveries, and 2 sacks during his first season. In 1980, his second year, Hampton led the team with 11.5 sacks, establishing himself as a top defensive player. His performance peaked in the 1982 strike-shortened season, in which he achieved 9 sacks in just nine games and was named NFC Defensive Player of the Year. Throughout these formative years, Hampton’s rare ability to play both defensive end and defensive tackle made him an invaluable asset for defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan's strategies.

By the mid-1980s, Hampton had become the anchor of a historic unit, culminating in the legendary 1985 championship season. As a focal point of the "46 defense," his presence created opportunities for teammates, leading to a Super Bowl XX victory in which the Bears defense allowed just 10 points. Throughout this peak era, Hampton earned four Pro Bowl nods and six All-Pro selections at two different positions. He reached these heights while battling severe physical adversity, famously playing through 10 knee surgeries. His selflessness and elite performance during this decade earned him a well-deserved spot on the NFL 1980s All-Decade Team.

Hampton's relentless career concluded in 1990 after 12 seasons, all spent wearing the navy and orange of the Chicago Bears. In his final season, his career-long resilience was recognized when he won the George S. Halas Courage Award for playing through persistent, grueling injuries. He retired with 152 career starts, 82 official sacks, and a legacy as one of the most versatile linemen in football history.

Charlie Joiner, WR, HOU 1969-72, CIN 1972-75 & SDG 1976-86.  Inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project in 1997 on his 6th Ballot.  Inducted into the actual Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1996.

Charlie Joiner entered the NFL as a fourth-round selection of the Houston Oilers in the 1969 NFL Draft out of Grambling State, but he struggled to establish himself during his first seven professional seasons. Traded to the Cincinnati Bengals midway through the 1972 season, Joiner showed flashes of his potential before being dealt again in 1976 to the San Diego Chargers, a move that transformed his career.

Under head coach Don Coryell, Joiner became a perfect fit in the Chargers' innovative vertical passing attack. Paired with quarterback Dan Fouts, he developed into one of the NFL's premier receivers, combining precise route running, dependable hands, and outstanding football intelligence. Beginning in 1978, Joiner recorded six consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons, earned three Pro Bowl selections, and was named a First-Team All-Pro in both 1980 and 1981. Despite sharing the field with outstanding pass catchers such as Kellen Winslow, John Jefferson, and later Wes Chandler, Joiner remained one of the focal points of the league's most explosive passing offense.

Joiner continued to produce into his late 30s, retiring after the 1986 season at the age of 39. At the time of his retirement, his 750 receptions and 12,146 receiving yards both ranked among the highest totals in NFL history, a testament to his longevity and remarkable consistency.

Dick LeBeau, DB, DET, 1959-72.  Inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project in 1997 on his 20th Ballot.  Inducted into the actual Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010.

Dick LeBeau played professional football as a cornerback for the Detroit Lions from 1959 to 1972. After signing as an undrafted free agent out of Ohio State University, he quickly earned a starting role because of his speed, intelligence, and ability to anticipate opposing quarterbacks. During his rookie season, he became a key contributor in the Lions' secondary and established himself as one of the league's most dependable defensive backs.

As his career progressed, LeBeau developed a reputation as one of the NFL's premier ball hawks. He intercepted 62 passes over 14 seasons, a total that ranks among the highest in league history. His instincts, disciplined coverage, and leadership helped anchor Detroit's defense throughout the 1960s. LeBeau was selected to three Pro Bowls and earned multiple All-Pro honors, reflecting the respect he received from coaches, teammates, and opponents.

LeBeau finished his playing career after the 1972 season, having appeared in 185 regular-season games, all with the Detroit Lions. Although he never played in a Super Bowl, his consistency and outstanding production made him one of the franchise's greatest defensive players.

John Stallworth, WR, PIT 1974-87.  Inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project in 1997 on his 5th Ballot.  Inducted into the actual Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2002.

How good was the 1974 Draft Class for the Pittsburgh Steelers?

They drafted Lynn Swann (First Round), Jack Lambert (Second Round), Mike Webster (Fifth Round), and John Stallworth (Fourth Round).

