The Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project: 1998 Final VOTE

1998 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 question: What if the PFHOF had begun 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 each voter selected 25 names as their semi-finalists and five 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 53rd 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 1998:

This is for the “Senior Era”, 

*Bold indicates they have been elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Class of 1998.

This is for the “Coaches/Contributors”, 

*Bold indicates they have been elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Class of 1998.

About the 1998 Inductees:

Anthony Munoz, G-C, CIN 1981-91: Inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project in 1998 on his 1st Ballot.  Inducted into the actual Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1992.

The 1980 Draft yielded three future Hall of Famers, and the Cincinnati Bengals, who had the third pick, took the best of them all that year, Anthony Munoz.

Two years earlier, Munoz had one of the best years that a college athlete could have, as he was a member of both the National Champions in Baseball and Football at USC.  Football was where he was at his best, and he proceeded to become the best Offensive Lineman of the 1980s.

After being an All-Rookie, Munoz rattled off 11 straight Pro Bowls, and was a First Team All-Pro in nine of them, and was a Second Team Selection in the other two.  Munoz was so dominant that the NFL Alumni Players Association named him the Lineman of the Year four times.  While the Bengals have never won the Super Bowl, they made it to the game twice, and Munoz was without a doubt a reason for those AFC Championships.  Nobody wearing the Bengals stripes worked harder in the weight room than he did, and as evidenced by his Man of the Year Award in 1991, no other athlete in Cincy gave as much back to the community.  Notably, he was able to come off the line as an eligible receiver and had four Touchdown Receptions over his career.  Munoz's last year was in 1992, which was beset by injuries and held him to eight Games.  He attempted a return with Tampa Bay in 1993, but he was released before the season began. Munoz finished his career with 185 Games, starting all but one.

Munoz would enter the Pro Football Hall of Fame in his first year of eligibility in 1998, and he is also a member of the 1980s All-Decade, 75^th Anniversary, and the 100^th Anniversary Team. When the Bengals finally created a Ring of Honor in 2021, Munoz was naturally part of the first group.

Mike Singletary, DE-DT, CHI 1981-92: Inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project in 1998 on his 1st Ballot.  Inducted into the actual Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1998.

Mike Singletary anchored the Chicago Bears' defense for 12 seasons from 1981 to 1992, redefining the middle linebacker position with his legendary intensity. Known as "Samurai Mike," his trademark wide-eyed stare at opposing quarterbacks became an iconic image of NFL film. As the crucial on-field general for defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan’s revolutionary "46 defense," Singletary coupled exceptional football intelligence with raw physicality, missing only two games in 179 career appearances due to his remarkable durability.

Selected 38th overall in the second round of the 1981 NFL Draft out of Baylor University, Singletary quickly asserted himself as the heartbeat of the franchise. He earned a spot on the NFL All-Rookie Team and rapidly evolved into a perennial powerhouse, securing 10 consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 1983 through his final season in 1992. His peers and coaches recognized his supreme positioning and tackling proficiency, voting him a First-Team All-Pro seven times and a Second-Team All-Pro once during a decade of absolute gridiron dominance.

The absolute pinnacle of his career arrived during the historic 1985 season, where he commanded what many consider the greatest single-season defense in NFL history. Singletary recorded 109 solo tackles, three sacks, and three fumble recoveries that year, winning his first Associated Press NFL Defensive Player of the Year award. He then led the Bears through a dominant playoff run, culminating in a 46-10 victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl XX, where he tied a Super Bowl record by recovering two fumbles.

Singletary retired after the 1992 season, leaving a legacy built on 1,488 career tackles, 19 sacks, and seven interceptions. He won his second AP NFL Defensive Player of the Year award in 1988 and was later named to the NFL’s 1980s All-Decade Team. His post-playing career included a notable transition to coaching, highlighted by a stint as head coach of the San Francisco 49ers from 2008 to 2010. His immense impact on the sport was forever immortalized with his first-ballot induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1998.

