Weeks ago, the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced the 162 Preliminary Senior Candidates for the Class of 2026, which they then reduced to 52.  Today, the PFHOF Blue Ribbon Seniors Committee has reduced this to 34. 

The next step will be a reduction to nine.

The remaining candidates are:

Quarterbacks (3): (Reduced from 5)

Ken Anderson: CIN 1971-86.  Anderson was the consensus MVP in 1981, and the four-time Pro Bowl would pass for 32,838 Yards and 197 Touchdowns.  He was also the 1975 Walter Payton Man of the Year and, historically, led the Cincinnati Bengals to their first Super Bowl.  Ranked #8 on notinhalloffame.com. 

Charlie Conerly: NYG 1948-61. Conerly was a 1956 New York Giants NFL Championship Team member, was a two-time Pro Bowl Selection, and accumulated 19,488 Yards and 173 TDs.  Ranked #50 on notinhalloffame.com.

Roman Gabriel: LAR 1962-72 & PHI 1973-77.  Gabriel was the league MVP in 1969, earning four Pro Bowls and a First Team All-Pro, and he threw for 29,444 Yards and 201 TDs.  Ranked #35 on notinhalloffame.com.

The Quarterbacks who were cut were Jack Kemp and Don Meredith.

The Chairman’s Gut Reaction:

There is no shock here, as Meredith was a long shot, and Kemp, as an AFL star, was expected to be dropped.  Nevertheless, if I had to cut this group to three, that is who I would have gone with.

Running Backs (4): (Reduced from 6)

Roger Craig:  SFO 1983-90, RAI 1991 & MIN 1992-93.  The first player to accumulate 1,000 Yards Rushing and Receiving, Craig won three Super Bowls, was the Offensive Player of the Year, earned four Pro Bowls, and was a First Team All-Pro.  From Scrimmage, he had 73 Touchdowns and 13,100 Yards,  Ranked #15 on notinhalloffame.com.

Chuck Foreman:  MIN 1973-79 & NWE 1980.  Foreman went to the Pro Bowl in his first five seasons, and the 1973 Offensive Rookie of the Year was a two-time YFS TD leader.  He compiled 9,106 Yards from Scrimmage.  Ranked #79 on notinhalloffame.com. 

Cecil Isbell: GNB 1938-42.  Isbell only played five seasons, but was a four-time Pro Bowl selection, a two-time Touchdown leader, and a two-time leader in Passing Yards.  He also helped Green Bay win the NFL Championship in 1939 and was named to the 1930s All-Decade Team.  Ranked #72 on notinhalloffame.com. 

Paul “Tank” Younger: RAM 1949-57 & PIT 58.  Younger won an NFL Championship with the Los Angeles Rams and was a four-time Pro Bowl and one-time First Team All-Pro.  Younger rushed for 3,640 Yards and 34 Touchdowns and was also a potent Linebacker.  Ranked #196 on notinhalloffame.com.

The Running Backs who were cut were Ottis Anderson and Larry Brown.

The Chairman’s Gut Reaction:

I would have loved to see Larry Brown advance, but I am happy that Cecil Isbell is through.   Bluntly, Roger Craig is my focus, as he should have been years ago.

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends (7): (Reduced from 9)

Isaac Curtis: CIN 1973-84. Curtis was a Pro Bowl Selection in his first four years and a three-time Second-Team All-Pro.  He had 7,101 Receiving Yards and 53 Touchdowns.

Lavvie Dilweg: MIL 1926 & GNB 1927-34.  Dilwag was a three-time NFL Champion with Green Bay and was chosen for the 1920s All-Decade Team.  Ranked #6 on notinhalloffame.com.

Henry Ellard: RAM 1983-93, WAS 1994-98 & NEW 1998.  Ellard compiled 13,777 Yards and 65 Touchdowns in a career that included leading the NFL in Receiving Yards.  He is also a three-time Pro Bowl and one-time First Team All-Pro.  Ranked #64 on notinhalloffame.com.

Harold Jackson: RAM 1968 & 1973-77, PHI 1969-72, BEW 1978-81, MIN 1982 & SEA 1983.  A five-time Pro Bowler, Jackson won two Receiving Yards Titles and compiled 10,372 Yards and 76 Touchdowns.  Ranked #49 on notinhalloffame.com.

Stanley Morgan: NWE 1977-89 & IND 1990.  A four-time Pro Bowl Selection, Stanley Morgan compiled 72 Touchdowns with 10,716 Receiving Yards.  He was also a three-time leader in Yards per Reception.    Ranked #266 on notinhalloffame.com.

Art Powell: PHI 1959, NYT 1960-62, OAK 1963-66, BUF 1967 & MIN 1968.  Powell, who was a Finalist last year, was a two-time Receiving Yards leader in the AFL.  A four-time AFL-All-Star and two-time First Team All-Pro, Powell had 8,046 Yards and 81 Touchdowns.  Ranked #165 on notinhalloffame.com.

Otis Taylor: KAN 1965-75. Taylor won two AFL Championships and a Super Bowl with Kansas City, who had 60 TDs and 7,467 Yards From Scrimmage.  He was also a two-time First Team All-Pro.  Ranked #32 on notinhalloffame.com.

The Wide Receivers/Tight Ends who were cut were Mark Clayton and Billy “White Shoes” Johnson.

The Chairman’s Gut Reaction:

Of the two cuts, the side-eye goes to White Shoes, indicating that Special Teams need not apply.

Offensive Lineman (5): (Reduced from 11)

Joe Jacoby: WAS 1981-93.  A famed member of the Hogs, Jacoby was part of all three of Washington’s Super Bowl wins and was a four-time Pro Bowl and two-time First Team All-Pro.  Ranked #33 on notinhalloffame.com.

Mike Kenn: ATL 1978-94.  Kenn is one of the finest offensive linemen in Falcons history, and the Left Tackle would earn five Pro Bowls and two First Team All-Pros. Ranked #61 on notinhalloffame.com.

Bob Kuechenberg: MIA 1970-83.  The versatile Lineman was a significant component in Miami’s back-to-back Super Bowl Championships in the early 70s, and he was also named to six Pro Bowls and one First Team All-Pro.  Ranked #30 on notinhalloffame.com. 

Jim Tyrer: DTX 1961-62, KAN 1963-73 & WAS 1974.  A three-time AFL Champion with the Texans/Chiefs, the Left Tackle was a six-time First Team All-Pro and nine-time AFL All-Star/Pro Bowl Selection.  Ranked #13 on notinhalloffame.com.

Al Wistert: PHI 1943-51.  Wistert was an All-Decade player of the 1940s who propelled Philadelphia to two NFL Championships.  He was also a four-time First Team All-Pro.  Ranked #31 on notinhalloffame.com.

The Offensive Linemen who were cut were Jay Hilgenberg, Chris Hinton, Marvin Powell, Dick Schafrath, Jerry Sisemore, and Walt Sweeney.

The Chairman’s Gut Reaction:

The omission of Dick Schafrath and Walt Sweeney feels criminal to me, but this is the Senior abyss that is the reality of the Senior Pool.

Defensive Linemen (2): (Reduced from 4)

L.C. Greenwood:  PIT 1969-81.  Greenwood was a vital member of the Steelers' 1970s dynasty that won four Super Bowls.  A six-time Prowl and two-time First Team All-Pro, Greenwood accumulated 78 Sacks.  Ranked #5 on notinhalloffame.com.

Jim Marshall: CLE 1960 & MIN 1961-78.  The ironman of his day, Marshall brought the Vikings to four Super Bowl appearances and was a two-time Pro Bowl Selection along the way.  He had 130.5 lifetime Sacks.  Ranked #37 on notinhalloffame.com.

The Defensive Linemen who were cut were Ed “Too Tall” Jones and Harvey Martin.

The Chairman’s Gut Reaction:

If two Defensive Linemen were going to advance, Greenwood and Marshall were the two.  Both have very solid Hall of Fame cases.

Linebackers (6): (Reduced from 8)

Carl Banks: NYG 1984-92, WAS 1993 & CLE 1994-95.  A two-time Super Bowl Champion with the Giants, Banks was a one-time All-Pro with 860 career Tackles. Ranked #234 in notinhalloffame.com.

Maxie Baughan: PHI 1960-65, RAM 1966-70 & WAS 1974.  Baughan was an NFL Champion with Philadelphia and was a nine-time Pro Bowl Selection.  He was also a one-time First Team All-Pro and five-time Second Team All-Pro.  Ranked #14 on notinhalloffame.com.

Larry Grantham:  NYT 1960-62 & NYJ 1963-72.  Grantham was a five-time AFL All-Star and three-time First Team All-Pro, who was part of the historical Jets team that won Super Bowl III.  Ranked #60 on notinhalloffame.com.

Lee Roy Jordan: DAL 1963-76.  Playing his entire career with the Cowboys, Jordan patrolled the interior and was a five-time Pro Bowler in the process.  He also won a Super Bowl with Big D.  Ranked #46 on notinhalloffame.com.

Clay Matthews Jr.: CLE 1978-93 & ATL 1994-96.  Matthews Jr. was a three-time leader in Combined Tackles with 1,595 overall.  A four-time Pro Bowl Selection, Matthews Jr. also had 82.5 Sacks and 16 Interceptions.  Ranked #100 on notinhalloffame.com.

