1985 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 rhetorical question: What if the PFHOF began 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 we asked each voter to select 25 names as their semi-finalists and 5 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 40th official class. 

Below are the final results of this project based on 32 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 1985:

This is for the “Senior Era”, 

*Bold indicates they have been elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Class of 1985.

This is for the “Coaches/Contributors”, 

*Bold indicates they have been elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Class of 1985.

About the 1985 Inductees:

Roger Staubach, QB, DAL 1969-79: Inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project in 1985 on his 1st Ballot.  Inducted into the actual Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1985.

Roger Staubach was the 1963 Heisman Trophy winner, but as he was enrolled at the Naval Academy, he had to fulfill a military obligation before he would play football.  As such, he was a 27-year-old rookie in 1969, but despite the late start, Staubach would go on to have a Hall of Fame career.

Arguably, it was an even later start, as he did not take over as the team’s starting Quarterback in 1971, succeeding a slumping Craig Morton.  He won all 10 of his starts that year, and would finish first in Passer Rating (104.8), go to his first Pro Bowl, and take Dallas to their first Super Bowl Championship. 

A separated shoulder kept him on the shelf for most of 1972, and after two above-average years, Staubach went on a five-year streak of Pro Bowl Selections (1975-79).  This run saw Staubach lead the NFL twice in Passer Rating and win another Super Bowl Championship in the 1977 season.  In his last season, Staubach would have career-highs in Passing Yards (3,586) and Touchdown Passes (27), and he clearly could have kept playing had he so desired.

The QB retired with 22,700 Passing Yards and 153 Touchdown Passes, and was a first ballot inductee.

O.J. Simpson, RB, BUF 1969-77 & SFO 1978-79: Inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project in 1985 on his 1st Ballot.  Inducted into the actual Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1985.

While the first three years of O.J. Simpson’s professional career were basically average, he would explode the next five seasons, where he would explode for five consecutive First Team All-Pro nods as well as four Rushing Titles.   One of those titles included becoming the first Running Back in NFL history to rush for over 2,000 yards in a season. 

The Buffalo Bills may not have had that much to cheer about during the 1970s, but Bills fans always had a reason to pack the stadium, knowing that they would likely see the “Juice” rush for over 100 Yards a game.  Simpson no longer holds the Bills' rushing record, but in his prime, he was one of the most explosive Running Backs in NFL history.  Simpson entered the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility. 

Jim Tyrer, T, DTX 1961-62, KAN 1963-73 & WAS 1974.  Inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project in 1985 on his 6th Ballot.  Was never inducted into the actual Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Jim Tyrer was definitely the top Offensive Lineman for the Kansas City Chiefs throughout the 1960s, and there is a case to be made that he was among the top tier in the AFL.  Tyrer was a First Team AFL All-Pro five times (and also a First Team All-Pro twice) and a vital part of the O-Line that protected Len Dawson for years.   Notably, he was a seven-time AFL All-Star, a two-time Pro Bowl winner, and part of three AFL Championship teams and the Super Bowl IV win.

We do have to mention, however, when discussing Tyrer, that while he could be considered an (actual) Hall of Fame snub, he killed his wife and himself after a bout of depression, which is now largely considered to be CTE.  He is a member of the Kansas City Chiefs Hall of Fame, inducted in 1977.

Buck Buchanan, WR, OAK, 1963-75.  Inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project in 1985 on his 5th Ballot.  Inducted into the actual Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1990.

Buck Buchanan was a proven force at Grambling; so much so that the Kansas City Chiefs made him the first overall draft pick in the 1963 AFL Draft, the first time a black player was chosen at that spot.

It was definitely the right call, as Buchanan would blossom into the leader of the Chiefs' front four.  Blessed with incredible speed, Buchanan seemed to improve annually throughout the 1960s.  Buchanan was named an AFL All-Star in 1964 and continued collecting that honor until 1969, when it was no longer offered and replaced by the Pro Bowl following the merger.  Not surprisingly, Buchanan went to the first two Pro Bowls that he was eligible for.

Where Buchanan excelled was breaking up plays before they even started.  The star Defensive Tackle had a breathtaking 16 batted balls in the 1967 season, and his overall ability helped the Chiefs win two AFL Titles and Super Bowl IV.

Joe Namath, QB, NYJ 1965-76 & RAM 1977.  Inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project in 1985 on his 3rd Ballot.  Inducted into the actual Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1985.

When you talk about any Hall of Fame, often the word that gets forgotten is the most important one: “Fame”.  There are few football players or athletes, for that matter, who achieved more fame than Joe Namath. 

Namath was the first overall pick in the AFL Draft, joining the New York Jets in 1965.  He became the face of the franchise and then the league, and he would lead the AFL in Passing Yards in 1966 and 1967.  In the first two Super Bowls, the AFL representatives were handily defeated by the Green Bay Packers, and with the Jets winning the AFL Title going into Super Bowl III, few thought they would beat the Baltimore Colts.  Namath disagreed and guaranteed that New York would prevail.  He was right, and Namath became the most popular player in football.

Namath played with the Jets until 1976, with a final year with the Los Angeles Rams.  The Quarterback’s stats look tame compared to the modern era and even against some of his peers, but Namath had no equals in terms of recognition.

