We have a sudden retirement to talk about as Rick Nash has retired from professional hockey. In a statement from his agent the retirement stemmed from “unresolved issues from the concussion sustained last March”.  That was one of many concussions that Nash sustained over his career.

A six time All Star, Nash was the first overall pick in 2002 by the Columbus Blue Jackets and in his second season he would win the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Award as the leading goal scorer in the National Hockey League.  Nash played for Columbus for nine seasons and after his rookie season he never had less than 54 Points in a season and he was a 30 Goal scorer seven times.  

He would be traded to the New York Rangers but he was not as consistent a player but he did have a 69 Point season in 2014-15.  He would finish his professional career last season with Boston.  Nash would score 805 Points over his career and Internationally he was a two time Olympic Gold Medalist for Canada (2010 & 2014) and a World Hockey Championship Gold Medalist once in 2007.  

Nash will be eligible for the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2021 but is likely a fringe candidate.

We here at Notinhalloffame.com would like to congratulate Rick Nash on having a wonderful career and we wish him the best in his post playing career.

Last year we speculated that the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame did not induct Radiohead on their first year of eligibility due to the band stating that they would not attend due the ceremony (if chosen) due to having a prior commitment (a concert in South America).  The band had been quiet leading up to the announcement of the Class of 2019 in regards to whether they would attend if inducted this year, but we now know that at least one member will not be attending.

In an interview with Variety, Radiohead frontman said that he personally would not be at the ceremony due to a scheduling conflict:

“I know I can’t, because of these piano pieces that I’ve written”

 That may seem like a lame excuse but Yorke wrote a piano piece of Katia and Marielle Lebeque of the Paris Philharmonic.  The premier is the same day of the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame ceremony.  Yorke continued on in regards to his opinion of the Rock and Roll Hall itself.

“We’ve always been very blasé about that stuff. We just think that we just don’t quite understand it. We’ve had it explained to us, so it’s cool.  But we don’t really understand it as English people. I think our problem is essentially that every awards ceremony in the U.K. stinks. We grew up with the Brits, which is like this sort of drunken car crash that you don’t want to get involved with. So, yeah, we don’t really know what to make of it.”

This does not mean that other members of Radiohead won’t be in attendance although previous comments from the band indicate that they likely won’t attend.

Notably, Yorke did say that he would attend the Oscars if nominated.  His song, “Suspirium” from the film “Suspiria” has been shortlisted for the Best Original Song category.

Ah, Rock and Roll Hall of Fame controversy…please never change!

It is another big day in the Hall of Fame word as the College Football Hall of Fame has announced their Class of 2019.

The Class of 2019 are:

Terrell Buckley: Florida State (1989-91) Linebacker: Buckley left the Seminoles as their all-time leader in Interceptions (21) and Interception Return Yards (501), the latter of which is the best all-time in the NCAA.  Buckley would also win the Jim Thorpe Award in his final year at Florida State.

Rickey Dixon: Oklahoma (1984-87) Defensive Back:  Dixon played in four straight Orange Bowls (1985-88) and was a member of the Sooners’ National Championship Team of 1985.  He won the Jim Thorpe Award in 1987 and he had 17 Interceptions over his career at Oklahoma.

Dennis Erickson: Idaho (1982-85 & 2006), Wyoming (1986), Washington State (1987-88), Miami (1989-94), Oregon State (1999-2002), Arizona State (2007-11) Head Coach: Erickson has a career record of 179-96-1 and he would win two National Championships with the Miami Hurricanes (1989 & 1991).  He was also a three time Pac-10 and three time Big East Coach of the Year. 

London Fletcher:  John Carroll (1995-97) Defensive Back:  Fletcher would be named the Division III Linebacker of the Year in 1997.

Jacob Green: Texas A&M (1977-79) Defensive Lineman:  In his final season with the Aggies, Green was an All-American that recorded 134 Tackles and 20 Sacks.  He would net 37 Sacks overall at Texas A&M.

Raghib “Rocket” Ismail: Notre Dame (1988-1990) Wide Receiver:  The Rocket did it all on offense in his three seasons at Notre Dame as a Running Back, Wide Receiver and Returner.  An All-American in 1990 and National Champion in 1988 the “Rocket” had 4,187 All-Purpose Yards and was the runner up for the Heisman in 1990.