Tommy Nobis: ATL 1966-78.  Nobis was the Rookie of the Year and a five-time Pro Bowl Selection.  Ranked #36 on notinhalloffame.com.

The Linebackers who were cut were Mike Curtis and Matt Millen.

The Chairman’s Gut Reaction:

Realistically, Baughan and Nobis should be the focus here.  In previous years, Maxie would have made the final round had he made it, but the numbers work against him (and really everyone on this list).

Defensive Backs (6): (Reduced from 8)

Dick Anderson:  MIA 1968-77.  Anderson was the 1968 Defensive Rookie of the Year, the 1973 Defensive Player of the Year, and won two Super Bowls.  A two-time First Team All-Pro and three-time Pro Bowl Selection, Anderson had 24 Interceptions.  Ranked #93 on notinhalloffame.com.

Bobby Boyd:  BAL 1960-68.  Boyd won an NFL Championship with the Colts and was a three-time First Team All-Pro.  He led the league in Interceptions in 1965, with a total of 57.  Ranked #39 on notinhalloffame.com.

Albert Lewis:  KAN 1983-93, RAI 1994 & OAK 1995-98.  Lewis went to four straight Pro Bowls (1987-90), was a two-time First Team All-Pro, and compiled 42 Interceptions.  Ranked #104 on notinhalloffame.com.

Eddie Meador: RAM 1959-70.  Meador is one of the most prolific Defensive Backs in RMS history and was a six-time Pro Bowl and two-time First Team All-Pro.  He amassed a franchise record of 46 Interceptions.  Ranked #68 on notinhalloffame.com.

Lemar Parrish: CIN 1970-77, WAS 1978-81 & BUF 1982.  Parrish went to eight Pro Bowls with a First Team All-Pro while recording 47 Interceptions.  Ranked #16 on notinhalloffame.com.

Everson Walls: DAL 1981-89, NYG 1990-92 & CLE 1992-93.  Walls had 57 Interceptions and was a four-time Pro Bowl Selection with a Super Bowl ring with the Giants.  Ranked #87 on notinhalloffame.com.

The Defensive Backs who were cut were Pat Fischer and Lester Hayes.

The Chairman’s Gut Reaction:

HOW THE HELL IS LESTER HAYES NOT HERE!?!?!?!?

Bluntly, I am disgusted by this omission, and he had the resume to enter as a Modern candidate years ago.   Please explain this to me like I am five!

Special Teams (1)

Steve Tasker: HOU 1985-86 & BUF 1986-97.  Tasker went to four Super Bowls with Buffalo and was a seven-time Pro Bowl Selection.  Ranked #144 on notinhalloffame.com.

Nothing changed.

This group will be cut next month.

We here at notinhalloffame.com would like to congratulate the candidates who have reached this stage.

Weeks ago, the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced the 162 Preliminary Senior Candidates for the Class of 2026.  This has now been reduced to 52.

The remaining candidates are:

Quarterbacks (5):

Ken Anderson: CIN 1971-86.  Anderson was the consensus MVP in 1981 and the four-time Pro Bowl would pass for 32,838 Yards and 197 Touchdowns.  He was also the 1975 Walter Payton Man of the Year and historically brought the Cincinnati Bengals to their first Super Bowl.  Ranked #8 on notinhalloffame.com. 

Charlie Conerly: NYG 1948-61. Conerly was a 1956 New York Giants NFL Championship Team member, was a two-time Pro Bowl Selection, and accumulated 19,488 Yards and 173 TDs.  Ranked #50 on notinhalloffame.com.

Roman Gabriel: LAR 1962-72 & PHI 1973-77.  Gabriel was the league MVP in 1969, earning four Pro Bowls and a First Team All-Pro, and he threw for 29,444 Yards and 201 TDs.  Ranked #35 on notinhalloffame.com.

Jack Kemp:  PIT 1957, LAC/SD 1960-62 & BUF 1962-69.  A seven-time AFL All-Star, Kemp led the Bills to two AFL Championships, where he was the MVP in both games.  He is also a former AFL MVP.  Ranked #118 on notinhalloffame.com.

Don Meredith:  DAL 1960-1968. “Dandy Don” went to three Pro Bowls and won the 1966 Bert Bell Award.  He threw for 135 Touchdowns and 17,199 Yards.

The Quarterbacks who were cut were John Hadl, Earl Morrall, Jim Plunkett & Doug Williams.

Running Backs (6):

Ottis Anderson: STL 1979-86 & NYG 1986-92.  Anderson had a monster rookie campaign for St. Louis and would later win two Super Bowls with New York, where he was named a Super Bowl MVP.  He had 10,273 Rushing Yards, 3,063 Receiving Yards, and 86 Touchdowns from Scrimmage.  Ranked #69 on notinhalloffame.com.

Larry Brown: WAS 1969-76.  Brown won the 1972 AP MVP and Offensive Player of the Year and was also a four-time Pro Bowl and two-time First Team All-Pro Running Back.  He had 8,360 Yards from Scrimmage with 55 TDs.  Ranked #109 on notinhalloffame.com.

Roger Craig:  SFO 1983-90, RAI 1991 & MIN 1992-93.  The first player to accumulate 1,000 Yards Rushing and Receiving, Craig won three Super Bowls, was the Offensive Player of the Year, earned four Pro Bowls, and was a First Team All-Pro.  From Scrimmage, he had 73 Touchdowns and 13,100 Yards,  Ranked #15 on notinhalloffame.com.

Chuck Foreman:  MIN 1973-79 & NWE 1980.  Foreman went to the Pro Bowl in his first five seasons, and the 1973 Offensive Rookie of the Year was a two-time YFS TD leader.  He compiled 9,106 Yards from Scrimmage.  Ranked #79 on notinhalloffame.com. 

Cecil Isbell: GNB 1938-42.  Isbell only played five seasons, but was a four-time Pro Bowl selection, a two-time Touchdown leader, and a two-time leader in Passing Yards.  He also helped Green Bay win the NFL Championship in 1939 and was named to the 1930s All-Decade Team.  Ranked #72 on notinhalloffame.com. 

Paul “Tank” Younger: RAM 1949-57 & PIT 58.  Younger won an NFL Championship with the Los Angeles Rams and was a four-time Pro Bowl and one-time First Team All-Pro.  Younger rushed for 3,640 Yards and 34 Touchdowns and was also a potent Linebacker.  Ranked #196 on notinhalloffame.com.

The ten Running Backs who were cut were Alan Ameche, Earnest Byner, John David Crow, Verne Lewellen, Jack Manders, Mercury Morris, Don Perkins, Billy Sims, Herschel Walker, and Byron “Whizzer” White.

Wide Receivers/Tight Ends (9):

Mark Clayton: MIA 1983-92 & GNB 1993.  Clayton was Dan Marino’s best weapon and had two years where he led the NFL in Touchdown Receptions.  He had 84 TDs and 8,974 Yards.  Ranked #269 on notinhalloffame.com.

Isaac Curtis: CIN 1973-84. Curtis was a Pro Bowl Selection in his first four years and a three-time Second-Team All-Pro.  He had 7,101 Receiving Yards and 53 Touchdowns.

Lavvie Dilweg: MIL 1926 & GNB 1927-34.  Dilwag was a three-time NFL Champion with Green Bay and was chosen for the 1920s All-Decade Team.  Ranked #6 on notinhalloffame.com.

Henry Ellard: RAM 1983-93, WAS 1994-98 & NEW 1998.  Ellard compiled 13,777 Yards and 65 Touchdowns in a career where he once led the NFL in Receiving Yards.  He is also a three-time Pro Bowl and one-time First Team All-Pro.  Ranked #64 on notinhalloffame.com.

Harold Jackson: RAM 1968 & 1973-77, PHI 1969-72, BEW 1978-81, MIN 1982 & SEA 1983.  A five-time Pro Bowler, Jackson won two Receiving Yards Titles and compiled 10,372 Yards and 76 Touchdowns.  Ranked #49 on notinhalloffame.com.

Billy “White Shoes” Johnson:  HOU 1974-80, ATL 1982-87 & WAS 1988.  One of the most prolific Returners in football history, Johnson had 10,795 All-Purpose Yards and was a three-time Pro Bowl Selection. Ranked #114 on notinhalloffame.com.

Stanley Morgan: NWE 1977-89 & IND 1990.  A four-time Pro Bowl Selection, Stanley Morgan compiled 72 Touchdowns with 10,716 Receiving Yards.  He was also a three-time leader in Yards per Reception.    Ranked #266 on notinhalloffame.com.

Art Powell: PHI 1959, NYT 1960-62, OAK 1963-66, BUF 1967 & MIN 1968.  Powell, who was a Finalist last year, was a two-time Receiving Yards leader in the AFL.  A four-time AFL-All-Star and two-time First Team All-Pro, Powell had 8,046 Yards and 81 Touchdowns.  Ranked #165 on notinhalloffame.com.

Otis Taylor: KAN 1965-75. Taylor won two AFL Championships and a Super Bowl with Kansas City, who had 60 TDs and 7,467 Yards From Scrimmage.  He was also a two-time First Team All-Pro.  Ranked #32 on notinhalloffame.com.