Sid Gillman, Coach, RAM 1955-59, LAC 1960, SDG 1961-71 & HOU 1973-74.  Inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project in 1985 on his 1st Coach/Contributor Ballot.  Inducted into the actual Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1983.

Sid Gillman was one of the first coaches to understand the value of the passing game, and his peers considered him one of the quickest thinkers in Football.

Gillman first coached on the pro level with the Los Angeles Rams in 1955, but his merit was proven far greater with the Los Angeles/San Diego Chargers of the AFL, the team he ran from 1960 to 1971.  Taking the Chargers to the playoffs five times, Gillman’s squad won the AFL Title in 1963, primarily due to Gillman’s innovation.  It is no stretch to say that Gillman’s work with the Chargers helped keep the league afloat.

He retired with a record of 122-99-7.

Weeks ago, the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced the 162 Preliminary Senior Candidates for the Class of 2026, which they then reduced to 52.  Today, the PFHOF Blue Ribbon Seniors Committee has reduced this to 34. 

The next step will be a reduction to nine.

The remaining candidates are:

Quarterbacks (3): (Reduced from 5)

Ken Anderson: CIN 1971-86.  Anderson was the consensus MVP in 1981, and the four-time Pro Bowl would pass for 32,838 Yards and 197 Touchdowns.  He was also the 1975 Walter Payton Man of the Year and, historically, led the Cincinnati Bengals to their first Super Bowl.  Ranked #8 on notinhalloffame.com. 

Charlie Conerly: NYG 1948-61. Conerly was a 1956 New York Giants NFL Championship Team member, was a two-time Pro Bowl Selection, and accumulated 19,488 Yards and 173 TDs.  Ranked #50 on notinhalloffame.com.

Roman Gabriel: LAR 1962-72 & PHI 1973-77.  Gabriel was the league MVP in 1969, earning four Pro Bowls and a First Team All-Pro, and he threw for 29,444 Yards and 201 TDs.  Ranked #35 on notinhalloffame.com.

The Quarterbacks who were cut were Jack Kemp and Don Meredith.

The Chairman’s Gut Reaction:

There is no shock here, as Meredith was a long shot, and Kemp, as an AFL star, was expected to be dropped.  Nevertheless, if I had to cut this group to three, that is who I would have gone with.

Running Backs (4): (Reduced from 6)

Roger Craig:  SFO 1983-90, RAI 1991 & MIN 1992-93.  The first player to accumulate 1,000 Yards Rushing and Receiving, Craig won three Super Bowls, was the Offensive Player of the Year, earned four Pro Bowls, and was a First Team All-Pro.  From Scrimmage, he had 73 Touchdowns and 13,100 Yards,  Ranked #15 on notinhalloffame.com.

Chuck Foreman:  MIN 1973-79 & NWE 1980.  Foreman went to the Pro Bowl in his first five seasons, and the 1973 Offensive Rookie of the Year was a two-time YFS TD leader.  He compiled 9,106 Yards from Scrimmage.  Ranked #79 on notinhalloffame.com. 

Cecil Isbell: GNB 1938-42.  Isbell only played five seasons, but was a four-time Pro Bowl selection, a two-time Touchdown leader, and a two-time leader in Passing Yards.  He also helped Green Bay win the NFL Championship in 1939 and was named to the 1930s All-Decade Team.  Ranked #72 on notinhalloffame.com. 

Paul “Tank” Younger: RAM 1949-57 & PIT 58.  Younger won an NFL Championship with the Los Angeles Rams and was a four-time Pro Bowl and one-time First Team All-Pro.  Younger rushed for 3,640 Yards and 34 Touchdowns and was also a potent Linebacker.  Ranked #196 on notinhalloffame.com.

The Running Backs who were cut were Ottis Anderson and Larry Brown.

The Chairman’s Gut Reaction:

I would have loved to see Larry Brown advance, but I am happy that Cecil Isbell is through.   Bluntly, Roger Craig is my focus, as he should have been years ago.

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends (7): (Reduced from 9)

Isaac Curtis: CIN 1973-84. Curtis was a Pro Bowl Selection in his first four years and a three-time Second-Team All-Pro.  He had 7,101 Receiving Yards and 53 Touchdowns.

Lavvie Dilweg: MIL 1926 & GNB 1927-34.  Dilwag was a three-time NFL Champion with Green Bay and was chosen for the 1920s All-Decade Team.  Ranked #6 on notinhalloffame.com.

Henry Ellard: RAM 1983-93, WAS 1994-98 & NEW 1998.  Ellard compiled 13,777 Yards and 65 Touchdowns in a career that included leading the NFL in Receiving Yards.  He is also a three-time Pro Bowl and one-time First Team All-Pro.  Ranked #64 on notinhalloffame.com.

Harold Jackson: RAM 1968 & 1973-77, PHI 1969-72, BEW 1978-81, MIN 1982 & SEA 1983.  A five-time Pro Bowler, Jackson won two Receiving Yards Titles and compiled 10,372 Yards and 76 Touchdowns.  Ranked #49 on notinhalloffame.com.

Stanley Morgan: NWE 1977-89 & IND 1990.  A four-time Pro Bowl Selection, Stanley Morgan compiled 72 Touchdowns with 10,716 Receiving Yards.  He was also a three-time leader in Yards per Reception.    Ranked #266 on notinhalloffame.com.

