If it seemed like Jim Hart was the St. Louis Cardinals Quarterback forever, it is because, in football terms, he practically was.  Hart started 180 games for them from 1967 to 1983, but for such a long tenure, it went largely unnoticed.  Playing for bad teams usually does that.

It wasn’t that the Cardinals didn’t have any good seasons; in the mid-70s, they rifled off three consecutive 10-win seasons.  This coincided with Hart’s four straight Pro Bowl appearances.  Jim Hart became one of the most durable and respected Quarterbacks in the NFL, and that durability helped him build an impressive statistical career.

Unfortunately, as the leader of bad teams for the majority of his career, Hart was considered a good player who wasn’t good enough to take his team to the next level.  This may explain why he never received any real look from the Hall.

Shannon Sharpe may be considered the best tight end of the 1990s, but a consensus number two would likely be Ben Coates.  Coincidentally, the two wrapped up their careers at the start of the new millennium as teammates for the Baltimore Ravens, winning Super Bowl XXXV.

Ben Coates started slow, but once Bill Parcells entered the New England Patriots picture, Coates saw his receptions dramatically increase.  Coates was a reliable weapon in the Drew Bledsoe-led offense, and his sure hands made him the Patriots' most reliable receiver.  He set receiving records for the tight end position (all since broken) and often had his best performances when the pressure was at its highest.

When Ben Coates retired, only Shannon Sharpe, Kellen Winslow, and Ozzie Newsome had more catches from the Tight End position than he did.  Coates was a five-time Pro Bowler but has yet to receive a Hall of Fame nomination.  Chances are that he will be on the wrong end of the Tight End bubble when it comes to Hall consideration.

As much as football changes, some statistics will always remain critical to the game.  One such stat is the Interception, which is one of the biggest game-changers regardless of era.  In the ’60s, Bobby Boyd was one of the masters of the pick.

Although Bobby Boyd was only in two Pro Bowls (though he was a three-time First Team All-Pro) it is hard to look at his career and really find a down year. In his nine years in the National Football League, Boyd nearly averaged an interception for every two games he played.  Basically, Bobby Boyd could be counted on to turn the tide of a game several times in a season.  As an excellent runner, Boyd was extremely dangerous once he intercepted the ball, and rarely would his picks result in zero yards. 

Although he was very good, he is one of many who slipped through the cracks.  He had the misfortune of joining the Colts the year after they won a championship, and though they were good through the ’60s, they never won a title during his tenure.  Had they done so (let’s say Super Bowl III perhaps?), would Boyd have been the recipient of a Hall of Fame legacy?

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!