The twenty-one Wide Receivers/Tight Ends who were cut were Fred Arbanas, Todd Christensen, Gary Collins, Caroll Dale, Boyd Dowler, Mark Duper, Jimmy Giles, Charley Hennigan, Billy Howton, Keith Jackson, Brent Jones, Homer Jones, Steve Jordan, Eric Martin, Jay Novacek, Del Shofner, John Taylor, Lionel Taylor, Rick Upchurch, Bobby Walston, and Billy Wilson.

Offensive Lineman (11):

Jay Hilgenberg: CHI 1981-91, CLE 1992 & NOR 1993.  Hilgenberg was the Center for the Super Bowl Shuffle-winning team, and the two-time First Team All-Pro also had a seven-year run of Pro Bowls from 1985 to 1991.  Ranked #67 on notinhalloffame.com.

Chris Hinton: BAL 1984, IND 1984-89, ATL 1990-1993 & MIN 1994-95. Hinton went to six Pro Bowls, five of which were as a Colt.  Ranked #166 on notinhalloffame.com.

Joe Jacoby: WAS 1981-93.  A famed member of the Hogs, Jacoby was part of all three of Washington’s Super Bowl wins and was a four-time Pro Bowl and two-time First Team All-Pro.  Ranked #33 on notinhalloffame.com.

Mike Kenn: ATL 1978-94.  Kenn is one of the finest offensive linemen in Falcons history, and the Left Tackle would earn five Pro Bowls and two First Team All-Pros. Ranked #61 on notinhalloffame.com.

Bob Kuechenberg: MIA 1970-83.  The versatile Lineman was a significant component in Miami’s back-to-back Super Bowl Championships in the early 70s, and he was also named to six Pro Bowls and one First Team All-Pro.  Ranked #30 on notinhalloffame.com. 

Marvin Powell: NYJ 1977-85 & TAM 1986-87.  Powell went to five straight Pro Bowls (1979-83) with a First Team All-Pro Selection in three of them.  Ranked #213 on notinhalloffame.com.

Dick Schafrath: CLE 1959-71.  A Cleveland Brown for the entirety of his career, Schafrath was a six-time Pro Bowl and three-time First Team All-Pro at Left Tackle.  He is also a former NFL Champion.  Ranked #27 on notinhalloffame.com.

*Jerry Sisemore: PHI 1973-84.  Sisemore went to two Pro Bowls and helped the Philadelphia Eagles reach their first Super Bowl.

Walt Sweeney: SDG 1963-73 & WAS 1974-75.  Sweeney won an AFL Championship with San Diego, and the Guard was chosen for nine consecutive AFL All-Stars/NFL Pro Bowls (1963-72).  He was also a two-time First Team All-Pro.  Ranked #55 on notinhalloffame.com.

Jim Tyrer: DTX 1961-62, KAN 1963-73 & WAS 1974.  A three-time AFL Champion with the Texans/Chiefs, the Left Tackle was a six-time First Team All-Pro and nine-time AFL All-Star/Pro Bowl Selection.  Ranked #13 on notinhalloffame.com.

Al Wistert: PHI 1943-51.  Wistert was an All-Decade player of the 1940s who propelled Philadelphia to two NFL Championships.  He was also a four-time First Team All-Pro.  Ranked #31 on notinhalloffame.com.

The twenty-four Offensive Linemen who were cut were Hunk Anderson, Bruce Armstrong, Stew Barber, Dick Barwegan, Ed Budde, Ox Emerson, Gale Gillingham, Buckets Goldenberg, Dennis Harrah, George Kunz, Riley Matheson, Max Montoya, Jon Morris, Ralph Nelly, John Niland, Bart Oates, Duane Putnam, Doug Smith, Bob Talamini, Fuzzy Thurston, Bob Vogel, Ed White, and Ray Wietcha.

Defensive Linemen (4):

L.C. Greenwood:  PIT 1969-81.  Greenwood was a vital member of the Steelers' 1970s dynasty that won four Super Bowls.  A six-time Prowl and two-time First Team All-Pro, Greenwood accumulated 78 Sacks.  Ranked #5 on notinhalloffame.com.

Ed “Too Tall” Jones:  DAL 1974-78 & 1980-89.  Jones had 106 Sacks over his career that netted him three Pro Bowls, a First Team All-Pro, and a Super Bowl ring.  Ranked #283 on notinhalloffame.com.

Jim Marshall: CLE 1960 & MIN 1961-78.  The ironman of his day, Marshall brought the Vikings to four Super Bowl appearances and was a two-time Pro Bowl Selection along the way.  He had 130.5 lifetime Sacks.  Ranked #37 on notinhalloffame.com.

Harvey Martin: DAL 1973-83.  Martin won the AP Defensive Player of the Year in 1977 and was a four-time Pro Bowl Selection who won a Super Bowl with the Cowboys.  He had 114 career Sacks.  Ranked #119 on notinhalloffame.com.

The eleven Defensive Linemen who were cut were Houston Antwine, Gene Brito, Roger Brown, Earl Faison, Mark Gastineau, Leonard Marshall, Jerry Mays, Tom Sestak, Fred Smerlas, Neil Smith, and Bill Stanfill.

Linebackers (8):

Carl Banks: NYG 1984-92, WAS 1993 & CLE 1994-95.  A two-time Super Bowl Champion with the Giants, Banks was a one-time All-Pro with 860 career Tackles. Ranked #234 in notinhalloffame.com.

Maxie Baughan: PHI 1960-65, RAM 1966-70 & WAS 1974.  Baughan was an NFL Champion with Philadelphia and was a nine-time Pro Bowl Selection.  He was also a one-time First Team All-Pro and five-time Second Team All-Pro.  Ranked #14 on notinhalloffame.com.

Mike Curtis: BAL 1965-75, SEA 1976 & WAS 1977-78.  Curtis helped Baltimore win Super Bowl V and, individually, was a one-time First Team All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowl recipient.  Ranked #183 on notinhalloffame.com.

Larry Grantham:  NYT 1960-62 & NYJ 1963-72.  Grantham was a five-time AFL All-Star and three-time First Team All-Pro, who was part of the historical Jets team that won Super Bowl III.  Ranked #60 on notinhalloffame.com.

Lee Roy Jordan: DAL 1963-76.  Playing his entire career with the Cowboys, Jordan patrolled the interior and was a five-time Pro Bowler in the process.  He also won a Super Bowl with Big D.  Ranked #35 on notinhalloffame.com.

Clay Matthews Jr.: CLE 1978-93 & ATL 1994-96.  Matthews Jr. was a three-time leader in Combined Tackles with 1,595 overall.  A four-time Pro Bowl Selection, Matthews Jr. also had 82.5 Sacks and 16 Interceptions.  Ranked #100 on notinhalloffame.com.

Matt Millen: OAK 1980-81, RAI 1982-88, SFO 1989-90 & WAS 1991.  The one-time Pro Bowler won four Super Bowls over his career.

Tommy Nobis: ATL 1966-78.  Nobis was the Rookie of the Year and a five-time Pro Bowl Selection.  Ranked #36 on notinhalloffame.com.

The thirteen Linebackers who were cut were Bill Bergey, Matt Blair, Joe Fortunato, Tim Harris, E.J. Holub, Vaughn Johnson, Seth Joyner, Greg Lloyd, Wilber Marshall, Rod Martin, Bud McFadin, Karl Mecklenberg, Isiah Robertson, Pat Swilling, Darryl Talley, and Keena Turner.

Defensive Backs (8):

Dick Anderson:  MIA 1968-77.  Anderson was the 1968 Defensive Rookie of the Year, the 1973 Defensive Player of the Year, and won two Super Bowls.  A two-time First Team All-Pro and three-time Pro Bowl Selection, Anderson had 24 Interceptions.  Ranked #93 on notinhalloffame.com.

Bobby Boyd:  BAL 1960-68.  Boyd won an NFL Championship with the Colts and was a three-time First Team All-Pro.  He led the league in Interceptions in 1965, with a total of 57.  Ranked #39 on notinhalloffame.com.

Pat Fischer:  STL 1961-67 & WAS 1968-77.  Fischer recorded 56 Interceptions (29 with St. Louis & 27 with Washington) and was twice named to the Pro Bowl.  Ranked #132 on notinhalloffame.com.

Lester Hayes: OAK 1977-81 & RAI 1982-86.  A two-time Super Bowl Champion with the Raiders, Hayes was the consensus Defensive Player of the Year in 1980.  The Cornerback was a one-time First Team All-Pro, a five-time Pro Bowl Selection, and had 39 picks over his career.  Ranked #17 on notinhalloffame.com.

Albert Lewis:  KAN 1983-93, RAI 1994 & OAK 1995-98.  Lewis went to four straight Pro Bowls (1987-90), was a two-time First Team All-Pro, and compiled 42 Interceptions.  Ranked #104 on notinhalloffame.com.

Eddie Meador: RAM 1959-70.  Meador is one of the most prolific Defensive Backs in RMS history and was a six-time Pro Bowl and two-time First Team All-Pro.  He amassed a franchise record of 46 Interceptions.  Ranked #68 on notinhalloffame.com.

Lemar Parrish: CIN 1970-77, WAS 1978-81 & BUF 1982.  Parrish went to eight Pro Bowls with a First Team All-Pro while recording 47 Interceptions.  Ranked #16 on notinhalloffame.com.

Everson Walls: DAL 1981-89, NYG 1990-92 & CLE 1992-93.  Walls had 57 Interceptions and was a four-time Pro Bowl Selection with a Super Bowl ring with the Giants.  Ranked #87 on notinhalloffame.com.