Art Powell: PHI 1959, NYT 1960-62, OAK 1963-66, BUF 1967 & MIN 1968.  Powell, who was a Finalist last year, was a two-time Receiving Yards leader in the AFL.  A four-time AFL-All-Star and two-time First Team All-Pro, Powell had 8,046 Yards and 81 Touchdowns.  Ranked #165 on notinhalloffame.com.

Otis Taylor: KAN 1965-75. Taylor won two AFL Championships and a Super Bowl with Kansas City, who had 60 TDs and 7,467 Yards From Scrimmage.  He was also a two-time First Team All-Pro.  Ranked #32 on notinhalloffame.com.

The Wide Receivers/Tight Ends who were cut were Mark Clayton and Billy “White Shoes” Johnson.

The Chairman’s Gut Reaction:

Of the two cuts, the side-eye goes to White Shoes, indicating that Special Teams need not apply.

Offensive Lineman (5): (Reduced from 11)

Joe Jacoby: WAS 1981-93.  A famed member of the Hogs, Jacoby was part of all three of Washington’s Super Bowl wins and was a four-time Pro Bowl and two-time First Team All-Pro.  Ranked #33 on notinhalloffame.com.

Mike Kenn: ATL 1978-94.  Kenn is one of the finest offensive linemen in Falcons history, and the Left Tackle would earn five Pro Bowls and two First Team All-Pros. Ranked #61 on notinhalloffame.com.

Bob Kuechenberg: MIA 1970-83.  The versatile Lineman was a significant component in Miami’s back-to-back Super Bowl Championships in the early 70s, and he was also named to six Pro Bowls and one First Team All-Pro.  Ranked #30 on notinhalloffame.com. 

Jim Tyrer: DTX 1961-62, KAN 1963-73 & WAS 1974.  A three-time AFL Champion with the Texans/Chiefs, the Left Tackle was a six-time First Team All-Pro and nine-time AFL All-Star/Pro Bowl Selection.  Ranked #13 on notinhalloffame.com.

Al Wistert: PHI 1943-51.  Wistert was an All-Decade player of the 1940s who propelled Philadelphia to two NFL Championships.  He was also a four-time First Team All-Pro.  Ranked #31 on notinhalloffame.com.

The Offensive Linemen who were cut were Jay Hilgenberg, Chris Hinton, Marvin Powell, Dick Schafrath, Jerry Sisemore, and Walt Sweeney.

The Chairman’s Gut Reaction:

The omission of Dick Schafrath and Walt Sweeney feels criminal to me, but this is the Senior abyss that is the reality of the Senior Pool.

Defensive Linemen (2): (Reduced from 4)

L.C. Greenwood:  PIT 1969-81.  Greenwood was a vital member of the Steelers' 1970s dynasty that won four Super Bowls.  A six-time Prowl and two-time First Team All-Pro, Greenwood accumulated 78 Sacks.  Ranked #5 on notinhalloffame.com.

Jim Marshall: CLE 1960 & MIN 1961-78.  The ironman of his day, Marshall brought the Vikings to four Super Bowl appearances and was a two-time Pro Bowl Selection along the way.  He had 130.5 lifetime Sacks.  Ranked #37 on notinhalloffame.com.

The Defensive Linemen who were cut were Ed “Too Tall” Jones and Harvey Martin.

The Chairman’s Gut Reaction:

If two Defensive Linemen were going to advance, Greenwood and Marshall were the two.  Both have very solid Hall of Fame cases.

Linebackers (6): (Reduced from 8)

Carl Banks: NYG 1984-92, WAS 1993 & CLE 1994-95.  A two-time Super Bowl Champion with the Giants, Banks was a one-time All-Pro with 860 career Tackles. Ranked #234 in notinhalloffame.com.

Maxie Baughan: PHI 1960-65, RAM 1966-70 & WAS 1974.  Baughan was an NFL Champion with Philadelphia and was a nine-time Pro Bowl Selection.  He was also a one-time First Team All-Pro and five-time Second Team All-Pro.  Ranked #14 on notinhalloffame.com.

Larry Grantham:  NYT 1960-62 & NYJ 1963-72.  Grantham was a five-time AFL All-Star and three-time First Team All-Pro, who was part of the historical Jets team that won Super Bowl III.  Ranked #60 on notinhalloffame.com.

Lee Roy Jordan: DAL 1963-76.  Playing his entire career with the Cowboys, Jordan patrolled the interior and was a five-time Pro Bowler in the process.  He also won a Super Bowl with Big D.  Ranked #46 on notinhalloffame.com.

Clay Matthews Jr.: CLE 1978-93 & ATL 1994-96.  Matthews Jr. was a three-time leader in Combined Tackles with 1,595 overall.  A four-time Pro Bowl Selection, Matthews Jr. also had 82.5 Sacks and 16 Interceptions.  Ranked #100 on notinhalloffame.com.

Tommy Nobis: ATL 1966-78.  Nobis was the Rookie of the Year and a five-time Pro Bowl Selection.  Ranked #36 on notinhalloffame.com.

The Linebackers who were cut were Mike Curtis and Matt Millen.

The Chairman’s Gut Reaction:

Realistically, Baughan and Nobis should be the focus here.  In previous years, Maxie would have made the final round had he made it, but the numbers work against him (and really everyone on this list).

