1981 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 give us 25 names as their semi-finalists and 5 in 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 36th 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 1981:

This is for the “Senior Era”, 

*Bold indicates they have been elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Class of 1981.

This is for the “Coaches/Contributors”, 

*Bold indicates they have been elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Class of 1981.

About the 1981 Inductees:

Len Dawson QB, PIT 1957-59, CLE 1960-61, DTX/KAN 1962-75: Inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project in 1981 on his 1st Ballot.  Inducted into the actual Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1987.

Len Dawson was a First Round Draft Pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers but the former Purdue Boilermaker accomplished nothing there as he would in Cleveland shortly thereafter.  It looked like Dawson became a bust, but after being released by the Browns, he would sign with the Dallas Texans, and it was a match made in football heaven.

Dawson would lead the American Football League in Touchdown Passes in his first season there, while more importantly taking the team to a league championship win (1962).  Dawson and the team would move north to Kansas City, where they would become the Chiefs, but while the team’s geography would change, Dawson’s efficiency would not. 

Dawson’s AFL league-leading Passer Rating of 1962 would be duplicated in every season from 1964 to 1968, as well as posting four seasons where he led the league in Touchdown Passes.  Dawson would take the Chiefs to the first Super Bowl, where, although they lost, Dawson impressed many in defeat.  He would later take the Chiefs to a win in Super Bowl IV (where he was named the Super Bowl MVP), which to date is the only one in franchise history.

Overall, he threw for 28,711 Yards and 239 Touchdown Passes, which are incredible for his time.

Jimmy Johnson, DB, SFO 1961-76: Inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project in 1981 on his 1st Ballot.  Inducted into the actual Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1994.

How good an athletic family did Jimmy Johnson come from?  The Pro Football Hall of Famer was the brother of the 1960 Olympic Gold Medalist (Decathlon), Rafer Johnson.

Johnson, who played his college ball at UCLA, did not have to travel far to join the Professional ranks as the San Francisco 49ers with the Sixth Overall Pick in 1961.  Johnson was incredibly versatile, though he was undoubtedly at his best at Cornerback, where he began as a rookie.  While he had five Interceptions as a rookie and was considered good, the Niners moved him to Flanker in 1962, where he played for one year with 627 Yards.  Johnson went to Safety in 1963 but returned to Corner, where he stayed for the rest of his professional career.

Johnson proved his worth in the Secondary throughout the 1960s, but it was not until 1969 that he turned heads.  From 1969 to 1972, Johnson was both a Pro Bowl and First Team All-Pro Selection, with his Approximate Value never going below 14 in those seasons.  During this time, Johnson was considered the best Defensive Back in Football, and many thought he was.

Johnson played until 1976, never leaving San Francisco. He would go to his fifth Pro Bowl in 1974, and he retired with 47 Interceptions.

George Blanda, QB-K, BCL 1949, CHI 1949–58, HOU 1960-66 & OAK 1967-75.  Inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project in 1981 on his 1st Ballot.  Inducted into the actual Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1981.

Regarding longevity, few players in team sports in the United States can light a candle to George Blanda.

Playing in four different decades, Blanda had periods as an elite quarterback, and his durability kept him in professional football, thanks in part to his special teams ability. Blanda played for the Chicago Bears through the 1950s as a quarterback and kicker, and when the American Football League started in 1960, he signed with the Houston Oilers.

In the AFL, he was a three-time champion, two with Houston and one with Oakland, and he was the league MVP in 1961. When the AFL merged with the NFL, Blanda’s kicking ability was kept in pro football until 1975, making his 26-year career the longest in pro football. 

Johnny Robinson, DB-FL-HB, DTX-KAN 1960-71.  Inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project in 1981 on his 5th Ballot.  Inducted into the actual Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2019.

Johnny Robinson is arguably the greatest Safety in Kansas City Chiefs history, though he did not start his professional career that way.

Robinson was drafted as a Halfback for the inaugural season of the American Football Leagues’ Dallas Texans. Converted to a Flanker, he accrued over 1,800 Yards from Scrimmage in his first two seasons.  Robinson would be moved to Safety the following year, and he would help the Dallas Texans win the AFL Title in 1962.  He would stay with the team when they relocated to Kansas City, and his defensive prowess began to blossom.  Robinson was named a First Team AFL All-Pro every season from 1965 to 1969 and would be a First Team All-Pro in 1970 in the NFL following the merger.  The product of LSU would lead his respective league in Interceptions twice (1966 AFL, 1970 NFL), and he would secure 57 picks overall in his career.