The nineteen Defensive Backs who were cut were Dave Brown, Joey Browner, Butch Byrd, Thom Darden, Don Doll, Goose Gonsoulin, Dave Grayson, Cornell Green, Merton Hanks, Warren Lahr, Tim McDonald, Jimmy Patton, Eugene Robinson, George Saimes, Jake Scott, Dennis Smith, Jack Tatum, Charlie Waters, Abe Woodson, and Louis Wright.

Punters/Kickers (0)

All three Kickers were cut.  Those players were Jim Bakken, Jim Breech, and Nick Lowery.

Special Teams (1)

Steve Tasker: HOU 1985-86 & BUF 1986-97.  Tasker went to four Super Bowls with Buffalo and was a seven-time Pro Bowl Selection.  Ranked #144 on notinhalloffame.com.

Only Mel Gray was cut.

This group will be cut to 25 next month.

For the second year in a row, the Pro Football Hall of Fame has announced the preliminary names for the Senior Ballot.  Last year, there were 182 Preliminary nominees, which has been dropped to 162 this year.

This group will be pared down to 50 names in the upcoming weeks.

The 162 nominees are:

*Denotes that he was not a preliminary candidate last year.

Quarterbacks (9):

Ken Anderson: CIN 1971-86.  Anderson was the consensus MVP in 1981 and the four-time Pro Bowl would pass for 32,838 Yards and 197 Touchdowns.  He was also the 1975 Walter Payton Man of the Year and historically brought the Cincinnati Bengals to their first Super Bowl.  Ranked #8 on notinhalloffame.com. 

Charlie Conerly: NYG 1948-61. Conerly was a 1956 New York Giants NFL Championship Team member, was a two-time Pro Bowl Selection, and accumulated 19,488 Yards and 173 TDs.  Ranked #50 on notinhalloffame.com.

Roman Gabriel: LAR 1962-72 & PHI 1973-77.  Gabriel was the league MVP in 1969, earning four Pro Bowls and a First Team All-Pro, and he threw for 29,444 Yards and 201 TDs.  Ranked #35 on notinhalloffame.com.

*John Hadl:  SDG 1962-72, LAR 1973-74, GNB 1974-75 & HOU 1976-77.  Hadl was a top gunslinger of the late 1960s and early 1970s, who was the runner-up for the 1972 MVP.  He went to the Pr Bowl six times, led the NFL in Passing Yards three times, and compiled 33,503 Yards with 268 Touchdowns.  Ranked #105 on notinhalloffame.com.

Jack Kemp:  PIT 1957, LAC/SD 1960-62 & BUF 1962-69.  A seven-time AFL All-Star, Kemp led the Bills to two AFL Championships, where he was the MVP in both games.  He is also a former AFL MVP.  Ranked #118 on notinhalloffame.com.

Don Meredith:  DAL 1960-1968. “Dandy Don” went to three Pro Bowls and won the 1966 Bert Bell Award.  He threw for 135 Touchdowns and 17,199 Yards.

*Earl Morrall: SFO 1956, PIT 1957-58, DET 1958-64, NYG 1965-67, BAL 1968-71 & IA 1972-76.  Morrall played 21 seasons in the NFL, where he proved his value in his second half as a veteran presence.  The surprise MVP of 1968 when he took over for the injured Johnny Unitas, Morrall brought the Colts to the Super Bowl, where they fell to the upstart New York Jets.  He was the MVP runner-up in 1972 as a Dolphin, where he was lost to injury during the season, leaving Bob Griese to take the Fins to an undefeated Super Bowl year.  He had 20,809 Yards with 161 Touchdowns.

Jim Plunkett: NWE 1971-75, SFO 1976-77, OAK 1979-81 & RAI 1982-86.  Plunkett won two Super Bowls with the Raiders, where he was the MVP in Super Bowl XV.  He compiled 164 Touchdown Passes and 25,882 Passing Yards.  Ranked #250 on notinhalloffame.com.

Doug Williams:  TB 1978-82 & WAS 1986-89.  Williams made history as the first African-American Quarterback to win a Super Bowl when he led Washington to victory while winning the Super Bowl MVP in the process.  He overall threw for 16,988 Yards and 100 Touchdowns.

The Quarterbacks who did not return from last year are Boomer Esiason, James “Shack” Harris, Bobby Hebert, Jeff Hostetler, Ron Jaworski, Daryle Lamonica, Phil Simms, and Joe Theismann.  John Hadl and Earl Morrall were added.

Running Backs (16):

Alan Ameche: BAL 1955-60.  Ameche was the UPI Rookie of the Year and the league’s leading rusher that year.  A two-time NFL Champion, Ameche was a four-time Pro Bowl and one-time First Team All-Pro who compiled 4,045 Rushing Yards and 44 Touchdowns from Scrimmage. Ranked #71 on notinhalloffame.com.

Ottis Anderson: STL 1979-86 & NYG 1986-92.  Anderson had a monster rookie campaign for St. Louis and would later win two Super Bowls with New York, where he was named a Super Bowl MVP.  He had 10,273 Rushing Yards, 3,063 Receiving Yards, and 86 Touchdowns from Scrimmage.  Ranked #69 on notinhalloffame.com.

Larry Brown: WAS 1969-76.  Brown won the 1972 AP MVP and Offensive Player of the Year and was also a four-time Pro Bowl and two-time First Team All-Pro Running Back.  He had 8,360 Yards from Scrimmage with 55 TDs.  Ranked #109 on notinhalloffame.com.

Earnest Byner:  CLE 1984-88 & 1994-95, WAS 1990-93 & BAL 1996-97.  Byner won two Super Bowls and amassed 12,866 Yards from Scrimmage and 71 Touchdowns.  He was also a two-time Pro Bowl and one-time First Team All-Pro.

Roger Craig:  SFO 1983-90, RAI 1991 & MIN 1992-93.  The first player to accumulate 1,000 Yards Rushing and Receiving, Craig won three Super Bowls, was the Offensive Player of the Year, earned four Pro Bowls, and was a First Team All-Pro.  From Scrimmage, he had 73 Touchdowns and 13,100 Yards,  Ranked #15 on notinhalloffame.com.

John David Crow: CRD 1968-59, STL 1960-64 & SFO 1965-68.  Crow had 71 TDs and 8,692 Yards from Scrimmage.  He was also a four-time Pro Bowl Selection and one-time leader in YFS.  Ranked #167 on notinhalloffame.com.

Chuck Foreman:  MIN 1973-79 & NWE 1980.  Foreman went to the Pro Bowl in his first five seasons, and the 1973 Offensive Rookie of the Year was a two-time YFS TD leader.  He compiled 9,106 Yards from Scrimmage.  Ranked #79 on notinhalloffame.com. 

Cecil Isbell: GNB 1938-42.  Isbell only played five seasons but was a four-time Pro Bowl, two-time Touchdown leader, and two-time leader in Passing Yards.  He also helped Green Bay win the NFL Championship in 1939 and was named to the 1930s All-Decade Team.  Ranked #72 on notinhalloffame.com. 

Verne Lewellen: GNB 1924-32 & NYY 1927.  Lewellen was a First Team All-Pro four times and helped lead Green Bay to three NFL Championships.  Ranked #22 on Notinhalloffame.com.

*Jack Manders: CHI 1933-40.  Manders helped the Chicago Bears win two NFL Championships, and he was also a two-time First Team All-Pro.  

*Mercury Morris: MIA 1969-75 & SDG 1976.  Morris was a popular member of Miami’s undefeated Super Bowl Championship Team, who was also a three-time Pro Bowl Selection.  

*Don Perkins:  DAL 1961-68.  A Dallas Cowboy for his entire career, Perkins was a Pro Bowl Selection in six of his eight years, proving himself as one of Dallas’s top offensive stars in their first decade.  Ranked #201 on notinhalloffame.com.

*Billy Sims:  DET 1980-84.  For a brief time in the early 1980s, Billy Sims was the toast of the early 1980s, with his flashy style and personality.  He was the Offensive Rookie of the Year in 1980, but only played five years. 

Herschel Walker: DAL 1986-89 & 1996-97, MIN 1989-1991, PHI 1992-94 & NYG 1985.  Walker began his career in the USFL, where he was hands down their best player.  He later had two Pro Bowls in the NFL and led the league in YFS once.  Ranked #99 on notinhalloffame.com.

Byron “Whizzer” White: PIT 1938 & DET 1940-41.  White only played three years in the NFL and was the Rushing Leader in two.  He is also a two-time First Team All-Pro.  Ranked #171 on notinhalloffame.com.

Paul “Tank” Younger: RAM 1949-57 & PIT 58.  Younger won an NFL Championship with the Los Angeles Rams and was a four-time Pro Bowl and one-time First Team All-Pro.  Younger rushed for 3,640 Yards and 34 Touchdowns and was also a potent Linebacker.  Ranked #196 on notinhalloffame.com.

The Running Backs who did not return from last year are Jon Arnett, Timmy Brown, Clem Daniels, Hewritt Dixon, Willie Gallimore, Pat Harder, Marv Hubbard, Daryl Johnston, Christian Okoye, Bill Osmanski, Glenn Presnell, Mark van Eaghen, and Sammy Winder.    Added were Jack Manders, Mercury Morris, and Don Perkins.