Defensive Backs (6): (Reduced from 8)

Dick Anderson:  MIA 1968-77.  Anderson was the 1968 Defensive Rookie of the Year, the 1973 Defensive Player of the Year, and won two Super Bowls.  A two-time First Team All-Pro and three-time Pro Bowl Selection, Anderson had 24 Interceptions.  Ranked #93 on notinhalloffame.com.

Bobby Boyd:  BAL 1960-68.  Boyd won an NFL Championship with the Colts and was a three-time First Team All-Pro.  He led the league in Interceptions in 1965, with a total of 57.  Ranked #39 on notinhalloffame.com.

Albert Lewis:  KAN 1983-93, RAI 1994 & OAK 1995-98.  Lewis went to four straight Pro Bowls (1987-90), was a two-time First Team All-Pro, and compiled 42 Interceptions.  Ranked #104 on notinhalloffame.com.

Eddie Meador: RAM 1959-70.  Meador is one of the most prolific Defensive Backs in RMS history and was a six-time Pro Bowl and two-time First Team All-Pro.  He amassed a franchise record of 46 Interceptions.  Ranked #68 on notinhalloffame.com.

Lemar Parrish: CIN 1970-77, WAS 1978-81 & BUF 1982.  Parrish went to eight Pro Bowls with a First Team All-Pro while recording 47 Interceptions.  Ranked #16 on notinhalloffame.com.

Everson Walls: DAL 1981-89, NYG 1990-92 & CLE 1992-93.  Walls had 57 Interceptions and was a four-time Pro Bowl Selection with a Super Bowl ring with the Giants.  Ranked #87 on notinhalloffame.com.

The Defensive Backs who were cut were Pat Fischer and Lester Hayes.

The Chairman’s Gut Reaction:

HOW THE HELL IS LESTER HAYES NOT HERE!?!?!?!?

Bluntly, I am disgusted by this omission, and he had the resume to enter as a Modern candidate years ago.   Please explain this to me like I am five!

Special Teams (1)

Steve Tasker: HOU 1985-86 & BUF 1986-97.  Tasker went to four Super Bowls with Buffalo and was a seven-time Pro Bowl Selection.  Ranked #144 on notinhalloffame.com.

Nothing changed.

This group will be cut next month.

We here at notinhalloffame.com would like to congratulate the candidates who have reached this stage.

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The news coming from Canton continues, as the Pro Football Hall of Fame has reduced their Modern Era Preliminary Nominees from 128 to 52.

To qualify, a player must have retired less than 25 years ago and at least five years ago:

This group will be pared down to 25 names this fall by the 50-person Hall of Fame committee.

*Denotes they were a Finalist last year.

**Denotes they are eligible for the first time.

Quarterbacks (2): (cut from 10)

**Drew Brees: SDG 2001-05 & NOR 2006-20.  After five years in San Diego, Brees ascended to superstar status in New Orleans.  Brees led the Saints to their first and only Super Bowl win, was a two-time Offensive Player of the Year, and was selected to 13 Pro Bowls.  He threw for 80,358 Yards and 571 Touchdowns.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.  Ranked #1 on notinhalloffame.com.

*Eli Manning: NYG 2005-19.  Manning went to two Super Bowls and won them, as did the Super Bowl MVPs.  A four-time Pro Bowl and Walter Payton Man of the Year Award, Manning passed for 57,023 Yards and 366 Touchdowns.  Ranked #107 on notinhalloffame.com.

**Philip Rivers:  SDG/LAC 2004-19 & IND 2020.  A Charger for all but his final season, Rivers was chosen for eight Pro Bowls and was fourth in OPOY voting three years in a row (2008-10).  He threw for 63,440 Yards and 221 Touchdowns.  Ranked #21 on notinhalloffame.com.

The Quarterbacks who did not advance were Randall Cunningham, Jake Delhomme, Rich Gannon, Jeff Garcia, Donovan McNabb, Steve McNair & Alex Smith.

Last year, the three QBs who made it to this stage were Eli Manning and Steve McNair. 

The Chairman’s gut reaction: 

Cunningham and McNabb are in trouble, especially Cunningham, who now disappears into the Senior abyss.  These are two QBs who clearly have no momentum to get a shot in the modern wing, and now there are two (Brees & Rivers) who have passed them.  The wild card is Rivers, who, if he does not reach the Semis right away, will see a slew of similar QBs creeping up on him in the upcoming years.

Running Backs (8): (cut from 21)

Warrick Dunn:  TAM 1997-2001 & 2008 & ATL 2002-07.  Dunn was the 1997 Offensive Rookie of the Year and was a three-time Pro Bowler who rushed for 10,957 Yards and 49 Touchdowns.  He had another 15 TDs and 4,339 Yards from the air.  Ranked #304 on notinhalloffame.com.

Eddie George:  HOU 1996, TEN 1997-2003 & DAL 2004.  George went to four straight Pro Bowls (1997-2000) and was a First Team All-Pro in 2000.  He would rush for 10,441 Yards and had 12,688 Yards from Scrimmage with 78 TDs.  Ranked #175 on notinhalloffame.com.

**Frank Gore:  SFO 2005-14, IND 2015-17, MIA 2018, BUF 2019 & NYJ 2020.  Gore was a six-time Pro Bowl Selection, who amassed a whopping 16,000 Rushing Yards (third all-time), 19,985 APY, and 99 Touchdowns.  Ranked #19 on notinhalloffame.com.

