There are a lot of polarizing debates regarding the Pro Football Hall of Fame, but the one for Quarterback, Jim Plunkett, might be one of the hottest debates of all.
Truthfully, this debate is straightforward.
The vocal fans who support him in Canton point out that he is a two-time Super Bowl-winning Quarterback, the first of which saw him win MVP.
Those who don’t will say he was never chosen for a Pro Bowl, is an All-Pro, has a .500 regular-season record, and threw more Interceptions than Touchdowns.
Again, this is the easiest cut-and-dry debate, and we know the comments will be very one-sided on both sides!
Offensive linemen are often the unsung heroes of football, but one group of linemen bucked that trend: the "Hogs" of the Washington Redskins. The "Hogs" were a legendary offensive line that played together in the 1980s and early 90s, known for their toughness, physicality, and dominance on the field.
One of the linemen who stood out from the rest was Joe Jacoby. Jacoby was not a highly sought-after player when he entered the league; in fact, he went undrafted out of Louisville. But he didn't let that stop him. He worked hard and earned a spot on the Redskins' roster, eventually becoming one of the team’s most beloved players.
Jacoby was a force to be reckoned with on the field. He was a talented blocker who earned the respect of his peers and opponents alike. He wasn't the most naturally gifted tackle, but he made up for it with his work ethic and his punishing blocks. He was fearless and mean, and few players could beat him in the running game. His contributions helped the Redskins win three Super Bowls, each with a different quarterback who is not in the Hall of Fame.
Despite his impressive career, Jacoby has yet to be inducted into the Hall of Fame. His teammate Russ Grimm was recently inducted, but many believe Jacoby should be there too. While it's unlikely that any other "Hogs" will be voted in, Jacoby's legacy as one of the greatest linemen of his era deserves recognition.
Seriously, only one “Hog” in the Hall. We need two!
Considering that Todd Christensen was drafted as a Running Back, it is impressive that he developed into one of the most successful Tight Ends of the 1980s.
The transition to Tight End was not a quick one, and it was not until his fifth year in the NFL that Christensen was productive. He would then embark on a five-year stretch that would see him set (then) records for receptions for the position. The Raider would twice lead the league in receptions, which is still unheard of for a Tight End. The five-time Pro Bowler may not have been the Raiders’ most explosive weapon, but he was their most consistent.
It could be imagined how many totals Todd Christensen could have put up had he learned the Tight End position earlier in his career. Regardless, with two Super Bowl Rings and his early 80’s exploits, he has a legacy in Raiderland that few can match.