Torry Holt: North Carolina State (1995-98) Wide Receiver:  Holt would have 3,379 Receiving Yards with 31 Touchdowns and was a former ACC Offensive Player of the Year.

Darren McFadden: Arkansas (2005-07) Running Back:  McFadden rushed for 4,590 Yards and 41 Touchdowns over his career as a Razorback.  He would win two Doak Walker Awards, the Jim Brown Trophy and the Walter Camp Award.

Jake Plummer: Arizona State (1993-96) Quarterback:  Plummer was third in Heisman Trophy voting as a Senior and almost took the Sun Devils to a National Championship falling just short in a Rose Bowl loss to Ohio State.  Plummer threw for 8,626 Yards and 34 Touchdowns.

Troy Polamalu: USC (1999-2002) Defensive Back:  Over his three year career with the Trojans, Polamalu would record 278 Tackles and 6 Interceptions.  He was also a two time All-American.

Joe Taylor: Howard (1983), Virginia Union (1984-91), Hampton (1992-2007), Florida A&M (2008-12) Head Coach:  Taylor was a four time Champion Head Coach in the Black College Nationals and was also a four time MEAC Coach of the Year.  His overall record is 232-97-4.

Joe Thomas: Wisconsin (2003-06) Offensive Lineman:  Thomas was an All-American and the Outland Trophy Winner as a Senior at Wisocnsin.

Lorenzo White: Michigan State (1984-87) Running Back:  White was a two time All-American and he was named the Big Ten Player of the Year in 1987.  He would rush for 1,572 Yards and 16 Touchdowns.

Patrick Willis: Mississippi (2003-06) Linebacker:  A dominating force for Ole’ Miss, Willis was a two time All-American and in his Senior Year he was named the SEC Defensive Player of the Year and would win the Butkus Award, the Jack Lambert Award and the Conerly Trophy.

Vince Young: Texas (2003-05) Quarterback:  Young’s 2005 season was the stuff that legends are made of as he threw for 3,036 Yards and rushed for 1,050 making him the first NCAA Quarterback to throw for 3,000 Yards and Rush for 1,000.  He led his team to a Rose Bowl win over defending champion USC, which would win the Longhorns the National Championship.  He would win the Manning Award, Maxwell Award and the Davey O’Brien National Quarterback Award.

Notably, the Goodyear Blimp will be inducted as an honorary member making it the first non-player or non-coach to be inducted.  We are guessing the room won’t be big enough for the blimp to accept the accolade in person.

This group will be officially inducted on December 10 in New York City.

We here at Notinhalloffame.com would like to congratulate all the new members of the College Football Hall of Fame Class of 2019.

Never underestimate how much First Team All Pro Selections mean in terms of the Pro Football Hall of Fame.  While it is possible to enter Canton without one, this accolade tells everyone that in that particular year you are the best at your position.  Now granted it means more in some positions than others (Special Teams for example will always struggle to get players inducted) but this is a vital step to get into the Hall.

Rather than look at the 2018 First Team All Pro Selections by position, let’s list them in order of how many they have in total.

5^th: J.J. Watt, Defensive End: Houston Texans.  Watt was named a First Team All Pro each season from 2012 to 2015 but injuries prevented him earning any accolades the last two seasons.  He is clearly back!  Watt is currently an eight year veteran of the National Football League.

5^th: Luke Kuechly, Linebacker: Carolina Panthers.  Kuechly was a First Team All Pro in 2013 2014, 2015 and 2017 previously and he is a six time Pro Bowl Selection over his seven season career.

4^th: Aaron Donald, Defensive Lineman: Los Angeles Rams. Donald has been chosen for his fourth straight First Team All Pro and he is a five year veteran.  Donald received the maximum number of votes.

4^th: Bobby Wagner, Linebacker: Seattle Seahawks.  This is Wagner’s fourth First Team All Pro and third in a row.  He is a seven year veteran, all with the Seahawks.

3^rd: Zach Martin, Right Guard: Dallas Cowboys.  In five seasons in the NFL, Martin has been a Pro Bowl in all of them and a First Team All Pro in three.  This is a Hall of Fame caliber start.