Marshawn Lynch:  BUF 2007-10, SEA 2011-15 & 2019 & OAK 2018.  Lynch propelled Seattle to a Super Bowl and was a two-time leader in Rushing Touchdowns.  “Beast Mode” went to five Pro Bowls, earned a First Team All-Pro, and had 12,627 Yards from Scrimmage with 94 TDs.  Ranked #44 on notinhalloffame.com.

**LeSean McCoy:  PHI 2009-14, BUF 2015-18, KAN 2019 & TAM 2020.  A six-time Pro Bowl and two-time First Team All-Pro, McCoy won the 2013 Rushing Title, while also leading the NFL in Yards from Scrimmage.  He was second in OPOY voting that year.  Overall, he rushed for 11,102 Yards, had an even 15,000 Yards From Scrimmage, and had 89 Touchdowns.  Ranked #110 on notinhalloffame.com.

Lorenzo Neal (FB):  NOR 1993-96, NYJ 1997, TAM 1998, TEN 1999-2000, CIN 2001-02, SDG 2003-07 & BAL 08.  Playing as a Fullback, Neal would go to four Pro Bowls and was named to two First Team All-Pros.  Ranked #178 on notinhalloffame.com.

*Fred Taylor:  JAX 1998-2008 & NWE 2009-10.  Taylor was a Pro Bowl Selection in 2007, and he accumulated 14,079 Yards from Scrimmage with 11,695 yards on the ground.   He also had 74 Touchdowns.  Ranked #157 on notinhalloffame.com.

Ricky Watters: SFO 1992-01, SFO, PHI, SEA.  Watters was a Super Bowl Champion with the 49ers and made the Pro Bowl in his first five years in the NFL.  He would lead the NFL in Yards from Scrimmage in 1996, totaling 14,891.  Ranked #41 on notinhalloffame.com.

The Running Backs who did not advance were Shaun Alexander, Mike Alstott, Tiki Barber, Larry Centers, Jamaal Charles, Corey Dillon, Arian Foster, Priest Holmes, Steven Jackson, Chris Johnson, Thomas Jones, Jamal Lewis, and Eric Metcalf.

Last year, the three RBs who made it to this stage were Shaun Alexander, Tiki Barber, Eddie George, Marshawn Lynch, Fred Taylor, and Ricky Watters. 

The Chairman’s gut reaction: 

I honestly don’t know why former MVP Shaun Alexander can’t make it to this stage at the very least.  Somehow, the MVP and over 100 TDs aren’t enough. 

Also, where is Tiki Barber?  I have never been sold on his HOF candidacy, but he was a Semi-Finalist two years ago.  Both Alexander and Barber had made it to the last 50 last year, and what does this say about their chances from now on?   Not too good.

With all due respect to Warrick Dunn, is he better than Tiki and Shaun?

Selfishly, happy to see Lorenzo Neal advance.  There are a lot of people who want to see this, and they have turned me on to the case of this Fullback.

Wide Receivers (7): (Cut from 18)

Anquan Boldin:  ARI 2003-09, BAL 2010-12 & SFO 2014-15 & DET 2016.  A three-time Pro Bowl Selection and AP Offensive Rookie of the Year, Boldin had seven 1,000 Yard Receiving seasons, tallying 13,779 in total with 82 Touchdowns.  He is also a past winner of the Walter Payton Man of the Year (2015) and Alan Page Community Award.  Ranked #92 on notinhalloffame.com.

**Larry Fitzgerald:  ARI 2004-20.  Fitzgerald had a stellar career, earning 11 Pro Bowls, one First Team All-Pro selection, and was named the 2016 Walter Payton Man of the Year.  Twice leading the league in Receptions as well as Touchdown Passes, Fitzgerald had 1,432 Receptions (Second all-time), 17,492 Yards (second all-time), and 121 Touchdowns (sixth all-time).   Ranked #2 on notinhalloffame.com. 

*Torry Holt: STL 1999-2008 & JAX 2009.  A Super Bowl Champion with the St. Louis Rams, Holt went to seven Pro Bowls and led the NFL in Receiving Yards twice (2000 & 2003).  The one-time First Team All-Pro finished his career with 13,382 Yards and 74 TDs.  Holt has been a multi-time Finalist.  Ranked #9 on notinhalloffame.com.

Jimmy Smith:  DAL 1992, JAX 1995-2005.  Smith was selected to five consecutive Pro Bowls (1997-01) and, in 1999, led the NFL in Receptions (116).  He would retire with 12,287 Receiving Yards and 67 Touchdowns.  Ranked #170 on notinhalloffame.com.

Rod Smith:  DEN 1995-2006.  Smith would win two Super Bowls with the Broncos and was a three-time Pro Bowl Selection.  He recorded 11,389 Yards with 68 TDs.  Ranked #76 on notinhalloffame.com.

Steve Smith Sr.:  2001-16, CAR, BAL.  Smith led the NFL in Receptions (103), Receiving Yards (1,563), and Receiving Touchdowns (12) in 2005, and he was a two-time First Team All-Pro and five-time Pro Bowler.  Smith accumulated 14,731 Yards with 81 TDs and was a previous Semi-Finalist.  Ranked #25 on notinhalloffame.com.

