1999 SEMI-FINAL RESULTS:

Thank you for your participation in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project. If you are unaware of what that is, we acted like the PFHOF had its first class in January 1946.

We have completed the years up to 1998.

For “1999,” a Preliminary Vote with nearly 100 players whose playing career ended by 1993. We also follow the structure in which players have 20 years of eligibility, and if they do not make it into the Hall, they are relegated to the Senior Pool.

Each voter was asked to select 25 names from the preliminary list, and the top 25 vote-getters were named Semi-Finalists.

A week later, the voters were asked to pick 15 names from the 25 Semi-Finalists, and next week, they will choose five from the remaining 15. We will continue this process every week until we catch up to the current year.

31 votes were cast, with the top 15 advancing.

This is for the “Modern Era”

Bold indicates they advanced to the Finals: 

This is for the “Senior Era”

*Bold indicates they advanced to the Finals:

This is for the “Coaches/Contributors Era”

*Bold indicates they advanced to the Finals:

We will post the Class of 1999 Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project next Saturday.

Thank you to all who contributed. If you want to be part of this project, please let us know!

1999 PRELIMINARY RESULTS:

Thank you to all who participated in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project. If you are still determining what that is, we treated the PFHOF as having its first class in January 1946.

We have completed the first 50 years.

For “1999,” a Preliminary Vote with over 100 players whose playing career ended by 1993. We also follow the structure in which players have 20 years of eligibility, and if they do not make it into the Hall, they are relegated to the Senior Pool.

Each voter was asked to select 25 names from the preliminary list, and the top 25 vote-getters were named Semi-Finalists.

A week later, voters will be asked to select 15 names from the 25 Semi-Finalists, then choose five from the remaining 15. We will continue this process every week until we catch up to the current year.

Please note that a significant change occurred “years ago,” allowing voters to submit fewer than the allotted number of spots. 

31 Votes took place.

This is for the “Modern Era”

Bold indicates they advanced to the Semi-Finals:

*Indicates they have been removed from future ballots

This is for the Senior Era

Bold indicates they advanced to the Semi-Finals:

*Indicates that they will be removed from the ballot permanently.

This is for the “Coaches/Contributors”

Bold indicates they advanced to the Semi-Finals:

*Indicates that they will be removed from the ballot permanently.

Next week, we will announce the Semi-Finalists for the 1999 Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project.

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.

1998 SEMI-FINAL RESULTS:

Thank you for your participation in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project. If you are unaware of what that is, we acted like the PFHOF had its first class in January 1946.

We have completed the years up to 1997.

For “1998,” a Preliminary Vote with nearly 100 players whose playing career ended by 1992. We also follow the structure in which players have 20 years of eligibility, and if they do not make it into the Hall, they are relegated to the Senior Pool.

Each voter was asked to select 25 names from the preliminary list, and the top 25 vote-getters were named Semi-Finalists.

A week later, the voters were asked to pick 15 names from the 25 Semi-Finalists, and next week, they will choose five from the remaining 15. We will continue this process every week until we catch up to the current year.

31 votes were cast, with the top 15 advancing.

This is for the “Modern Era”

Bold indicates they advanced to the Finals: 

This is for the “Senior Era”

*Bold indicates they advanced to the Finals:

This is for the “Coaches/Contributors Era”

*Bold indicates they advanced to the Finals:

We will post the Class of 1998 Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project next Saturday.

Thank you to all who contributed. If you want to be part of this project, please let us know!

1998 PRELIMINARY RESULTS:

Thank you to all who participated in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project. If you are still determining what that is, we treated the PFHOF as having its first class in January 1946.

We have completed the first 50 years.

For “1998,” a Preliminary Vote with over 100 players whose playing career ended by 1992. We also follow the structure in which players have 20 years of eligibility, and if they do not make it into the Hall, they are relegated to the Senior Pool.

Each voter was asked to select 25 names from the preliminary list, and the top 25 vote-getters were named Semi-Finalists.