His best performance took place in Super Bowl IV, where he helped the Chiefs win the game with a fumble recovery and an interception.  Robinson had a pick in each of the three AFL Championship Games he played!  Robinson was one of the early inductees into the Chiefs Hall of Fame, receiving the call in 1974.

Del Shofner, E-DB, RAM 1957-60, NYG 1961-67.  Inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project in 1981 on his 9th Ballot.  Was never inducted in to the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Del Shofner was a remarkable receiver who was part of the 1960s All-Decade Team. He achieved this status thanks to his outstanding performance during a six-year stretch from 1958 to 1963, where he was named a First Team All-Pro and Pro Bowl selection in all those years except for 1960.

During his time with the Los Angeles Rams, Shofner topped the NFL in Receiving Yards in 1958 with 1,097, and finished second in the following year with 936. In 1960, he was relegated more to punting duties, but once he joined the New York Giants, he regained his place as an elite receiver. In his first three years with the Giants, Shofner had at least 1,100 Receiving Yards and finished in the top four in that metric. Although he never had a stretch close to that again, his reputation as one of the top offensive skill players and deep ball threats of his era earns him a high spot on this list.

Tyreek Hill was traded to the Miami Dolphins in March 2022 from the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for five draft picks, where he was rewarded with a $120 million contract.  Any doubt that Hill would not bring his trademark style of high-octane speed and a deep-threat game-changer was instantly erased as soon as he wore the Dolphin green.

Hill immediately posted his best year in football (2022) with 1,719 Yards and 7 TDs.  For the fourth time in his career, he was named a First Team All-Pro, and the year after, he did it again with an even better season.  Hill led the NFL in Receiving Yards (1,799) and Touchdowns (13), and was also a league-leader in Yards per Touch (14.5).  In both 2022 and 2023, he received votes for the MVP and Offensive Player of the Year (9th and 6th in MVP, 4th and 2nd in OPOY, respectively. 

Last season, Hill regressed to only 959 Yards, and his elite period may be over.  All eyes in Miami will be on the dynamic Wide Receiver.

Preseason games rarely make headlines, but a few have managed to stand out. Whether due to breakout performances, high-profile debuts, unexpected drama, or franchise turning points, certain matchups have left an imprint on NFL history. These games didn’t just fill the calendar ahead of Week 1, they provided unforgettable moments.

From stunning rookie plays to unforeseen rivalries and team-defining shifts, this list ranks the most iconic NFL preseason games to ever grace the field. At the time, each game offered a preview of talent or drama that would echo into the regular season and beyond.

1. Browns vs. Lions, 1959: Jim Brown’s Dominance

In a time when the preseason held more weight, this game delivered fireworks. Jim Brown, already feared by defenses, ripped through the Lions with unmatched strength. His performance set the tone for the Browns’ identity that year.

Fans left the stadium realizing they had witnessed something rare, even in a preseason setting. Brown’s dominance marked a shift in how running backs were used. The game also received unusual media attention, turning it into one of the earliest celebrated preseason performances.

2. Cowboys vs. Raiders, 1978: Staubach’s Last Preseason

Roger Staubach had already earned legendary status, but his final preseason carried emotional weight. Facing a rough-and-ready Raiders squad, Staubach showed he could still compete with younger talent, delivering efficient throws in a gritty, high-effort game.

The matchup also signaled a changing of the guard. Danny White began taking more reps, and Staubach’s presence was seen as symbolic rather than strategic. Though the Cowboys lost, the game served as a tribute to one of the sport’s most respected leaders.

3. Saints vs. Oilers, 1979: Earl Campbell Unleashed

Earl Campbell’s reputation as a power runner was already growing, but his performance against the Saints took it further. He tore through defenders, shedding tackles and bulldozing for long gains. New Orleans had no answer.

Fans and analysts alike pointed to this moment as proof that the Oilers were legit contenders. Campbell’s raw force made headlines, and his back-to-back touchdowns turned a preseason game into a must-watch event. Few backs ever ran with more fury in August.

