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52. Billy Howton

You would think that the one-time All-Time Leader in NFL receptions would have been at least been a finalist for the Hall of Fame.  Of course, Billy Howton was the all-time leader when he retired in 1963.  He has dropped considerably since then.

Billy Howton was one of the top receivers for the Green Bay Packers throughout the 1950s.  He was a constant fixture for years in every receiving category and when he became the all-time leader in receptions and yards he took that slot from the legendary Don Hutson.

41. Ricky Watters

You never had to wonder what was on Ricky Watters's mind.  He would tell you whether it was good or bad, and that brashness made him a very polarizing figure in the NFL.  It is also possible that this is why the Hall of Fame has yet to look his way in a serious capacity.

Ricky Watters was one of the most consistent Running Backs in the National Football League.  He gained 1,000 yards on the ground seven times while catching fifty passes five times.  Watters was the player that teams went to when they wanted to move the chains.  With that said, he was far from a darling of the press and it has been speculated that this could be a factor that could keep him out of the Hall of Fame, despite being one of the most durable dual-threat backs in NFL history.  

38. Randall Cunningham

If the Football Hall of Fame was based solely on excitement there should be no doubt that Randall Cunningham would have been inducted on the first ballot.  His nickname of the “Human Highlight Reel” was well deserved and he was hands down the most entertaining Quarterback of his era.

Randall Cunningham could beat you with his throwing arms or with his legs.  He excelled at scrambling and is the current all-time leader for rushing yards (4,928) for a Quarterback.  This made him exciting to watch but also overshadowed his ability to throw.  Cunningham was an efficient thrower and as his speed began to wane, he was able to prove to a lot of people in the league that he could throw with the best of them.

34. Jimmy Patton

The New York Giants were a dominant force in the NFL during the late 1950s and early 1960s, with a championship win under their belt. However, the incredible contributions of one of their star players, Jimmy Patton, have largely been forgotten over time.

Patton's skills on the field were undeniable, and he really began to shine during the Giants' 1956 championship win. He continued to improve and impress, leading the league in interceptions with an outstanding 11 in 1958. This marked the first of his five consecutive First Team All-Pro selections and five Pro Bowl appearances, with Patton playing a pivotal role in the Giants' impressive six post-seasons.

Despite his impressive achievements, including a championship title, Jimmy Patton's once-illustrious football career has faded with time. Despite being a standout player with 51 career picks, he has not been inducted into the Hall of Fame, and the odds of that happening seem slim, especially given that he was never even a finalist.



Should Jim Patton be in the Hall of Fame?

Definitely put him in! - 83.5%
Maybe, but others deserve it first. - 5.2%
Probably not, but it wouldn't be the end of the world. - 7.2%
No opinion. - 0%
No way! - 4.1%