In Stallworth's first three seasons, he was mostly used as a backup but still contributed to their first two Super Bowl Championships (IX & X).  By 1977, the Alabama A&M Wide Receiver was a more substantial piece to the Steelers’ offense, and he exceeded 750 Yards in the two seasons after winning a third Super Bowl in the latter year.  Stallworth had his best season of the 1970s, earning Pro Bowl and First-Team All-Pro honors and helping the Steelers to their fourth Super Bowl of the decade.

While the 1980s did not add a ring for the thumb, this was the decade in which Stallworth cemented his Hall of Fame bust. It was a poor start as he only appeared in three Games in 1980, but he had his second 1,000-yard season in 1981 (1,183), and in the strike-shortened 1982 campaign, he was a Pro Bowler for a second time.

The Wide Receiver was hurt again for most of 1983 but rebounded with his best season on the gridiron with career-highs in 1,399 Yards and 11 Touchdowns.  Stallworth was a Pro Bowler for the third and final time and was awarded the PFWA Comeback Player of the Year.  He played three more years, finishing in 1987, in a pro career spent entirely in the black and yellow.  Stallworth retired with 8,723 Yards and 63 Touchdowns.

Les Richter LB-MG, RAM 1954-62.  Inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project in 1996 on his 10th Senior Ballot.  Inducted into the actual Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011.

Drafted second overall by the New York Yanks in 1952, Les Richter never played a game for the franchise, as the team folded before the season began. His rights were transferred to the newly formed Dallas Texans, who inherited much of the Yanks' roster, but Richter never suited up for them either. Instead, the Texans traded him to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for an astonishing 11 players. While that may seem like an uneven deal, history ultimately showed that the Rams were the true winners, as Richter became one of the greatest players in franchise history.

Richter's versatility was virtually unmatched. Primarily a linebacker, he also played guard, center, and served as the Rams' placekicker whenever needed. No matter where he lined up, he excelled, earning Pro Bowl honors in eight of his nine NFL seasons. A dominant run defender with exceptional instincts and toughness, Richter built a reputation as one of the league's most complete and dependable players.

His durability became legendary. In one game, Richter suffered a broken cheekbone but refused to leave the field, continuing to play despite the injury. Late in his career, when starting center Art Hunter was injured, Richter seamlessly shifted to the position, illustrating the rare adaptability that defined his career. Few players in NFL history possessed the combination of talent, toughness, and versatility that made Les Richter such an invaluable cornerstone of the Rams.

Gil Brandt, SCOUT, RAM 1955-57, SFO 1958-59 & DAL 1960-88.  Inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project in 1996 on his 6th Coach/Contributor Ballot.  Inducted into the actual Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2019.

Gil Brandt was the vice president of player personnel for the Dallas Cowboys from 1960 to 1988. He, along with coach Tom Landry and GM Tex Schramm, helped turn the Cowboys into 'America's Team’. During his 29 years, the team had 20 straight winning seasons, appeared in five Super Bowls, and won two (Super Bowl VI and XII). His talent eye helped acquire nine Hall of Fame players like Bob Lilly, Roger Staubach, and Tony Dorsett.

Brandt revolutionized the NFL by pioneering data-driven systems in player evaluation. In the 1960s, he partnered with IBM to introduce computerized analysis, turning scouting from subjective to precise. He required prospects to run the 40-yard dash and undergo psychological tests to assess mental toughness. Brandt also scouted outside traditional programs, drafting star athletes like Bob Hayes and Cornell Green, and using undrafted free agency to find impact players like Drew Pearson and Cliff Harris. His efforts led to the creation of the NFL Scouting Combine, making him a key figure in modern NFL scouting.

Yes, we know that this is taking a while!

As many of you know, we at Notinhalloffame.com are slowly generating the top 50 of each major North American sports team. That being said, we maintain and update our existing Top 50 lists annually.  We are pleased to present our pre-2026 revision of our top 50 San Francisco Giants.

As for all of our top 50 players in baseball, we look at the following: 

1.  Duration and Impact.

2.  Traditional statistics and how they finished in the Major League Baseball.

3.  Advanced Statistics.

4.  Playoff performance.

5. Their respective legacy on the team.

6. How successful the team was when he was there.

7. Respecting the era in which they played.

Criteria 1-4 will make up the lion’s share of the algorithm.  Please note that we have implemented this for the first time.  This has changed the rankings all throughout the board.