A week later, voters will be asked to select 15 names from the 25 Semi-Finalists, then choose five from the remaining 15. We will continue this process every week until we catch up to the current year.

Please note that a significant change occurred “years ago,” allowing voters to submit fewer than the allotted number of spots. 

32 Votes took place.

This is for the “Modern Era”

Bold indicates they advanced to the Semi-Finals:

*Indicates they have been removed from future ballots

This is for the Senior Era

Bold indicates they advanced to the Semi-Finals:

*Indicates that they will be removed from the ballot permanently.

This is for the “Coaches/Contributors”

Bold indicates they advanced to the Semi-Finals:

*Indicates that they will be removed from the ballot permanently.

Next week, we will announce the Semi-Finalists for the 1998 Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project.

1997 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 52nd 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 1997:

This is for the “Senior Era”, 

*Bold indicates they have been elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Class of 1997.

This is for the “Coaches/Contributors”, 

*Bold indicates they have been elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Class of 1997.

About the 1997 Inductees:

Russ Grimm, G-C, WAS 1981-91: Inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project in 1997 on his 1st Ballot.  Inducted into the actual Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010.

The Washington Redskins won three Super Bowls during the 1980s and early 1990s, but unlike most championship teams, their offensive line was considered the club's defining strength. The unit not only helped deliver three Super Bowl titles but also protected three different starting quarterbacks along the way. They were known as the "Hogs," and among them, Russ Grimm stood out as the group's premier player.

An original member of the Hogs, Grimm spent his entire NFL career with Washington after being selected in the third round of the 1981 NFL Draft out of Pitt. Establishing himself at left guard, he quickly developed into one of the league's elite players at his position and was a cornerstone of Washington's first Super Bowl championship. Over the next five seasons, Grimm cemented his reputation as the NFL's best left guard, earning five consecutive Pro Bowl selections and First-Team All-Pro honors in 1983. That season, he ranked second in the NFL in Approximate Value (18), while the Hogs became one of the most celebrated position groups in professional football.

As injuries accumulated, Grimm's role diminished from 1987 until his retirement following the 1991 season. Although he was no longer the dominant force he had been at his peak, his leadership and experience remained invaluable, and he continued to play an integral role in Washington's final two Super Bowl championships.

Dan Hampton, DE-DT, CHI 1979-90: Inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project in 1997 on his 1st Ballot.  Inducted into the actual Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2002.

Dan Hampton's illustrious NFL career began in 1979, when the Chicago Bears selected him fourth overall out of Arkansas. He quickly made a mark, earning All-Rookie honors with 70 tackles, 2 fumble recoveries, and 2 sacks during his first season. In 1980, his second year, Hampton led the team with 11.5 sacks, establishing himself as a top defensive player. His performance peaked in the 1982 strike-shortened season, in which he achieved 9 sacks in just nine games and was named NFC Defensive Player of the Year. Throughout these formative years, Hampton’s rare ability to play both defensive end and defensive tackle made him an invaluable asset for defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan's strategies.

By the mid-1980s, Hampton had become the anchor of a historic unit, culminating in the legendary 1985 championship season. As a focal point of the "46 defense," his presence created opportunities for teammates, leading to a Super Bowl XX victory in which the Bears defense allowed just 10 points. Throughout this peak era, Hampton earned four Pro Bowl nods and six All-Pro selections at two different positions. He reached these heights while battling severe physical adversity, famously playing through 10 knee surgeries. His selflessness and elite performance during this decade earned him a well-deserved spot on the NFL 1980s All-Decade Team.

Hampton's relentless career concluded in 1990 after 12 seasons, all spent wearing the navy and orange of the Chicago Bears. In his final season, his career-long resilience was recognized when he won the George S. Halas Courage Award for playing through persistent, grueling injuries. He retired with 152 career starts, 82 official sacks, and a legacy as one of the most versatile linemen in football history.