Dave Robinson, LB, GNB 1963-72 & WAS 1973-74.  Inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project in 1998 on his 19th Ballot.  Inducted into the actual Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2013.

Dave Robinson built a legendary 12-year professional football career as one of the premier outside linebackers of his era, playing for the Green Bay Packers (1963–1972) and the Washington Redskins (1973–1974). Selected 14th overall in the first round of the 1963 NFL Draft out of Penn State, he was converted from a collegiate defensive lineman into a linebacker by Hall of Fame head coach Vince Lombardi. Standing 6'3" and weighing 245 pounds, Robinson possessed a rare blend of massive strength and elite agility, making him a prototype for the modern outside linebacker and a foundational piece of the Packers' 1960s dynasty.

As the starting left outside linebacker in Green Bay, Robinson teamed up with middle linebacker Ray Nitschke and right linebacker Lee Roy Caffey to form one of the most dominant linebacking corps in NFL history. He acted as a virtually impenetrable force against the run while proving equally lethal in pass coverage, intercepting 21 passes during his ten seasons with the Packers. His clutch defensive instincts famously sealed the 1966 NFL Championship when he pressured Dallas Cowboys quarterback Don Meredith into a game-ending interception, clearing the path for Green Bay to win Super Bowl I. In total, Robinson helped pilot the franchise to three consecutive NFL Championships (1965–1967) and victories in both Super Bowl I and Super Bowl II.

Over his 155 career regular-season games, Robinson accumulated 27 interceptions, 12 fumble recoveries, and 28.5 sacks. He was voted to three Pro Bowls (1966, 1967, 1969), named a First-Team All-Pro in 1967, and earned a spot on the prestigious NFL 1960s All-Decade Team. After a decade in Green Bay, he wrapped up his career with two productive seasons under George Allen in Washington, notably grabbing four interceptions in 1973. For his pioneering play and immense impact on the game.

Chris Hanburger, LB, WAS, 1965-78.  Inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project in 1998 on his 15th Ballot.  Inducted into the actual Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011.

Chris Hanburger spent his entire 14-year professional football career playing linebacker for Washington from 1965 to 1978. Entering the league as an unheralded 18th-round pick out of North Carolina in the 1965 NFL Draft, he defied his low draft position to become one of the franchise's greatest draft steals. Despite playing at a relatively light weight of around 215 pounds, Hanburger earned the fearsome nickname "The Hangman" for his signature, bone-jarring clothesline tackles, which were a legal and highly effective method of stopping ball carriers during his era.

Hanburger quickly established himself as a premier defensive playmaker, earning his first of nine Pro Bowl selections in just his second season. Renowned for his exceptional speed and tactical intellect, he possessed a rare ability to diagnose offensive plays before the snap. When legendary head coach George Allen arrived in Washington, he designated Hanburger as the defensive signal-caller and undisputed captain of the famous "Over-the-Hill Gang" defense, trusting him completely to position the unit on the field.

The peak of Hanburger's career came in 1972, when his masterful leadership guided Washington to an 11-3 regular-season record and an appearance in Super Bowl VII. That year, he tied for the team lead with a career-high four interceptions, including one returned for a touchdown against Joe Namath and the New York Jets. His dominant play throughout the season earned him NFC Defensive Player of the Year honors from the NFL 101 Club, cementing his status among the game’s elite defenders.

By the time he retired before the 1979 season, Hanburger had earned five First-Team All-Pro honors and nine Pro Bowl nods, a total that remains the most by any player in Washington franchise history. Over his 187 career games, which included a remarkable streak of 135 consecutive starts, he recorded 19 interceptions and returned three fumbles for touchdowns

Bob Kuechnerberg, G-T-C, MIA 1970-83.  Inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project in 1998 on his 10th Ballot.  Was never inducted into the actual Pro Football Hall of Fame.