Last year, the Giants had a .500 record (81-81) and failed to make the playoffs.  There was one new entrant based on last year, and the new algorithm brought in another name.

As always, we present our top five, which saw one change.

1. Willie Mays
2. Barry Bonds
3. Christy Mathewson
4. Mel Ott
5. Carl Hubbell

You can find the entire list here.

According to the new algorithm, Christy Mathewson and Mel Ott switched their #3 and #4 rankings.

Tatis Jr., who was an All-Star and Gold Glove winner last season, moved from #7 to #5.  He was also 8th in MVP voting last year.

Logan Webb makes his debut at #46.

Kevin Mitchell returns to the list due to the new algorithm.

Notably, Brandon Belt and George Van Halten fell off the list.

We thank you for your continued support of our lists on Notinhalloffame.com.

Regular visitors of Notinhalloffame.com know that we are slowly working on the top 50 of every major team in the NHL, NBA, NFL, and MLB.  Once that is done, we will examine how each team honors its past players, coaches, and executives.  As such, it is important to us that the Minnesota Vikings will enshrine Adrian Peterson into their Ring of Honor this year.

From the University of Oklahoma, Peterson was taken seventh overall in 2017, and he immediately established himself as an elite NFL Running Back.  Peterson won the Offensive Rookie of the Year Award off of a 1,609 Yards From Scrimmage year, and in his sophomore campaign, he won his first rushing title with 1,760 Yards. A Pro Bowl Selection in his four seasons, Peterson led the NFL in Rushing Touchdowns (18). 

Peterson missed the 2011 Pro Bowl due to injuries, but in 2012, he had the most productive rushing season in team history.  That year, he won his second Rushing Title, a whopping 2,097 Yards, which was the second-highest in league history.  He won the MVP and the Offensive Player of the Year Award, cementing his legacy in team history.

After another solid year in 2013, Peterson missed most of the 2014 season due to child abuse charges, which landed him on the Exempt List, and later a suspension.  He rebounded with a third rushing title in 2015 (1,485), which netted him a fourth First Team All-Pro and seventh Pro Bowl, but injuries held him to only three games in 2016, and the Vikings did not exercise his option.  Peterson played four more years in the NFL with stops in New Orleans, Washington, Detroit, Tennessee, and Seattle.

Overall, with the Vikings, Peterson rushed for 11,747 Yards, caught another 1,945 Yards from the air, and had 102 Touchdowns from Scrimmage.

Peterson is eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2027.

We here at Notinhalloffame.com would like to congratulate Adrian Peterson for his upcoming honor.

Parents sign thousands of youth sports liability agreements annually without realizing that those documents rarely protect facilities from gross negligence. A standard registration form provides zero legal cover for a complex, ignoring structural hazards or hiring unvetted staff. Facilities depend on the assumption that a signed paper prevents civil action. 

That assumption stops families from uncovering maintenance failures, causing severe bodily harm. Liability requires a factual examination of maintenance logs and facility compliance rather than just a quick reading of an electronic waiver. Investigating these specific failures determines whether actionable negligence exists following a severe sports injury.

Immediate Preservation Of The Incident Scene

Physical conditions change rapidly after emergency personnel clear an area. Facility managers often repair broken equipment or alter the site layout within hours to prevent subsequent injuries. Documenting the exact mechanism of harm requires photographic evidence captured before any modifications occur at the venue.

"Defense investigators photograph the hazard immediately while parents focus entirely on the ambulance transport, leaving families with zero visual proof of the defect by the next morning," stated Sam Bass, a Spartanburg personal injury attorney. Equipment fails for specific reasons.

Medical documentation provides the necessary clinical foundation. Transport to Spartanburg Medical Center generates initial hospital records establishing the immediate severity of the physical trauma. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, traumatic brain injuries account for roughly 283,000 emergency visits annually among children participating in recreation. Matching the injury mechanism to the specific site conditions proves causation.

The Reality Of Tournament Liability Waivers

Waivers create a false sense of immunity for tournament organizers. Courts scrutinize these documents heavily because enforcing broad exculpatory clauses violates public policy regarding child safety. A facility cannot contract away fundamental duties to maintain safe premises.