Hines Ward:  PIT 1998-2011.  Ward won two Super Bowls with the Steelers and was the MVP in one of them.  A multi-time Semi-Finalist, he has four consecutive Pro Bowls (2001-04), 85 Touchdowns, and 12,083 Yards on his resume.  Ranked #47 on notinhalloffame.com.

Reggie Wayne:  IND 2001-12.  Wayne was a career Colt, winning a Super Bowl there while earning six Pro Bowls and a First Team All-Pro.  He led the NFL in Receiving Yards in 2007 (1,510) and has significantly more Yards (14,345) than any other Preliminary candidate.  He also has 82 Touchdowns.  Ranked #23 on notinhalloffame.com.

The Wide Receivers who did not advance were Donald Driver, Chad Johnson, Brandon Lloyd, Brandon Marshall. Derrick Mason, Herman Moore, Mushin Muhammed, Jordy Nelson, Wes Welker, and Roddy White.

Last year, the three WRs who made it to this stage were Anquan Boldin, Torry Holt, Jimmy Smith, Steve Smith Sr., Hines Ward, and Reggie Wayne.

The Chairman’s gut reaction: 

I don’t have any problem with the Wide Receivers being removed, but I will again go on record that Hines Ward will go 20-for-20 as a Hall of Fame Semi-Finalist without advancing to the final round. 

Tight Ends (2): (Cut from 6)

**Greg Olsen:  CHI 2007-10, CAR 2011-19 & SEA 2020.  Olsen was at his best in Carolina, where he went to three consecutive Pro Bowls (2014-15).  He compiled 8,683 Yards with 60 Touchdowns.  Unranked on Notinhalloffame.com.

**Jason Witten:  2003-17 & 2019 & LVR 2020.  Witten went to a whopping 11 Pro Bowls, with two of those seasons netting him First Team All-Pros.  The 2012 Walter Payton Award winner had 13,046 Yards with 74 TDs.  Ranked #11 on notinhalloffame.com.

Last year, the TEs who made it to this stage were Ben Coates and Antonio Gates (who was inducted).

The Tight Ends who did not advance were Vernon Davis, Zach Miller, Delanie Walker, and Wesley Walls. 

The Chairman’s gut reaction: 

Is Greg Olsen better than I remember? 

Offensive Lineman (12): (Cut from 22)

*Willie Anderson (T):  CIN 1996-2007 & BAL 2008.  Anderson was chosen for four consecutive Pro Bowls (2003-06), with his last three being First Team All-Pro worthy.  Anderson has been a Finalist for the previous three years.  Ranked #101 on notinhalloffame.com.

Lomas Brown (T): DET 1985-95 ARI 1996-98, CLE 1999, NYG 2000-01 & TAM 2002.  Brown had seven straight Pro Bowls (1990-96), and in his last season in the NFL, he helped Tampa Bay win a Super Bowl.  Ranked #138 on notinhalloffame.com.

Ruben Brown (G):  BUF 1995-2003 & CHI 2004-07.  Brown was a nine-time Pro Bowl Selection who started his 181 Games.  Ranked #113 on notinhalloffame.com.

*Jahri Evans (G):  NOR 2006-16 & GNB 2017.  Evans went to six consecutive Pro Bowls (2009-14) and was a First Team All-Pro in the first four.  He is also a Super Bowl Champion with the Saints.  Ranked #29 on notinhalloffame.com.

Olin Kreutz (C):  CHI 1998-2010 & NOR 2011.  Kreutz went to six straight Pro Bowls (2001-06) and was a one-time First Team All-Pro.  Ranked #125 on notinhalloffame.com.

Nick Mangold (C):  NYJ 2008-16. Mangold played his entire career with the Jets, where he went to seven Pro Bowls and two First Team All-Pros.  Ranked #85 on notinhalloffame.com.

Logan Mankins (G):  NWE 2005-13 & TAM.2014-15   A seven-time Pro Bowler, Mankins started all of his 161 Games at. Left Guard.  Ranked #89 on notinhalloffame.com.

**Maurkice Pouncey (C) PIT 2010-20.  Pouncey was one of the top Centers of the 2010s, who was a Pro Bowl Selection in nine of his ten seasons.  He was also a two-time First Team All-Pro.  Ranked #24 on notinhalloffame.com.

Richmond Webb (T):  MIA 1990-2000 & CIN 2001-02.  Webb was a Pro Bowl Selection in his first seven seasons, with two earning First Team All-Pro nods.  He was also named the Sporting News and the UPI Rookie of the Year.  Ranked #43 on notinhalloffame.com.

Erik Williams (T):  DAL 1991-2000 & BAL 2001.  Williams won three Super Bowls with Dallas and went to four Pro Bowls.  He was also named to the First Team All-Pro twice.

Steve Wisniewski (G):  EAI 1989-94 & OAK 1995-2001.  A former Semi-Finalist, Wisniewski played his entire career with the Raiders and was an eight-time Pro Bowl selection and a two-time First Team All-Pro.  Ranked #24 on notinhalloffame.com.

*Marshal Yanda (G):  BAL 2007-19. A Super Bowl Champion with Baltimore, Yanda went to eight Pro Bowls with two First Team and five Second Team All-Pros.  Ranked #4 on notinhalloffame.com.