Bob Kuechenberg anchored the interior offensive line for the Miami Dolphins for 14 seasons from 1970 to 1983, establishing himself as one of the most resilient and impactful guards of his era. Drafted by the Philadelphia Eagles in 1969 out of Notre Dame, he left the team during training camp and spent a year playing semi-pro football for the Chicago Owls. Dolphins head coach Don Shula signed him as a free agent in 1970, instantly slotting him into a powerhouse offense where his fierce competitive drive and technical blocking skills became legendary.

As a primary driving force behind Miami's dominant run game, Kuechenberg paved the way for Hall of Fame fullback Larry Csonka and running back Mercury Morris. He started every game for the historic 1972 undefeated team that went 17-0, famously playing through the postseason with a broken arm protected by a special cast. He secured back-to-back championships with victories in Super Bowl VII and Super Bowl VIII, completely neutralizing Minnesota Vikings Hall of Fame defensive tackle Alan Page in the latter game.

Kuechenberg earned six Pro Bowl selections between 1974 and 1983, a testament to his sustained excellence across two different decades. He earned First-Team All-Pro honors in 1978 and was named a Second-Team All-Pro twice, consistently ranking among the premier offensive linemen in football. His versatile talent allowed him to seamlessly shift positions when injuries struck the roster, starting games at both tackle and center without a drop in his performance.

By the time he retired after the 1983 season, Kuechenberg had played in 196 regular-season games and appeared in four Super Bowls, including Super Bowl XVII and Super Bowl XIX. He ranks fourth in Dolphins history for total games played and was inducted into the Miami Dolphins Honor Roll in 1995.

Cliff Branch, WR, OAK-RAI 1972-85.  Inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project in 1998 on his 8th Ballot.  Inducted into the actual Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2022.

Cliff Branch spent his entire 14-year professional football career playing wide receiver for the Raiders from 1972 to 1985. Drafted in the fourth round out of the University of Colorado, he brought world-class speed to the gridiron, having set an NCAA championship record with a 10-second 100-meter dash. This blistering pace perfectly aligned with owner Al Davis' offensive philosophy, transforming Branch into one of the most feared vertical threats of his generation and redefining how NFL offenses attacked deep coverage.

His breakout campaign occurred during his third season in 1974, when he dominated the league by pulling in 60 catches for an NFL-high 1,092 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns. He captured another league-leading milestone in 1976 by catching 12 touchdowns while averaging an astonishing 24.2 yards per reception. Over a dominant stretch from 1974 to 1978, his precise deep routes and dynamic playmaking earned him four consecutive Pro Bowl selections and three straight First-Team All-Pro honors.

Branch was at his absolute best when the lights were brightest, serving as a cornerstone for three Raiders championship teams. He caught two critical touchdowns in Super Bowl XV against the Philadelphia Eagles and added another score in Super Bowl XVIII against the Washington Redskins. When he retired, his 73 receptions and 1,289 receiving yards over 22 postseason appearances stood as NFL playoff records, cementing his reputation as a clutch big-game performer.

By the end of his career in 1985, Branch had accumulated 501 receptions for 8,685 yards and 67 touchdowns. His career average of 17.3 yards per catch highlighted his big-play ability, which included a historic 99-yard touchdown reception from Jim Plunkett in 1983.

Donnie Shell, DB, PIT 1974-87. Inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project in 1998 on his 6th Ballot.  Inducted into the actual Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2020.

Donnie Shell played 14 exceptional seasons as a safety for the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1974 to 1987, anchoring the secondary of the legendary Steel Curtain defense. Despite going undrafted out of South Carolina State in 1974, he signed as a free agent and quickly earned a roster spot through his relentless work ethic and fierce special teams play. His intimidating, hard-hitting tackling style coupled with elite coverage skills soon made him an indispensable component of Pittsburgh's defensive dynasty.