Charlie Joiner, WR, HOU 1969-72, CIN 1972-75 & SDG 1976-86.  Inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project in 1997 on his 6th Ballot.  Inducted into the actual Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1996.

Charlie Joiner entered the NFL as a fourth-round selection of the Houston Oilers in the 1969 NFL Draft out of Grambling State, but he struggled to establish himself during his first seven professional seasons. Traded to the Cincinnati Bengals midway through the 1972 season, Joiner showed flashes of his potential before being dealt again in 1976 to the San Diego Chargers, a move that transformed his career.

Under head coach Don Coryell, Joiner became a perfect fit in the Chargers' innovative vertical passing attack. Paired with quarterback Dan Fouts, he developed into one of the NFL's premier receivers, combining precise route running, dependable hands, and outstanding football intelligence. Beginning in 1978, Joiner recorded six consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons, earned three Pro Bowl selections, and was named a First-Team All-Pro in both 1980 and 1981. Despite sharing the field with outstanding pass catchers such as Kellen Winslow, John Jefferson, and later Wes Chandler, Joiner remained one of the focal points of the league's most explosive passing offense.

Joiner continued to produce into his late 30s, retiring after the 1986 season at the age of 39. At the time of his retirement, his 750 receptions and 12,146 receiving yards both ranked among the highest totals in NFL history, a testament to his longevity and remarkable consistency.

Dick LeBeau, DB, DET, 1959-72.  Inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project in 1997 on his 20th Ballot.  Inducted into the actual Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2010.

Dick LeBeau played professional football as a cornerback for the Detroit Lions from 1959 to 1972. After signing as an undrafted free agent out of Ohio State University, he quickly earned a starting role because of his speed, intelligence, and ability to anticipate opposing quarterbacks. During his rookie season, he became a key contributor in the Lions' secondary and established himself as one of the league's most dependable defensive backs.

As his career progressed, LeBeau developed a reputation as one of the NFL's premier ball hawks. He intercepted 62 passes over 14 seasons, a total that ranks among the highest in league history. His instincts, disciplined coverage, and leadership helped anchor Detroit's defense throughout the 1960s. LeBeau was selected to three Pro Bowls and earned multiple All-Pro honors, reflecting the respect he received from coaches, teammates, and opponents.

LeBeau finished his playing career after the 1972 season, having appeared in 185 regular-season games, all with the Detroit Lions. Although he never played in a Super Bowl, his consistency and outstanding production made him one of the franchise's greatest defensive players.

John Stallworth, WR, PIT 1974-87.  Inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project in 1997 on his 5th Ballot.  Inducted into the actual Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2002.

How good was the 1974 Draft Class for the Pittsburgh Steelers?

They drafted Lynn Swann (First Round), Jack Lambert (Second Round), Mike Webster (Fifth Round), and John Stallworth (Fourth Round).

In Stallworth's first three seasons, he was mostly used as a backup but still contributed to their first two Super Bowl Championships (IX & X).  By 1977, the Alabama A&M Wide Receiver was a more substantial piece to the Steelers’ offense, and he exceeded 750 Yards in the two seasons after winning a third Super Bowl in the latter year.  Stallworth had his best season of the 1970s, earning Pro Bowl and First-Team All-Pro honors and helping the Steelers to their fourth Super Bowl of the decade.

While the 1980s did not add a ring for the thumb, this was the decade in which Stallworth cemented his Hall of Fame bust. It was a poor start as he only appeared in three Games in 1980, but he had his second 1,000-yard season in 1981 (1,183), and in the strike-shortened 1982 campaign, he was a Pro Bowler for a second time.

The Wide Receiver was hurt again for most of 1983 but rebounded with his best season on the gridiron with career-highs in 1,399 Yards and 11 Touchdowns.  Stallworth was a Pro Bowler for the third and final time and was awarded the PFWA Comeback Player of the Year.  He played three more years, finishing in 1987, in a pro career spent entirely in the black and yellow.  Stallworth retired with 8,723 Yards and 63 Touchdowns.