3^rd: Khalil Mack, Defensive End: Chicago Bears.  In four seasons with Oakland, Mack went to two First Team All Pros.  In his fifth season in the NFL and first in Chicago he was chosen for his third First Team All Pro.

3^rd: Justin Tucker, Place Kicker: Baltimore Ravens. Tucker’s two previous selections were in 2013 and 2016.

2^nd: Todd Gurley, Running Back: Los Angeles Rams. Gurley is in his fourth season and this is his second straight selection.  He led the league in Rushing Touchdowns (17) and had 1,251 Yards with another 580 from the air.

2^nd: Tyreke Hill, Wide Receiver (Flex Selection): Kansas City Chiefs.  Hill was a First Team All Pro in his rookie season and this his third year in the NFL. The Kansas City Chief caught 87 passes for 1,479 Yards and 12 Touchdowns.

2^nd: DeAndre Hopkins, Wide Receiver: Houston Texans.  Hopkins was first chosen for this honor in 2017 and this year he caught 115 Passes for 1,572 Yards and 11 Touchdowns.

2^nd: Travis Kelce, Tight End: Kansas City Chiefs.  The first time he did this was in 2017 and this is now his sixth season in the NFL.  Kelce set personal records with 103 Receptions, 1,336 Receiving Yards and 10 Touchdowns.

2^nd: Jason Kelce, Center: Philadelphia Eagles.  This is Kelce’s eight season and second straight First Team All Pro Selection.

1^st: Patrick Mahomes, Quarterback: Kansas City Chiefs. The second year man set record after record this year and he threw for an NFL high 50 Touchdown passes with 5,097 Yards.

1^st: Michael Thomas, Wide Receiver: New Orleans Saints. In his third season, Thomas continued his streak of 1,000 Receiving Yard seasons with a career high of 1,405.  He would lead the NFL in Receptions with 125 and he caught 9 Touchdown passes.

1^st: David Bakhtiari, Left Tackle: Green Bay Packers. This is his sixth season in the NFL and he on a 90 Game starting streak.

1^st: Mitchell Schwartz, Right Tackle: Kansas City Chiefs. In his seventh season in the league, Schwartz become a First Team All Pro Selection for the first time.

1^st: Quenton Nelson, Left Guard: Indianapolis Colts.  Nelson is a First Team all Pro as a rookie.  The sky is the limit for Nelson.

1^st: Fletcher Cox, Defensive End: Philadelphia Eagles. Cox has been in the league now for seven years and he has been named a Pro Bowler in the last fourth however this is the first time that he received a First Team All Pro.

1^st: Darius Leonard, Linebacker: Indianapolis Colts. This is Leonard’s rookie season and he would lead the National Football League in Solo Tackles.

1^st: Kyle Fuller, Cornerback: Chicago Bears.  In the fourth season of Fuller’s career he was chosen for his first Pro Bowl and First Team All Pro this year.

1^st: Stephon Gilmore, Cornerback: New England Patriots. This is Gilmore’s seventh season and it is first time being named a First Team All Pro.

1^st: Eddie Jackson, Safety: Chicago Bears.  Jackson’s first time being named an All Pro comes in his sophomore year.  Two of his six Interceptions were ran back for Touchdowns.

1^st: Derwin James, Safety: Los Angeles Chargers.  We have another rookie off to a great start by earning this accolade.

1^st: Desmond King, Defensive Back: Los Angeles Chargers. King was also used as a Returner this year for the Chargers.

1^st: Michael Dickson, Punter: Seattle Seahawks.  Dickson is a rookie and you can’t ask for a better start.

1^st: Andre Roberts, Kick Returner: New York Jets.  This is the ninth season for Roberts and his fifth team as he played previously for Arizona, Washington Detroit and Atlanta.

1^st: Tarik Cohen, Punt Returner: Chicago Bears.  Cohen is a sophomore with the Bears and he was the leader in Punt Return and Punt Return Yards.

1^st: Adrian Phillips, Special Teams: Los Angeles Chargers. This is Phillip’s fifth season and he also played Defensive Back, Linebacker and Safety this season.

We here at Notinhalloffame.com would like to congratulate all of the 2019 First Team All Pro Selections.