The Offensive Linemen who did not advance were Matt Birk, Ryan Clady, David DeCastro, Jordan Gross, Ryan Kalil, Jeff Saturday, Josh Sitton, Joe Staley, and Brian Waters.

Last year, the OLs who made it to this stage were Willie Anderson, Lomas Brown, Ruben Brown, Jahri Evans, Olin Kreutz, Logan Mankins, Jeff Satruday, Joe Staley, Richmond Webb, Wrik Williams, Steve Wisniwski, and Marshal Yanda.

The Chairman’s gut reaction: 

While I did not think David DeCastro would make the Semis, he would at least make this cut.  Tom Nalen continues to get no love, but I'm happy that Nick Mangold has reached this level, unlike last year.  It was also a mild surprise to see Jeff Saturday and Joe Staley fail to reach this stage, but three cheers for Richmond Webb and Steve Wisnieuski for their advancement. I am hoping to see both in the Semis.

Defensive Linemen: (6) (Cut from 13)

John Abraham (DE, also LB):  NYJ 2000-05, ATL 2006-12 & ARI 2013-14.  Recording 133.5 Sacks and 148 Tackles for Loss, Abraham was a five-time Pro Bowl and two-time First Team All-Pro.  Ranked #77 on notinhalloffame.com.

Robert Mathis (DE):  IND 2003-16.  Mathis won a Super Bowl with the Colts, thrice led the NFL in Forced Fumbles, and is the all-time leader in that category with 54.  He had 123 career Sacks, leading the NFL in that category in 2013 with 19, and also earning his only First-Team All-Pro with a second-place finish in Defensive Player of the Year voting.  Mathis went to five Pro Bowls.  Ranked #112 on notinhalloffame.com.

Haloti Ngata (DT):  BAL 2006-14, DET 2015-17 &, PHI 2018.  Ngata won a Super Bowl with Baltimore, where he went to five straight Pro Bowls (2009-13) and earned two First Team All-Pro Selections.  Ranked #45 on notinhalloffame.com.

Simeon Rice (DE):  ARI 1996-2000, TAM 2001-06, DEN 2007 & IND 2007.  Rice won a Super Bowl with the Buccaneers and was a three-time Pro Bowler.  He would have 122.0 Sacks over his career.  Ranked #140 on notinhalloffame.com.

Vince Wilfork (DT/NT):  NWE 2002-14, HOU 2015-16.  A prior semi-finalist, Wilfork won two Super Bowls with the Patriots while earning five Pro Bowls and one First Team All-Pro selection.  Ranked #136 on notinhalloffame.com.

Kevin Williams (DT/DE):  MIN 2003-13, SEA 2014 & NOR 2015.  Williams had six Pro Bowls and five First Team All-Pros in a career spent mainly in Minnesota.  He recorded 63 Sacks and 113 Tackles for Loss.  Ranked #26 on notinhalloffame.com.

The Defensive Linemen who did not advance were Geno Atkins, Jurrell Casey, Elvis Dumerville, La’Roi Glover, Jay Ratliff, Justin Smith & Ted Washington.

Last year, the DLs who made it to this stage were John Abraham, Jared Allen (Inducted), Robert Mathis, Haloti Ngata, Simeon Rice, Neil Smith (Moved to Seniors), Vince Wilfork, and Kevin Williams. 

The Chairman’s gut reaction: 

I would have lost a small wager regarding Geno Atkins, as I thought he could reach this stage.   Beyond that, Kevin Williams NEEDS to get further than this stage.

Linebackers: (4) (Cut from 14)

London Fletcher:  STL 1998-2001, BUF 2002-06 & WAS 2007-13.  A previous Semi-Finalist. Fletcher would win a Super Bowl early in his career with the Rams, and later, he would make the Pro Bowl four years in a row (2009-12) as a Redskin. He accumulated 2,039 Combined Tackles over his career, 23 Interceptions, and 39 Sacks.  Ranked #58 on notinhalloffame.com.

James Harrison:  PIT 2002, 2003-12 & 2017 -17, CIN 2013, NWE 2017.  Harrison won two Super Bowls with the Steelers and had a five-year streak of Pro Bowls from 2007 to 2011.  The two-time First Team All-Pro won the 2008 Defensive Player of the Year Award and is a previous Semi-Finalist.  Ranked #42 on notinhalloffame.com.

*Luke Kucchly: CAR 2012-19.   Kuechly was a strong contender to enter Canton on his first year of eligibility, as he is a former Defensive Rookie of the Year (2012) and Defensive Player of the Year in 2013.  A two-time leader in Combined Tackles, Kuechly was a seven-time Pro Bowl and five-time First Team All-Pro.  Ranked #3 on notinhalloffame.com.

*Terrell Suggs (Also DE):  BAL 2003-18, ARI 2019 & KAN 2019.  Suggs was the 2003 AP Defensive Rookie of the Year, and eight years later, he was the consensus Defensive Player of the Year.  He went to seven Pro Bowls, was a one-time First Team All-Pro, and compiled 139 Sacks, 202 Tackles for Loss, and 200 Quarterback Hits.  He was also a significant part of Baltimore’s second Super Bowl, and, as a veteran, he retired after winning a second one with Kansas City.  Ranked #10 on notinhalloffame.com.