Ends/Wide Receivers/Tight Ends (30):

*Fred Arbanas: DTX/KAN 1962-70.  In his first six seasons, Arbanas was a five-time All-AFL Star and five-time All-AFL All-Pro.  Arbanas helped Kansas City win three Titles and was easily one of the AFL’s best receivers in the early 1960s.  Ranked #301 on notinhalloffame.com.

Todd Christensen: NYG 1979-80 & OAK/RAI 1980-88.  The quintessential Tight End of the 1980s, Todd Christensen, won two Super Bowls with the Raiders.  He had 41 Touchdowns and 5,872 Yards.  Ranked #63 on notinhalloffame.com. 

Mark Clayton: MIA 1983-92 & GNB 1993.  Clayton was Dan Marino’s best weapon and had two years where he led the NFL in Touchdown Receptions.  He had 84 TDs and 8,974 Yards.  Ranked #269 on notinhalloffame.com.

Gary Collins: CLE 1962-71.  Collins had a dual role as a Wide Receiver and Punter and accrued 70 Touchdowns from the air,  Ranked #147 on notinhalloffame.com.

Isaac Curtis: CIN 1973-84. Curtis was a Pro Bowl Selection in his first four years and a three-time Second-Team All-Pro.  He had 7,101 Receiving Yards and 53 Touchdowns.

Carroll Dale: RAM 1960-64, GNB 1965-72 & MIN 1973.  A two-time Super Bowl and three-time NFL Champion with Green Bay, Dale had an impressive 8,277 Yards with 52 Touchdowns.

Lavvie Dilweg: MIL 1926 & GNB 1927-34.  Dilwag was a three-time NFL Champion with Green Bay and was chosen for the 1920s All-Decade Team.  Ranked #6 on notinhalloffame.com.

Boyd Dowler: GNB 1959-69 & WAS 1971.  Five-time NFL Champion and two-time Super Bowl winner, Boyd Dowler was also a two-time Pro Bowl recipient who had 7,270 Yards and 40 TDs.  Ranked #168 on notinhalloffame.com.

Mark Duper: MIA 1982-92.  A key weapon for Dan Marino and the Miami Dolphins, Duper went to three Pro Bowls and amassed 59 Touchdowns and 8,869 Yards.

Henry Ellard: RAM 1983-93, WAS 1994-98 & NEW 1998.  Ellard compiled 13,777 Yards and 65 Touchdowns in a career where he once led the NFL in Receiving Yards.  He is also a three-time Pro Bowl and one-time First Team All-Pro.  Ranked #64 on notinhalloffame.com.

Jimmie Giles: HOU 1977, TAM 1978-86, DET 1986-87, PHI 1987-89.  A four-time Pro Bowl Tight End as a Tampa Bay Buccaneer, Giles had 5,084 Yards with 41 Touchdowns over his career.

*Charley Hennigan: HOU 1960-67.  A two-time AFL Champion with the Houston Oilers, Hennigan was an AFL All-Star in five of his eight seasons.  He was also a three-time First Team All-Pro, and he was a two-time league-leader in Receiving Yards and Yards From Scrimmage.  Hennigan had 51 TDs and 6,823 Yards.

Billie Howton: GNB 1952-58, CLE 1959 & DAL 1960-62.  Howton was a four-time Pro Bowl at End who twice led the NFL in Receiving Yards.  He was also a two-time First Team All-Pro who amassed 8,459 Yards with 61 Touchdowns.  Ranked #52 on notinhalloffame.com.

Harold Jackson: RAM 1968 & 1973-77, PHI 1969-72, BEW 1978-81, MIN 1982 & SEA 1983.  A five-time Pro Bowler, Jackson won two Receiving Yards Titles and compiled 10,372 Yards and 76 Touchdowns.  Ranked #49 on notinhalloffame.com.

Keith Jackson: PHI 1988-91, MIA 1992-94 & GNB 1995-96.  Jackson was a five-time Pro Bowl Selection who was a First Team All-Pro Tight End in his first three seasons.  A Super Bowl winner in his final season in Green Bay, Jackson had 49 Touchdowns with 5,283 Yards.  Ranked #90 on notinhalloffame.com.

Billy “White Shoes” Johnson:  HOU 1974-80, ATL 1982-87 & WAS 1988.  One of the most prolific Returners in football history, Johnson had 10,795 All-Purpose Yards and was a three-time Pro Bowl Selection. Ranked #114 on notinhalloffame.com.

Brent Jones: SFO 1987-97.  A four-time Pro Bowl at Tight End, Jones won three Super Bowls with the 49ers while catching 33 Touchdowns and 5,195 Yards.

Homer Jones: NYG 1964-69 & CLE 1970.  Jones was twice named to the Pro Bowl, and over his career, he accrued 4,986 Yards and 36 Touchdowns.  In 1967, he led the NFL in Touchdowns from Scrimmage (14).

*Steve Jordan: MIN 1982-94.  Jordan went to six consecutive Pro Bowls, and the Tight End had 6,307 Yards with 28 TDs.

*Eric Martin: NO 1985-93 & KAN 1994.  Martin was a Pro Bowl Selection once and had 49 TDs with 8,161 Yards.

Stanley Morgan: NWE 1977-89 & IND 1990.  A four-time Pro Bowl Selection, Stanley Morgan compiled 72 Touchdowns with 10,716 Receiving Yards.  He was also a three-time leader in Yards per Reception.    Ranked #278 on notinhalloffame.com.

Jay Novacek: STL/PHO 1985-89 & DAL 1990-95.  Novacek was a Pro Bowler in his final five seasons (all with Dallas), where he helped them capture three Super Bowls.  The Tight End had 4,630 Yards with 30 Touchdowns.  Ranked #133 on notinhalloffame.com.

Art Powell: PHI 1959, NYT 1960-62, OAK 1963-66, BUF 1967 & MIN 1968.  Powell, who was a Finalist last year, was a two-time Receiving Yards leader in the AFL.  A four-time AFL-All-Star and two-time First Team All-Pro, Powell had 8,046 Yards and 81 Touchdowns.  Ranked #165 on notinhalloffame.com.

Del Shofner: RAM 1957-60 & NYG 1961-67.  Shofner went to five Pro Bowls and was selected to the First Team All-Pro in all of them.  He accumulated 6,470 Yards and 51 Touchdowns over his career.  Ranked #12 on notinhalloffame.com.

John Taylor: SFO 1987-95.  Taylor played his entire career with San Francisco, where he won three Super Bowls.  He accumulated 5,598 Receiving Yards, 43 Touchdowns, and two Pro Bowls.

Lionel Taylor: CHI 1959, DEN 1960-66 & HOU 1967-68.  Taylor blossomed in Denver, where he was a five-time AFL leader in Receptions and a three-time First Team All-Star and three-time AFL All-Star.  He compiled 45 Touchdowns and 7,195 Yards.  Ranked #148 on notinhalloffame.com.

Otis Taylor: KAN 1965-75. Taylor won two AFL Championships and a Super Bowl with Kansas City who had 60 TDs and 7,467 Yards From Scrimmage.  He was also a two-time First Team All-Pro.  Ranked #32 on notinhalloffame.com.

Rick Upchurch: DEN 1975-83.  Upchurch amassed 4,369 Receiving Yards with 24 TD, but the three-time First Team All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowl player had more production in returns with 5,363 Yards and 8 TDs.  Ranked #226 on notinhalloffame.com. 

Bobby Walston: PHI 1951-62.  Walston won an NFL Championship with the Eagles and compiled 5,363 Yards with 46 TDs from the air.

Billy Wilson: SFO 1951-60.  Wilson played his entire career with the 49ers where he was named to six consecutive Pro Bowls (1954-59).  He was also a one-time First-Team All-Pro, a three-time leader in receptions, and compiled 49 Touchdowns and 5,902 Receiving Yards.  Ranked #176 on notinhalloffame.com.

The Ends/Wide Receivers/Tight Ends who did not return from last year are Mark Bavaro,  Gino Cappalletti, Raymond Chester, Ken Kavanaugh, Mike Quick, Bob Scarpitto, Sterling Sharpe (Inducted), and Pat Studstill.  Added were Fred Arbanas, Charley Hennigan, Steve Jordan, Eric Martin, and Jay Novacek.

Offensive Lineman (35):

*Hunk Anderson:  CHI 1922-25 & CLI 1923.  Anderson only played four years but was named retroactively to the 1920s All-Decade Team.

*Bruce Armstrong: NWE 1987-2000.  Armstrong started all of his 212 Games for New England and went to six Pro Bowls.  Ranked #212 on notinhalloffame.com.

*Stew Barber: BUF 1961-69.  Barber helped Buffalo win two AFL Championships, was a two-time First Team All-Pro, and a five-time AFL All-Star.

Dick Barwegan: NYY 1947, BCL 1948-49, CHI 1950-52 & BAL 1953-54.  Barwegen was named to the 1950s All-Decade Team and was a four-time First Team All-Pro and Pro Bowl Selection.  Ranked #174 on notinhalloffame.com.

Ed Budde: KAN 1963-76.  Budde was a seven-time AFL All-Star/Pro Bowl who helped the Kansas City Chiefs win two AFL Championships and a Super Bowl.  Ranked #56 on notinhalloffame.com.