Finding a viable path forward requires examining specific liability exceptions. Retaining a Spartanburg personal injury lawyer as mentioned by Martindale, www.stewartlawoffices.net, a legal practice managing civil claims in South Carolina since 1995 under the leadership of Brent Stewart, can help to establish early procedural boundaries. Organizers frequently reject initial reports of unsafe conditions. Defense representatives immediately point to the digital signature to discourage further inquiry.

Identifying The Responsible Entities

Determining fault requires unpacking a complex web of corporate and municipal relationships. Tournaments operate through overlapping layers of management. Pinpointing the correct defendant dictates the procedural rules for the entire civil claim.

Independent Contractors And Referees

League organizers frequently hire third-party vendors for officiating and site security. These individuals act outside the direct employment of the host venue. Establishing vicarious liability means analyzing the specific contracts governing those temporary roles. 

Facility Management And Municipalities

Publicly owned venues require adherence to governmental tort claims procedures. Claims involving the Spartanburg County Parks Department demand strict notice requirements differing significantly from private corporate litigation. Failing to meet municipal notice periods removes the opportunity to extend your legal timeline, but it does not bar financial recovery if a lawsuit is initiated within the standard two-year timeframe. Actions speak volumes.

Securing Witness Testimony Before Memories Fade

Spectators possess the most objective perspective regarding tournament conditions leading up to an incident. Background video captured by parents from opposing teams inadvertently documents structural failures or inadequate security measures. Identifying these individuals on the day of the event prevents valuable digital evidence from vanishing forever.

Witness accounts decay rapidly. Extracting specific details about a collapsed netting structure at the Upward Star Center requires immediate interviews. People forget precise sequences of events within weeks, replacing factual memories with assumptions based on later conversations.

An unexpected injury at the Upward Star Center can disrupt your whole family. Reach out to Stewart Law Offices at (864) 583-2223 or stop by 409 S Pine St, Spartanburg, SC 29302, and remember their attorneys can travel to visit you if you cannot make it in.

Insurance Coverage Triggers And Limitations

Commercial general liability policies contain strict exclusions for athletic participants, forcing organizers to purchase distinct policy layers for spectators versus active players. Private carriers frequently mandate formal written incident reports within 30 days to trigger coverage. Deadlines dictate policy availability.

Public venues invoke different rules. The South Carolina Tort Claims Act establishes a one-year window under SECTION 15-78-80(d) for filing an optional verified notice of loss to extend litigation deadlines; missing this administrative benchmark does not bar recovery or insurance access, provided a lawsuit is filed within the two-year statutory window. Missing this administrative deadline bars insurance access completely, regardless of injury severity.

Filing Timelines For Civil Claims

Statutes of limitations establish the absolute deadline for initiating a lawsuit. South Carolina generally allows three years for personal injury filings against private entities. Municipal involvement automatically reduces the baseline lawsuit window to two years, though specific administrative notice provisions can extend that window back to three years if utilized correctly.

Delaying action destroys leverage. Filing formal complaints at the Spartanburg County Courthouse requires extensive preparation and preliminary evidence gathering. A rushed filing invites procedural errors and immediate motions to dismiss from defense counsel.

Questions About Spartanburg Youth Sports Accidents

Who pays the medical bills while a tournament liability claim remains pending?

Health insurance remains the primary payer for immediate clinical treatments following an incident. Subrogation clauses allow health insurers to place liens on future civil settlements. Establishing a letter of protection with specialized providers delays direct billing until the litigation resolves. Details dictate the outcome.

Does an injury caused by another player qualify for a civil lawsuit?

Intentional misconduct provides grounds for civil action. Standard physical contact inherent to the sport lacks liability entirely. Proving a player acted with malicious intent outside the established rules of the game requires demonstrating physical behavior far exceeding any expected competitive aggression.

What specific documents must families request from the sports facility immediately?

Families need the official incident report generated by the on-site security team. Securing the maintenance logs for the specific equipment involved establishes baseline compliance. These documents provide the necessary foundation for proving the facility knew about existing material hazards beforehand.

This content is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Readers should consult a licensed attorney like the one mentioned in the article for guidance specific to their situation.