Les Richter LB-MG, RAM 1954-62.  Inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project in 1996 on his 10th Senior Ballot.  Inducted into the actual Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2011.

Drafted second overall by the New York Yanks in 1952, Les Richter never played a game for the franchise, as the team folded before the season began. His rights were transferred to the newly formed Dallas Texans, who inherited much of the Yanks' roster, but Richter never suited up for them either. Instead, the Texans traded him to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for an astonishing 11 players. While that may seem like an uneven deal, history ultimately showed that the Rams were the true winners, as Richter became one of the greatest players in franchise history.

Richter's versatility was virtually unmatched. Primarily a linebacker, he also played guard, center, and served as the Rams' placekicker whenever needed. No matter where he lined up, he excelled, earning Pro Bowl honors in eight of his nine NFL seasons. A dominant run defender with exceptional instincts and toughness, Richter built a reputation as one of the league's most complete and dependable players.

His durability became legendary. In one game, Richter suffered a broken cheekbone but refused to leave the field, continuing to play despite the injury. Late in his career, when starting center Art Hunter was injured, Richter seamlessly shifted to the position, illustrating the rare adaptability that defined his career. Few players in NFL history possessed the combination of talent, toughness, and versatility that made Les Richter such an invaluable cornerstone of the Rams.

Gil Brandt, SCOUT, RAM 1955-57, SFO 1958-59 & DAL 1960-88.  Inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project in 1996 on his 6th Coach/Contributor Ballot.  Inducted into the actual Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2019.

Gil Brandt was the vice president of player personnel for the Dallas Cowboys from 1960 to 1988. He, along with coach Tom Landry and GM Tex Schramm, helped turn the Cowboys into 'America's Team’. During his 29 years, the team had 20 straight winning seasons, appeared in five Super Bowls, and won two (Super Bowl VI and XII). His talent eye helped acquire nine Hall of Fame players like Bob Lilly, Roger Staubach, and Tony Dorsett.

Brandt revolutionized the NFL by pioneering data-driven systems in player evaluation. In the 1960s, he partnered with IBM to introduce computerized analysis, turning scouting from subjective to precise. He required prospects to run the 40-yard dash and undergo psychological tests to assess mental toughness. Brandt also scouted outside traditional programs, drafting star athletes like Bob Hayes and Cornell Green, and using undrafted free agency to find impact players like Drew Pearson and Cliff Harris. His efforts led to the creation of the NFL Scouting Combine, making him a key figure in modern NFL scouting.

1997 SEMI-FINAL RESULTS:

Thank you for your participation in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project. If you are unaware of what that is, we acted like the PFHOF had its first class in January 1946.

We have completed the years up to 1996.

For “1997,” a Preliminary Vote with nearly 100 players whose playing career ended by 1990. We also follow the structure in which players have 20 years of eligibility, and if they do not make it into the Hall, they are relegated to the Senior Pool.

Each voter was asked to select 25 names from the preliminary list, and the top 25 vote-getters were named Semi-Finalists.

A week later, the voters were asked to pick 15 names from the 25 Semi-Finalists, and next week, they will choose five from the remaining 15. We will continue this process every week until we catch up to the current year.

31 votes were cast, with the top 15 advancing.

This is for the “Modern Era”

Bold indicates they advanced to the Finals: 

This is for the “Senior Era”

*Bold indicates they advanced to the Finals:

This is for the “Coaches/Contributors Era”

*Bold indicates they advanced to the Finals:

We will post the Class of 1997 Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project next Saturday.

Thank you to all who contributed. If you want to be part of this project, please let us know!

1997 PRELIMINARY RESULTS:

Thank you to all who participated in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project. If you are still determining what that is, we treated the PFHOF as having its first class in January 1946.

We have completed the first 50 years.

For “1997,” a Preliminary Vote with over 100 players whose playing career ended by 1991. We also follow the structure in which players have 20 years of eligibility, and if they do not make it into the Hall, they are relegated to the Senior Pool.