4. Bears vs. Dolphins, 1985: A Glimpse of What Was Coming

This preseason clash hinted at the chaos the 1985 Bears would soon unleash. Even without Walter Payton, the Bears’ defense overwhelmed Dan Marino early, forcing multiple turnovers and delivering hard hits all night.

While Chicago’s offense stayed quiet, the tone set by their front seven grabbed national attention. Critics began wondering if this was a Super Bowl-level unit. Weeks later, those suspicions would be confirmed.

5. Patriots vs. Giants, 2001: Brady’s First Spark

In the second half of this game, Tom Brady, the unheralded sixth-rounder, calmly stepped in and shaped up. He showed rhythm, footwork, and composure beyond his years. His throws weren’t flashy, but they were precise.

That poised performance didn’t go unnoticed. Bill Belichick began trusting Brady more, and after Bledsoe’s injury weeks later, the rest became history. This game quietly launched one of the NFL’s most dominant eras.

6. Seahawks vs. Packers, 2008: Favre vs Rodgers Tension

This game was soaked in drama. Brett Favre, recently traded to the Jets, watched from afar while fans packed Lambeau in mixed jerseys. Some were still loyal to No. 4; others were curious about No. 12. Aaron Rodgers took the field amid pressure few quarterbacks ever face.

The Seahawks were quickly forgotten as Rodgers took command and silenced early doubters. The post-Favre era had officially begun. While the scoreboard meant little, the energy around this matchup made it one of the most emotionally charged preseason openers in memory. 

It also became a defining moment in how NFL teams and players handle leadership transitions, media scrutiny, and the pressure to perform under legacy-sized expectations.

7. Rams vs. Titans, 1999: A Super Bowl Preview

At the time, this game seemed routine. Kurt Warner wasn’t a household name, and the Titans were a physical but overlooked squad. Both teams showed signs of what would come later: poise, aggression, and chemistry.

Warner’s accuracy stood out, and Steve McNair led confident drives. Neither team knew they’d meet in February, but coaches later pointed to this preseason matchup as the first spark of their eventual title run showdown.

8. Steelers vs. Eagles, 2004: Big Ben’s First Steps

Ben Roethlisberger was meant to sit and learn, but when he took over early, he looked polished. He hit short routes and handled pressure well. Against an elite Eagles defense, his quick decisions stood out.

The fanbase noticed, and so did Pittsburgh’s front office. He wouldn’t start right away, but this game planted the seed. Within weeks, he’d be leading the Steelers to a win streak that made rookie QBs a real threat again.

9. Buccaneers vs. Bengals, 2021: Burrow’s Return

Coming off knee surgery, Joe Burrow didn’t play much, but his presence was enough to spark excitement. Every sideline shot, every throw in warmups, was broadcast with intense focus.

Tampa’s backups played well, but all eyes stayed on Burrow walking confidently. For fans, this felt like a step toward recovery. The Bengals’ confidence grew, and within months, they’d find themselves in a Super Bowl. That optimism started here.

2025 Preseason Spotlight: Chargers, Lions, and Rising Stars

The 2025 preseason kicked off on July 31 with the Hall of Fame Game between the Chargers and Lions, offering an early look at key returns and rookie debuts. NFL Network will air 21 live games, featuring names like J.J. McCarthy and Shedeur Sanders. Strong camp performances have already shifted preseason odds, especially for teams showing early cohesion.

Training buzz is building fast. Caleb Williams is under pressure in Chicago, while Joe Burrow looks sharp in Cincinnati. With injuries and surprises emerging, 2025’s preseason is already shaping narratives leading up to Week 1.

The Impact Behind Each Preseason Classic

While regular season games carry the weight of standings, preseason matchups sometimes deliver rare insight. They reveal rising stars, shifting team dynamics, and changing eras. 

Though most are forgotten by September, the best ones continue to echo in NFL history. These iconic NFL preseason games didn’t just fill airtime; they helped shape the trajectory of legends, teams, and even Super Bowl storylines.

It is with great pleasure that we have brought back the Notinhalloffame MLB Regular Cup, and let us explain how this works:

For every regular-season game, we anointed the top five players with the most points, in descending order: 5-4-3-2-1. 