Ox Emerson:  PRT 1931-33, DET 1933-37 & BKN 1938.  Emerson was selected for the 1930s All-Decade Team and five First Team All-Pros.  He also helped the Detroit Lions to an NFL Championship.  Ranked #28 on notinhalloffame.com.

Gale Gillingham: GNB 1996-74 & 1976.  Gillingham was a Guard on Green Bay’s first two Super Bowl-winning teams, and he was also a five-time Pro Bowl with three First-Team All-Pros.  Ranked #122 on notinhalloffame.com.

Charles “Buckets” Goldenberg: GNB 1933-45.  Goldenberg was a three-time NFL Champion with Green Bay and is a member of the 1930s All-Decade Team and Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame.  Ranked #241 on notinhalloffame.com.

*Dennis Harrah: RAM 1975-87.  A Los Angeles Ram for his entire career, Harrah had a pair of three-year streaks as a Pro Bowl Selection.  Ranked #242 on notinhalloffame.com.

Jay Hilgenberg: CHI 1981-91, CLE 1992 & NOR 1993.  Hilgenberg was the Center for the Super Bowl Shuffle-winning team, and the two-time First Team All-Pro also had a seven-year run of Pro Bowls from 11985 to 1991.  Ranked #67 on notinhalloffame.com.

Chris Hinton: BAL 1984, IND 1984-89, ATL 1990-1993 & MIN 1994-95. Hinton went to six Pro Bowls, five of which were as a Colt.  Ranked #166 on notinhalloffame.com.

Joe Jacoby: WAS 1981-93.  A famed member of the Hogs, Jacoby was part of all three of Washington’s Super Bowl wins and was a four-time Pro Bowl and two-time First Team All-Pro.  Ranked #33 on notinhalloffame.com.

Mike Kenn: ATL 1978-94.  Kenn is one of the finest offensive linemen in Falcons history, and the Left Tackle would earn five Pro Bowls and two First Team All-Pros. Ranked #61 on notinhalloffame.com.

Bob Kuechenberg: MIA 1970-83.  The versatile Lineman was a significant component in Miami’s back-to-back Super Bowl Championships in the early 70s, and he was also named to six Pro Bowls and one First Team All-Pro.  Ranked #30 on notinhalloffame.com. 

George Kunz: ATL 1869-74 & BAL 1975-78 & 80.  Kunz was a seven-time Pro Bowl Tackle and would add a First Team All-Pro in his first year as a Colt.  Ranked #103 on notinhalloffame.com.

*Riley Matheson: RAM 1939-42 & 1944-47, DET 1943 & SFO 1948 .  An NFL Champion with the Rams in 1945, Matheson was a five-time First Team All-Pro.  Ranked #152 on notinhalloffame.com.

*Max Montoya: CIN 1979-87 & RAI 1990-94.  Montoya was a four-time Pro Bowl Selection.

*Jon Morris: BOS/NWE 1964-74, DET 1975-77 & CHI 1978.  Morris was an AFL All-Star/Pro Bowl Selection in his first seven seasons, and the Center was a First Team All-Pro once.  Ranked #261 on notinhalloffame.com.

Ralph Neely: DAL 1965-77.  Neely won two Super Bowls with Dallas and was a three-time First Team All-Pro at Right Tackle.  Ranked #218 on notinhalloffame.com.  

John Niland: DAL 1966-74 & PHI 1975.  Niland went to the Pro Bowl in six straight seasons (1968-73) and was chosen for three First Team All-Pros.  The Guard also won a Super Bowl with Dallas.  Ranked #213 on notinhalloffame.com.

Bart Oates: NYG 1985-95.  A five-time Pro Bowl at Center, Oates anchored the New York Giants to three Super Bowls.  Ranked #293 on notinhalloffame.com.

Marvin Powell: NYJ 1977-85 & TAM 1986-87.  Powell went to five straight Pro Bowls (1979-83) with a First Team All-Pro Selection in three of them.  Ranked #213 on notinhalloffame.com.

Duane Putnam: RAM 1952-59 & 1962, DAL 1960 & CLE 1961.  Like Powell above, Putnam went to five straight Pro Bowls (1954-58) with a First Team All-Pro Selection in three of them.  Ranked #229 on notinhalloffame.com.

Dick Schafrath: CLE 1959-71.  A Cleveland Brown for the entirety of his career, Schafrath was a six-time Pro Bowl and three-time First Team All-Pro at Left Tackle.  He is also a former NFL Champion.  Ranked #27 on notinhalloffame.com.

*Jerry Sisemore: PHI 1973-84.  Sisemore went to two Pro Bowls and helped the Philadelphia Eagles reach their first Super Bowl.

*Doug Smith: RAM 1978-91.  Smith had a six-year streak of Pro Bowl Selections at Center (1984-89).

Walt Sweeney: SDG 1963-73 & WAS 1974-75.  Sweeney won an AFL Championship with San Diego, and the Guard was chosen for nine consecutive AFL All-Stars/NFL Pro Bowls (1963-72).  He was also a two-time First Team All-Pro.  Ranked #55 on notinhalloffame.com.

*Bob Talamini: HOU 1960-67 & NYJ 1968.  Talamini was chosen for six straight AFL All-Stars (1962-67) and helped the Oilers win three AFL Championships.  The three-time First Team All-Pro played his final season with the New York Jets, where he aided the Jets in their first Super Bowl win.  Ranked #324 on notinhalloffame.com.

Fuzzy Thurston: BAL 1958 & GNB 1959-67.  The highly decorated Guard won six NFL Championships (one with Baltimore and five with Green Bay) and was a member of the Packers’ first two Super Bowl teams.  He is also a one-time First Team All-Pro.  Ranked #264 on notinhalloffame.com.

Jim Tyrer: DTX 1961-62, KAN 1963-73 & WAS 1974.  A three-time AFL Champion with the Texans/Chiefs, the Left Tackle was a six-time First Team All-Pro and nine-time AFL All-Star/Pro Bowl Selection.  Ranked #13 on notinhalloffame.com.

*Bob Vogel: BAL 1963-72.  Vogel helped the Colts win their first Super Bowl, and he was also a five-time Pro Bowl Selection.

Ed White: MIN 1969-77 & SDG 1978-85.  White had a long career split between the Vikings and Chargers, and the Guard went to four Pro Bowls.

*Ray Wietcha: NYG 1953-62.  The four-time Pro Bowl Center helped the Giants win the 1956 Championship.  Ranked #291 on notinhalloffame.com.

Al Wistert: PHI 1943-51.  Wistert was an All-Decade player of the 1940s who propelled Philadelphia to two NFL Championships.  He was also a four-time First Team All-Pro.  Ranked #31 on notinhalloffame.com.

The Offensive Linemen who did not return from last year are Harris Barton, Randy Cross, Ray Donaldson, Bill Fralic, Kevin Glover, Wayne Hawkins, Don Mosebar, Nate Newton, and Luis Sharpe.  Added were Hunk Anderson, Bruce Armstrong, Stew Barber, Dennis Harrah, Riley Matheson, Max Montoya, Jon Morris, Bart Oates, Marvin Powell, Duane Putnam, Bob Talamini, Bob Vogel, and Ray Wietcha.

Defensive Linemen (15):

*Houston Antwine: BOS/NWE 1961-71 & PHI 1972.  Antwine was named to six consecutive AFL All-Stars (1963-68).  A one-time First Team All-Pro, Antwine recorded 38 unofficial Sacks.  Ranked #216 on notinhalloffame.com.

*Gene Brito: WAS 1951-53 & 1955-60.  Brito played his entire career with the Washington Redskins and was a five-time Pro Bowl and three-time First Team All-Pro Selection.  Ranked #158 on notinhalloffame.com.

Roger Brown: DET 1960-66 & RAM 1967-69.  Brown went to six consecutive Pro Bowls (1962-67) and was twice named a First Team All-Pro.   Ranked #164 on notinhalloffame.com. 

Earl Faison: SDG 1961-66 & MIA 1966.  In Faison’s first five seasons, he was chosen to be an AFL All-Star and was a First Team All-Pro in four of them.  He had 31 unofficial Sacks in his career.  Ranked #238 on notinhalloffame.com.

Mark Gastineau:  NYJ 1979-88.  Named the UPI Defensive Player of the Year in 1984, Gastineau was a two-time Sack leader, a three-time First Team All-Pro, and a five-time Pro Bowler.  He had 107 career Sacks and four top ten AP Defensive Player of the Year finishes.  Ranked #56 on notinhalloffame.com.

L.C. Greenwood:  PIT 1969-81.  Greenwood was a vital member of the Steelers' 1970s dynasty that won four Super Bowls.  A six-time Prowl and two-time First Team All-Pro, Greenwood accumulated 78 Sacks.  Ranked #5 on notinhalloffame.com.

Ed “Too Tall” Jones:  DAL 1974-78 & 1980-89.  Jones had 106 Sacks over his career that netted him three Pro Bowls, a First Team All-Pro, and a Super Bowl ring.  Ranked #283 on notinhalloffame.com.

Jim Marshall: CLE 1960 & MIN 1961-78.  The ironman of his day, Marshall brought the Vikings to four Super Bowl appearances and was a two-time Pro Bowl Selection along the way.  He had 130.5 lifetime Sacks.  Ranked #37 on notinhalloffame.com.