Each voter was asked to select 25 names from the preliminary list, and the top 25 vote-getters were named Semi-Finalists.

A week later, voters will be asked to select 15 names from the 25 Semi-Finalists, then choose five from the remaining 15. We will continue this process every week until we catch up to the current year.

Please note that a significant change occurred “years ago,” allowing voters to submit fewer than the allotted spots. 

31 Votes took place.

This is for the “Modern Era”

Bold indicates they advanced to the Semi-Finals:

*Indicates they have been removed from future ballots

This is for the Senior Era

Bold indicates they advanced to the Semi-Finals:

*Indicates that they will be removed from the ballot permanently.

This is for the “Coaches/Contributors”

Bold indicates they advanced to the Semi-Finals:

*Indicates that they will be removed from the ballot permanently.

Next week, we will announce the Semi-Finalists for the 1997 Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project.

1996 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 51st 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 1996:

This is for the “Senior Era”, 

*Bold indicates they have been elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Class of 1996.

This is for the “Coaches/Contributors”, 

*Bold indicates they have been elected to the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Class of 1996.

About the 1996 Inductees:

Ozzie Newsome, TE, CLE 1978-90: Inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project in 1996 on his 1st Ballot.  Inducted into the actual Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1999.

At the time of his retirement, many felt that Ozzie Newsome was one of the most prolific Tight Ends in football history, and some say he still is.

Taken in the First Round (23^rd Overall) out of Alabama, Newsome brought his blocking and receiving skills to the Browns in 1978.  Known for his cerebral play, Newsome helped take the Browns to two AFC Championship Games, and he would have three 1,000-Yard seasons, which were excellent for a Tight End in the 1980s.  Newsome played his entire career with Cleveland, accumulating 7,980 Yards with 47 Touchdowns.

Newsome was elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1996, his first year of eligibility, and was part of the first class of the Browns Ring of Honor in 2010.  As an executive, he orchestrated teams that won two Super Bowls when the franchise relocated to Baltimore.

Mike Webster, C, PIT 1974-88 & KAN 1989-90: Inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project in 1996 on his 1st Ballot.  Inducted into the actual Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1997.

After being drafted in the Fifth Round in 1974, Mike Webster worked on Special Teams, Center, and Guard in his first two seasons, contributing to the Steelers in little ways while helping them win their first two Super Bowls.  What followed was one of the greatest runs ever by an NFL Center.

Webster began the 1976 season as the Steelers’ starting Center, and he would do so for the next 150 Games.  He became an icon in Pittsburgh for his tenacity and ability to play through injuries, regardless of the severity.  The Steelers were mostly known for their defense, but Webster ran the line that won two more Super Bowls and kept Pittsburgh competitive through the 80s.

“Iron” Mike would win two more Super Bowls and was a perennial Pro Bowl Selection from 1978 to 1985, with another one in 1987. Five of those Pro Bowl years were also First Team All-Pro seasons, with four of them being consecutive (1978-81). He would later earn the honor of being named to the 1970s and 1980s All-Decade Team, and he was also chosen for the 75^th and 100th Anniversary Team.  Webster played for Pittsburgh until 1988, when he signed with Kansas City for two more years.  The Pro Football Hall of Fame called his name in 1997, and he was posthumously named to the Steelers Hall of Honor 20 years later. 

Webster's end was tragic.  The Center incurred substantial brain damage and was diagnosed with chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE), a degenerative brain disease that football players are now all aware of.  He died at the age of 50, following years of pain, dementia, and depression.

Kenny Easley, DB, SEA 1981-87.  Inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project in 1996 on his 4th Ballot.  Inducted into the actual Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017.

A star player with UCLA, Kenny Easley was the fourth overall pick by the Seattle Seahawks in 1981. 