The Linebackers who did not advance were NaVorro Bowman, Lance Briggs, Tedy Bruschi, Thomas Davis, James Farrior, A.J. Hawk, Clay Matthews III, Dat Nguyen, Takeo Spikes, and Lee Woodall.

Last year, the LBs who made it to this stage were Cornelius Bennett (moved to the seniors), London Fletcher, James Harrison, Luke Kuechly, and Terrell Suggs. 

The Chairman’s gut reaction: 

There is no problem from my end as to the four Linebackers who advanced.

Defensive Backs: (6) (Cut from 15)

Rodney Harrison (S):  SFG 1994-2002 & NWE 2003-08.  Harrison won two Super Bowls with the New England Patriots and was a Pro Bowl and First Team All-Pro twice.  He would have 34 career Interceptions, 30.5 Sacks, and 1,206 Combined Tackles.  Ranked #159 on notinhalloffame.com.

Asante Samuel (CB):  NWE 2003-07, PHI 2008-11 & ATL 2012-13.  A four-time Pro Bowl Selection and one-time First Team All-Pro, Samuel led the NFL in Interceptions twice and has 51 in total.  He also won two Super Bowls with the Patriots.  Ranked #190 on notinhalloffame.com.

*Earl Thomas (S):  SEA 2010-18 & BAL 2019.  A seven-time Pro Bowler, Thomas was selected for three straight First Team All-Pros (2012-14) and won a Super Bowl with the Seahawks.  The Safety had 30 Interceptions and 713 Tackles.  Ranked #11 on notinhalloffame.com.

Charles Tillman (CB):  CHI 2004-14 & CAR 2015.  Tillman is in his first year of eligibility and was a two-time Pro Bowl Selection.  He would have 38 career Interceptions and 44 Forced Fumbles with 930 Combined Tackles.  Ranked #222 on notinhalloffame.com.

Troy Vincent (CB):  MIA 1992-95, PHI 1996-2003, BUF 2004-05 & WAS 2006.   Vincent’s five Pro Bowls would all come consecutively (1999-2003) when he was with the Eagles. He earned First Team All-Pro honors in 2002 and had 47 Interceptions and 893 Combined Tackles.  In 2002, he also won the Walter Payton Man of the Year and Alan Page Community Award.  Ranked #260 on notinhalloffame.com.

*Darren Woodson (S):  DAL 1992-03.  Woodson was part of the Cowboys’ three Super Bowl Titles in the early '90s, a five-time Pro Bowl, and a three-time First Team All-Pro.  He has been a Semi-Finalist multiple times before and has 23 career Interceptions with 11 Sacks and 967 Combined Tackles.  Ranked #65 on notinhalloffame.com.

The Defensive Backs who did not advance were Eric Berry, Kam Chancellor, Nick Collins, DeAngelo Hall, James Hasty, Carnell Lake, Allen Rossum, Patrick Surtain, and Adrian Wilson.

Last year, the DBs who made it to this stage were Eric Allen (Inducted), Kam Chancellor, Rodney Harrison, Earl Thomas, Troy Vincent, and Darren Woodson. 

The Chairman’s gut reaction: 

This is similar to last year, with Peanut advancing further than he ever has.  Could the Peanut Punch become a Semi-Finalist for the first time?

Place Kickers: (2) (Cut from 5)

Gary Anderson:  PIT 1982-94, PHI 1995-06, SFO 1997, MIN 1998-2002 & TEN 2003-04.  Anderson went to four Pro Bowls and was the all-time leader in Points Scored and Field Goals Made at the time of his retirement.  A member of the 1980s and 1990s All-Decade Team, Anderson is currently third all-time in Points (2,434).  Ranked #209 on notinhalloffame.com.

*Adam Vinatieri: NWE 1996-2005 & IND 2006-19.  Entering his first year on the ballot, Vinatieri was a clutch performer who won four Super Bowls and was a three-time First Team All-Pro.  He is the all-time leader in Points Scored (2,673) and Field Goals Made (599). Ranked #88 on notinhalloffame.com.

The Place Kickers who did not advance were David Akers, Jason Hanson, and John Kasay.

Last year, the PKs who made it to this stage were Gary Anderson and Adam Vinatieri. 

Punters: (1) (Cut from 2)

Shane Lechler:  OAK 2000-12 & HOU 2013-17.  Lechler went to seven Pro Bowls and was an All-Decade Selection in the 2000s and 2010s.  He is also a four-time leader in Punting Yards and a five-time leader in Yards per Punt.  Ranked #111 on notinhalloffame.com.

The lone Punter who did not advance was Sean Landeta.

Last year, there were no Punters at this stage.

Special Teams (1): (Cut from 2)

Brian Mitchell (Also RB): WAS 1990-99, PHI 2000-02, NYG 2003.  Mitchell was a one-time Pro Bowl recipient and a four-time leader in All-Purpose Yards. He totaled 23,330 in APY and is second all-time in that statistic.  He also won a Super Bowl with Washington.  Ranked #160 on notinhalloffame.com.

The lone Special Teams player who did not advance was Josh Cribbs.

Last year, only Brian Mitchell was at this stage.

This group will be pared down to 25 in November and reduced to 15 in January.

We here at Notinhalloffame.com would like to congratulate this group of former players who have reached this stage.