Leonard Marshall: NYG 1983-92, NYJ 1993 & WAS 1994.  Marshall had 83.5 Sacks and 714 Tackles over his career and won two Super Bowls with the Giants.  He also went to two Pro Bowls.

Harvey Martin: DAL 1973-83.  Martin won the AP Defensive Player of the Year in 1977 and was a four-time Pro Bowl Selection who won a Super Bowl with the Cowboys.  He had 114 career Sacks.  Ranked #119 on notinhalloffame.com.

*Jerry Mays: DTX/KAN 1961-70.  Mays played his entire career with the Texans/Chiefs, where he was a seven-time AFL All-Star, a two-time First Team All-Pro, a three-time AFL Champion, and a one-time Super Bowl winner.  He had 65.5 career Sacks.  Ranked #54 on notinhalloffame.com.

Tom Sestak:  BUF 1962-68.  Buffalo’s Right Defensive Tackle for seven seasons, Sestak anchored the Bills to two AFL Championships while earning three consecutive First Team All-Pros (1963-65) and four AFL All-Stars (1962-65).  He was also the AFL’s leader in Sacks in 1964 (15.5) and had 52 overall.  Ranked #191 on notinhalloffame.com.

Fred Smerlas:  BUF 1979-89, SFO 1990 & NWE 1991-92.  The Nose Tackle was a five-time Pro Bowl and one-time First Team All-Pro during his time in Buffalo.  Ranked #232 on notinhalloffame.com.

*Neil Smith: KAN 1988-71, DEN 1997-99 & SDG 2000.  A two-time Super Bowl winner with Denver, Smith is best known for his time in Kansas City where he was a First Time All-Pro once, and earned five of his six Pro Bowls.  The Defensive end finished in the top five in Defensive Player of the Year twice and overall had 104.5 Sacks.  Ranked #40 on notinhalloffame.com.

Bill Stanfill:  MIA 1969-76.  Stanfill was Miami’s Right Defensive End for eight years, where he won two Super Bowls and was a five-time Pro Bowl and two-time First Team All-Pro.  He compiled 69.5 Sacks and was the league-leader in that stat in 1973.  Ranked #303 on notinhalloffame.com.

The Defensive Linemen who did not return from last year are Lyle Alzado, George Andrie, Al “Bubba” Baker, Ray Childress, Ben Davidson, Bill Glass, Rosey Grier, Rich Jackson, Sean Jones, Tom Keating, Gene “Big Daddy” Lipscomb, Leslie O’Neal, Michael Dean Perry, Lou Rymkus, Otis Sistrunk, Bubba Smith, and Greg Townsend.  Added were Houston Antwine, Gene Brito, Earl Faison, Jerry Mays, and Neil Smith

Linebackers (25):

Carl Banks: NYG 1984-92, WAS 1993 & CLE 1994-95.  A two-time Super Bowl Champion with the Giants, Banks was a one-time All-Pro with 860 career Tackles. Ranked #234 in notinhalloffame.com.

Maxie Baughan: PHI 1960-65, RAM 1966-70 & WAS 1974.  Baughan was an NFL Champion with Philadelphia and was a nine-time Pro Bowl Selection.  He was also a one-time First Team All-Pro and five-time Second Team All-Pro.  Ranked #14 on notinhalloffame.com.

Bill Bergey: CIN 1969-73 & PHI 1974-80.  Bergey was the 1969 Defensive Rookie of the Year and was the runner-up for the Defensive Player of the Year in 1974.  He was a two-time First Team All-Pro and a five-time Pro Bowl Selection.  Ranked #154 on notinhalloffame.com.

*Matt Blair: MIN 1974-84.  Blair went to six straight Pro Bowls (1977-82) and was a one-time First Team All-Pro in a career spent entirely in Minnesota.  He had 16 Interceptions, 20 Fumble Recoveries, and 23 Sacks.  Ranked #185 on notinhalloffame.com.

Mike Curtis: BAL 1965-75, SEA 1976 & WAS 1977-78.  Curtis helped Baltimore win Super Bowl V and, individually, was a one-time First Team All-Pro and four-time Pro Bowl recipient.  Ranked #183 on notinhalloffame.com.

Joe Fortunato:  CHI 1955-66.  Fortunato played his entire career with the Bears, where he won an NFL Championship and earned three consecutive First Team All-Pros (1963-65).  Ranked #94 on notinhalloffame.com.

Larry Grantham:  NYT 1960-62 & NYJ 1963-72.  Grantham was a five-time AFL All-Star and three-time First Team All-Pro, who was part of the historical Jets team that won Super Bowl III.  Ranked #60 on notinhalloffame.com.

Tim Harris:  GNB 1986-90, SFO 1991-92 & 1994-95 & PHI 1993.   Harris won a Super Bowl with San Francisco, and in 1989, as a Packer, he was second in Defensive Player of the Year voting.  He recorded 81 Sacks.

E.J. Holub (also OL): DTX/KAN 1961-70.  A five-time AFL All-Star, Holub was a two-time First Team All-Pro who helped Kansas City win three AFL Championships and a Super Bowl.  Ranked #315 on notinhalloffame.com.

Vaughn Johnson: NOR 1986-93 & PHI 1994.  Johnson went to four Pro Bowls and was third in Defensive Player of the Year voting in 1990.

Lee Roy Jordan: DAL 1963-76.  Playing his entire career with the Cowboys, Jordan patrolled the interior and was a five-time Pro Bowler in the process.  He also won a Super Bowl with Big D.  Ranked #35 on notinhalloffame.com.

Seth Joyner: PHI 1986-93, ARI 1994-96, GNB 1997 & DEN 98.  Joyner won a Super Bowl late in his career with Denver but was at his best with Philadelphia, where he had two of his three Pro Bowls and was the runner-up for the Defensive Player of the Year in 1991.  He had 1,123 Tackles and 52 Sacks.  Ranked #285 on notinhalloffame.com.

Greg Lloyd: PIT 1988-97 & CAR 1998.  Lloyd was a five-time Pro Bowl Selection who earned three straight First Team All-Pros (1993-95).  He finished in the top three in Defensive Player of the Year voting twice, was a two-time league-leader in Forced Fumbles, and had 54.5 Sacks.  Ranked #70 on notinhalloffame.com.

Wilber Marshall: CHI 1984-87, WAS 1988-92, HOU 1993, ARI 1994 & NYJ 1995.  Marshall won two Super Bowls (one with Chicago and one with Washington), and the three-time Pro Bowl Selection had 23 Interceptions, 45 Sacks, and 1,043 Tackles.  Ranked #116 on notinhalloffame.com.

Rod Martin: OAK 1977-81 & RAI 1983-88.  Martin played his entire career with the Raiders, winning two Super Bowls and earning two Pro Bowls.  He had 14 Interceptions and 56.5 Sacks.

Clay Matthews Jr.: CLE 1978-93 & ATL 1994-96.  Matthews Jr. was a three-time leader in Combined Tackles with 1,595 overall.  A four-time Pro Bowl Selection, Matthews Jr. also had 82.5 Sacks and 16 Interceptions.  Ranked #100 on notinhalloffame.com.

Bud McFadin: RAM 1952-56, DEN 1960-63 & HOU 1964-65.  McFadin was a two-time Pro Bowl recipient, a three-time AFL All-Star, and a three-time First Team All-Pro who is one of the few players who had success in both leagues.  Ranked #277 on notinhalloffame.com.

Karl Mecklenberg: DEN 1983-94.  Mecklenburg was a beast in the interior, compiling three First Team All-Pros, six Pro Bowls, 79 Sacks, and 1,118 Tackles.  Ranked #81 on notinhalloffame.com.

Matt Millen: OAK 1980-81, RAI 1982-88, SFO 1989-90 & WAS 1991.  The one-time Pro Bowler won four Super Bowls over his career.

Tommy Nobis: ATL 1966-78.  Nobis was the Rookie of the Year and a five-time Pro Bowl Selection.  Ranked #36 on notinhalloffame.com.

Isiah Robertson: RAM 1971-78 & BUF 1979-82.  The 1971 AP Defensive Rookie of the Year went to six Pro Bowls, was a two-time First Team All-Pro, and in 1973 was second in DPOY voting.  The multi-faceted Linebacker had 25 Interceptions and 24.5 Sacks.  Ranked #137 on notinhalloffame.com.

Pat Swilling: NOR 1986-92, DET 1993-94 & OAK 1995-96 & 1998.   Swilling was named the 1991 AP Defensive Player of the Year and the five-time Pro Bowl and two-time First Team All-Pro, accumulated 107.5 Sacks over his career.  Ranked #72 on notinhalloffame.com.

Darryl Talley: BUF 1983-94, ATL 1995 & MIN 1996.  Talley went to two Pro Bowls and was part of the Buffalo squad that went to four straight Super Bowls.  He compiled 1,252 Tackles and 38.5 Sacks.

Keena Turner: SFO 1980-90.  Turner went to one Pro Bowl and was a key part of four Super Bowl Championships in San Francisco.

The Linebackers who did not return from last year are Dan Connors, Tom Jackson, Jack “Hacksaw” Reynolds, Andy Russell, and Phil Villapiano.  Added were Matt Blair, Tim Harris, E.J. Holub, Bud McFadin, Isiah Robertson, and Keena Turner.