We know the following:

• The top players for the MLB NIHOF Cup are not always the best in the league, as injuries keep players out of games, and a premium on staying healthy can help pile up points. It also does not hurt to be a top player on an average or mediocre team, as they can amass Cup points more easily than elite players on loaded squads.
• In Baseball, it is more common than in Basketball and Hockey for a player to accrue points with a single Home Run in a game, which favors position players. Starting Pitchers have a hard time with approximately 30-35 Starts and throwing fewer innings than previous generations. This is also true for closers not made for this process.
• Please remember that this is NOT necessarily who we think were the best players this year and does not reflect overall consistency. Treat this the way we did: as a fun process and more of a compilation of temporary statistical domination.

Here is the current top ten after games concluded on July 31.

1. Aaron Judge, New York Yankees: 156 Cup Points in 103 Games. (#1 Last Week).  6.6 bWAR, 90 Runs, 129 Hits, 37 Home Runs, 85 Runs Batted In, .342/.449/.711 Slash Line, 1.160 OPS & 216 OPS+.

2. Shohei Ohtani, Los Angeles Dodgers:  136 Cup Points in 107 Games.  (#2 Last Week).  4.7 bWAR, 100 Runs, 113 Hits, 38 Home Runs, 73 Runs Batted In, .269/.373/.605 Slash Line, .978 OPS & 171 OPS+.

3. Pete Alonso, New York Mets: 130 Cup Points in 109 Games. (#2 Last Week).   2.4 bWAR, 54 Runs, 105 Hits, 22 Home Runs, 81 Runs Batted In, .259/.351/.491 Slash Line, .842 OPS & 142 OPS+.

4. Cal Raleigh, Seattle Mariners: 128 Cup Points in 107 Games. (#5 Last Week).   5.3 bWAR, 72 Runs, 103 Hits, 42 Home Runs, 88 Runs Batted In, .257/.364/.611 Slash Line, .975 OPS & 177 OPS+.

5. Manny Machado, San Diego Padres: 127 Cup Points in 109 Games. (#4 Last Week).   3.6 bWAR, 64 Runs, 127 Hits, 20 Home Runs, 71 Runs Batted In, .302/.362/.510 Slash Line, .871 OPS & 140 OPS+.

6. Riley Greene, Detroit Tigers:  112 Cup Points in 107 Games.  (#7 Last Week).  2.5 bWAR, 59 Runs, 115 Hits, 26 Home Runs, 84 Runs Batted In, .277/.324/.525 Slash Line, .850 OPS & 132 OPS+.

7 (TIE). Kyle Schwarber, Philadelphia Phillies: 114 Cup Points in 108 Games.  (#10 Last Week).  3.7 bWAR, 76 Runs, 101 Hits, 37 Home Runs, 86 Runs Batted In, .253/.380/.576 Slash Line, .957 OPS & 159 OPS+.

7. (TIE). Bobby Witt Jr., Kansas City Royals: 115 Cup Points in 108 Games. (#5 Last Week).  4.3 bWAR, 66 Runs, 123 Hits, 15 Home Runs, 60 Runs Batted In, .288/.339/.492 Slash Line, .831 OPS & 128 OPS+.

9. Francisco Lindor, New York Mets: 112 Cup Points in 107 Games. (#9 Last Week).   2.8 bWAR, 68 Runs, 107 Hits, 20 Home Runs, 59 Runs Batted In, .246/.311/.430 Slash Line, .741 OPS & 113 OPS+.

10 (TIE). Jose Ramirez, Cleveland Guardians:  108 Cup Points in 105 Games.  (#8 Last Week).  4.6 bWAR, 68 Runs, 118 Hits, 21 Home Runs, 56 Runs Batted In, .298/.371/.520 Slash Line, .891 OPS & 143 OPS+.

10 (TIE). Juan Soto, New York Mets: 108 Cup Points in 107 Games.  (Not in the Top Ten Last Week).  4.2 bWAR, 75 Runs, 94 Hits, 25 Home Runs, 62 Runs Batted In, .248/.382/.488 Slash Line, .871 OPS & 151 OPS+.

Nobody fell out of the Top Ten.

Notably, 1,011 baseball players have earned at least 1 point, up from 992 last week.