As a foundational contributor to the Steelers' historic success, Shell helped pilot the franchise to four Super Bowl victories (IX, X, XIII, and XIV) during the 1970s. Originally a backup, he took over as a full-time starting strong safety in 1977 and immediately elevated the defense's dynamic playmaking. Over his career, he formed a devastating tandem with fellow Hall of Fame defensive backs Mel Blount and Mike Wagner, making the deep middle of the field a danger zone for opposing wide receivers.

Shell's individual brilliance earned him widespread recognition as one of the premier safeties of his generation, resulting in five consecutive Pro Bowl selections from 1978 to 1982. He secured First-Team All-Pro honors three times (1979, 1980, and 1982) and was named a Second-Team All-Pro in 1981. Known for his incredible durability and consistency, he appeared in 201 regular-season games, which ranks among the most in franchise history, and recorded a remarkable streak of 11 consecutive seasons with at least three interceptions.

By the time he retired after the 1987 season, Shell had compiled an astonishing stat line that included 51 career interceptions, making him the first strong safety in NFL history to surpass the 50-interception milestone. He also recovered 19 fumbles and scored two defensive touchdowns while demonstrating unmatched locker room leadership as a multi-year team captain.

Pat Harder FB, CRD 1946-50 & DET 1951-53.  Inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project in 1998 on his 20th Senior Ballot.  Was never inducted into the actual Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The 1944 2nd Overall Draft Pick from the University of Wisconsin, Pat Harder, lived up to the hype. He helped the Chicago Cardinals win the 1947 NFL Championship and was selected for the First Team All-Pro for three consecutive years.

Playing at fullback and also serving as the Cardinals’ place kicker, Harder became the first player in NFL history to exceed 100 points in three straight years (1947-49). Blessed with power and speed, Harder had soft receiving hands and accumulated 3,880 yards from scrimmage over eight seasons, a decent number for his time. Harder was named the MVP by UPI in 1948, and his overall accomplishments earned him a spot on the 1940s All-Decade Team.

Harder's success continued into the 1950s, as he went to the Pro Bowl in 1950. He then joined the Detroit Lions for his final three years, where he helped them win the NFL Championship in both 1952 and 1953 and was a Pro Bowler in the first of those two years.

Don Shula, COACH, BAL 1963-69 & MIA 1970-95.  Inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project in 1998 on his 1st Coach/Contributor Ballot.  Inducted into the actual Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1997.

Don Shula crafted the most successful coaching career in National Football League history, spanning 33 seasons with the Baltimore Colts and Miami Dolphins from 1963 to 1995. Before stalking the sidelines, he played seven seasons as a defensive back in the NFL, which helped shape his masterful understanding of the game. Shula became the ultimate standard of coaching excellence, leading his teams to a record 347 total victories, 19 postseason appearances, and six Super Bowl appearances while remarkably enduring only two losing seasons in over three decades.

After a successful stint as the head coach of the Colts, where he reached Super Bowl III, Shula joined the Miami Dolphins in 1970 and immediately transformed the young franchise into a powerhouse. His meticulous preparation and adaptability quickly paid off as he guided the Dolphins to three consecutive Super Bowl appearances from 1971 to 1973. The absolute pinnacle of his career came during the historic 1972 season, when he coached Miami to a perfect 17-0 record, culminating in a victory in Super Bowl VII. This remains the only undefeated and untied season in modern NFL history.

Shula won back-to-back titles with a victory in Super Bowl VIII, establishing a heavy run-first philosophy behind a dominant offensive line. However, his true genius lay in his ability to completely reinvent his team’s identity based on his roster's strengths. In the 1980s, Shula seamlessly transitioned the Dolphins from a ground-and-pound juggernaut into a high-flying aerial circus centered around legendary quarterback Dan Marino. This strategic shift led Miami to two more Super Bowl appearances in 1982 and 1984, proving Shula could win in any era with any style of play.

When Shula retired after the 1995 season, he stood alone at the top of the football world with 328 regular-season wins and 19 postseason triumphs. He was named the Associated Press NFL Coach of the Year four times and was later selected to the NFL 100th Anniversary All-Time Team.