Defensive Backs (27):

Dick Anderson:  MIA 1968-77.  Anderson was the 1968 Defensive Rookie of the Year, the 1973 Defensive Player of the Year, and won two Super Bowls.  A two-time First Team All-Pro and three-time Pro Bowl Selection, Anderson had 24 Interceptions.  Ranked #93 on notinhalloffame.com.

Bobby Boyd:  BAL 1960-68.  Boyd won an NFL Championship with the Colts and was a three-time First Team All-Pro.  He led the league in Interceptions in 1965 and had 57 in total.  Ranked #39 on notinhalloffame.com.

Dave Brown:  PIT 1975, SEA 1976-86 & GNB 1987-89.  Brown compiled an impressive 62 Interceptions over his career, returning five for Touchdowns.  He went to the Pro Bowl once.

Joey Browner:  MIN 1983-91 & TAM 1992.   Browner went to six consecutive Pro Bowls as a Strong Safety and was a First-Team All-Pro in three of those years.  He recorded 37 interceptions over his career.  Ranked #135 on notinhalloffame.com.

Butch Byrd:  BUF 1964-70 & DEN 1971.  Byrd helped Buffalo win two AFL Championships, and individually was a three-time First Team All-Pro with five AFL All-Stars.  He also had 40 picks over his eight seasons.  Ranked #205 on notinhalloffame.com.

Thom Darden:  CLE 1972-81.  Darden led the NFL in Interceptions once, went to one Pro Bowl, and was a three-time Second Team All-Pro.

Don Doll:  DET 1949-52, WAS 1953 & RAM 1954.  Doll helped the Lions win the 1952 NFL Championship, was a four-time Pro Bowl Selection, and is part of the Lions All-Time Team.

Pat Fischer:  STL 1961-67 & WAS 1968-77.  Fischer recorded 56 Interceptions (29 with St. Louis & 27 with Washington) and was twice named to the Pro Bowl.  Ranked #132 on notinhalloffame.com.

Goose Gonsoullin: DEN 1960-66 & SFO 1967.  Gonsoulin was Denver’s first great Safety, recording 43 of his 46 Interceptions for the Broncos.  He was a five-time AFL All-Star and two-time First Team All-Pro.  Ranked #230 on notinhalloffame.com.

Dave Grayson: DTX 1961-62, KAN 1963-84 & OAK 1965-70.  Grayson won two AFL Titles (one with Dallas and one with Oakland) and the DB was a three-time First Team All-Pro and six-time AFL All-Star.  He led the AFL in Interceptions in 1968 and had 48 in total.  Ranked #98 on notinhalloffame.com.

Cornell Green: DAL 1962-74.  Another career Dallas Cowboy, Green was twice named a First Team All-Pro and five Pro Bowls and helped them win their first Super Bowl.  He had 34 career Interceptions.  Ranked #184 on notinhalloffame.com.

Merton Hanks: SFO 1991-98 & SEA 1999.  Hanks was a 49er for all but his final season, and in San Francisco, the Free Safety was a four-time Pro Bowl and one-time First Team All-Pro.  He also won a Super Bowl there and had 33 career Interceptions.

Lester Hayes: OAK 1977-81 & RAI 1982-86.  A two-time Super Bowl Champion with the Raiders, Hayes was the consensus Defensive Player of the Year in 1980.  The Cornerback was a one-time First Team All-Pro, a five-time Pro Bowl Selection, and had 39 picks over his career.  Ranked #17 on notinhalloffame.com.

Warren Lahr:  CLE 1949-59.  Lahr had 44 Interceptions in a career spent entirely in Cleveland, where he won an AAFC Championship, an NFL Championship, and went to the Pro Bowl once.

Albert Lewis:  KAN 1983-93, RAI 1994 & OAK 1995-98.  Lewis went to four straight Pro Bowls (1987-90), was a two-time First Team All-Pro, and compiled 42 Interceptions.  Ranked #104 on notinhalloffame.com.

Tim McDonald: STL-PHO 1987-92 & SFO 1993-99.  McDonald split his career nearly evenly with two teams as he had three Pro Bowls, Second Team All-Pros, and 20 TDs each with both the 49ers and Cardinals.  Ranked #188 on notinhalloffame.com.

Eddie Meador: RAM 1959-70.  Meador is one of the most prolific Defensive Backs in RMS history and was a six-time Pro Bowl and two-time First Team All-Pro.  He amassed a franchise record of 46 Interceptions.  Ranked #68 on notinhalloffame.com.

Lemar Parrish: CIN 1970-77, WAS 1978-81 & BUF 1982.  Parrish went to eight Pro Bowls with a First Team All-Pro while recording 47 Interceptions.  Ranked #16 on notinhalloffame.com.

Jimmy Patton:  NYG 1955-66.  From 1958 to 1962, Patton went to the Pro Bowl and was a First Team All-Pro.  The long-time Safety had 51 Interceptions and was an NFL Champion in 1956.  Ranked #34 on notinhalloffame.com. 

Eugene Robinson:  SEA 1985-95, GNB 1996-97, ATL 1998-99 & CAR 2000.   Robinson went to three Pro Bowls and was a Super Bowl Champion with the Green Bay Packers.  He compiled 57 Interceptions and 1,413 Tackles over his career.  Ranked #231 on notinhalloffame.com.

George Saimes:  BUF 1963-68 & DEN 1970-72.  Saimes was selected to five straight AFL All-Stars (1964-68) and, over his career, earned three First Team All-Pro honors, two AFL Championships, and recorded 22 Interceptions.  Ranked #247 on notinhalloffame.com.

Jake Scott: MIA 1970-75 & WAS 1976-78.  Scott won two Super Bowls with the Dolphins, winning an MVP in one of them, and the Safety was also a five-time Pro Bowl and two-time First Team All-Pro.  He had 47 career Interceptions.  Ranked #53 on notinhalloffame.com.

Dennis Smith:  DEN 1981-94.  Smith earned six Pro Bowls and had 15 Sacks, 30 Interceptions, and 1,158 Tackles in a career spent entirely in Denver.   Ranked #289 on Notinhalloffame.com.

Jack Tatum: OAK 1971-79 & HOU 1980.  The feared Safety went to three straight Pro Bowls (1973-75), won a Super Bowl with Oakland, and had 37 Interceptions.

Everson Walls: DAL 1981-89, NYG 1990-92 & CLE 1992-93.  Walls had 57 Interceptions and was a four-time Pro Bowl Selection with a Super Bowl ring with the Giants.  Ranked #87 on notinhalloffame.com.

Charlie Waters: DAL 1970-78 & 1980-81.  Waters played in both of Dallas’ two Super Bowl Championships in the 1970s and was a three-time Pro Bowler.  He had 41 Interceptions. 

Abe Woodson: SFO 1958-64 & STL 1965-66.  A multi-faceted performer, Woodson went to five straight Pro Bowls (1959-63) and was a two-time First Team All-Pro.  Defensively, Woodson had 19 Interceptions, and he compiled over 6,500 Return Yards with seven Touchdowns.  Ranked #186 on notinhalloffame.com.

Louis Wright: DEN 1975-86.  Wright played all 12 of his NFL seasons with Denver, where he went to five Pro Bowls and earned two First Team All-Pros.  He had 26 career Interceptions.  Ranked #28 on notinhalloffame.com.

The Defensive Backs who did not return were Deron Cherry, Nolan Cromwell, Terry McDaniel, Roosevelt Taylor, Mike Wagner, Dave Whitsell, and Fred Williamson.  Added were Dave Brown, Goose Gonsoulin, Warren Lahr, Eugene Robinson, George Saimes, Charlie Waters, and Abe Woodson.

Punters/Kickers (3)

Jim Bakken: STL 1962-78.  Bakken was a four-time Pro Bowl Kicker and two-time First-Team All-Pro. He scored 1,380 career Points.

Jim Breech: CIN 1979-92.  Breech played fourteen seasons over his career and scored 1,246 Points.

Nick Lowery: NWE 1978, KAN 1980-93 & NYJ 1994-96.  Lowery went to four Pro Bowls and was a three-time Field Goal Percentage leader.  He had 1,711 over his career.

The only one who did not return from last year was Norm Johnson, with Jim Breech taking his spot.

Special Teams (2)

Mel Gray: NOR 1986-88, DET 1989-94, HOU 1995-96, TEN 1997, & PHI 1997.  Gray was an All-Decade Returner who was chosen for four Pro Bowls and three First Team All-Pros.  He had 13,279 All-Purpose Yards.

Steve Tasker: HOU 1985-86 & BUF 1986-97.  Tasker went to four Super Bowls with Buffalo and was a seven-time Pro Bowl Selection.  Ranked #144 on notinhalloffame.com.

These were the same two Special Teams players from last year.

The problem with running a Hall of Fame-related website is that many of the big ones we cover all have announcements within months of each other.  The backbone of what we do is list-related, so this results in a long push to revise what we already have; specifically, now with our Football and Basketball Lists.

At present, we have a minor update as we have completed the fourth ten of the 2024 Football List, which you can comment on and vote on:

The new 41 to 50:

41. Dick Schafrath
42. James Harrison
43. Pat Harder
44. John Brodie
45. Hines Ward
46. Eric Allen
47. Ricky Watters
48. Richmond Webb
49. Harold Jackson
50. Pete Retzlaff

Rankings are impacted annually based on your comments and votes.

Thank you all for your patience. We will soon unveil more changes to the football and basketball lists.