Easley came in with high expectations, which he showed with a good rookie season as their starting Strong Safety.  That good start was followed by a four-year run during which he was considered the best, or among the best, Defensive Backs in the game of pro football.  Easley went to the Pro Bowl in four straight years (1982-85) with a fifth in 1987, and he was also a three-time First Team All-Pro (1983-85).  His best year was in 1984, when he was the Defensive Player of the Year, the first Seahawk to win the honor.  That year, he led the NFL in Interceptions with 10 and would finish his career with 32.

Easley was vocal during the 1987 strike, and some believe this was why he was traded to the Cardinals in the off-season.  The trade did not stick, as Easley flunked the physical, and it was learned that he had kidney problems, which forced him out of football.  He would later sue the Seahawks, claiming that the overuse of Advil prescribed due to an ankle issue led to his kidney problems.  After an out-of-court settlement, the two parties reconciled, and Easley was inducted into their Ring of Honor.

Ray Guy, P, OAK/RAI, 1973-86.  Inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project in 1996 on his 5th Ballot.  Inducted into the actual Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2014.

Ray Guy made headlines when he became the first punter drafted in the first round.  Guy proved worthy of the trust the Raiders placed in him, as his booming, accurate kicks changed how special teams were thought of.  Guy’s punts were not just powerful; they had long hang time and could be deadly accurate when needed.  

Punters were never thought of as having the ability to win games, but there were occasions when Guy’s leg did just that for the Raiders.

Claude Humphrey, DE, ATL 1968-78 & PHI 1979-81.  Inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project in 1996 on his 10th Ballot.  Inducted into the actual Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2017.

The Atlanta Falcons chose Humphrey with the Third Overall Pick in 1968, and despite his obvious talent, the Defensive End played his college ball at Tennessee State, and did not face the elite competition that other draftees did.  Anyone who was worried need not have been, as Humphrey won the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year and began a run of dominance in destroying Quarterbacks.

Humphrey had at least 10 Sacks in six of his first seven years, which was far more impressive considering that, beyond Tommy Nobis, there were no other Falcons defenders that offenses feared.  He went to five consecutive Pro Bowls (1970-74) that included two First Team All-Pros (1972 & 1973), and had there been an All-Half Decade Team, you can bet that Humphrey would be on it.

A knee injury prevented Humphrey from competing in 1975, but he returned at a high level, adding another Pro Bowl in 1977.  Humphrey joined the Philadelphia Eagles in 1979, played there for three years, and finally tasted the playoffs, which included an NFC Championship Game appearance. 

Humphrey had 130 (Unofficial) Sacks over his career, with at least 10 in nine of his seasons.

Gino Cappelletti FL-SE-DB-WR-PK, BOS 1960-70.  Inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project in 1996 on his 1st Senior Ballot.  Was never inducted into the actual Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The New England Patriots would have a lot of talent come wear their uniform, but only one of them would have the nickname of "Mr. Patriot."

The road to the pros was a long one for Cappalletti, as he went undrafted in 1955 after an excellent college career at the University of Minnesota and would play semi-pro for a few years.  The creation of the American Football League in 1960 would create opportunities, and Cappelletti signed with the Boston Patriots, where he was hired as a Kicker and Cornerback.  He would find a perfect home on the East Coast, and over the 1960s, he would be the team's permanent kicker and lead the AFL in field goals three times.  That, however, was not the only job that Cappalletti would have for the Pats.

Cappelletti moved away from the defensive side of the ball and would also play at Flanker and Split End, and over his 11 seasons in Boston, he would accrue 292 Receptions for 4,589 Yards and 42 Touchdowns.  Four of his seasons would see him finish in the top ten in Receiving Yards.

Scoring TDs, Field Goals, and Extra Points, Cappalletti would retire by far as the franchise leader in points, though Adam Vinatieri has since eclipsed that.  He is, however, the All-Time leader in Points Scored for the AFL, a record we feel certain anyone, Vinatieri included, can never touch.

Ralph Wilson, Owner, BUF 1960-2013.  Inducted in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project in 1996 on his 5th Coach/Contributor Ballot.  Inducted into the actual Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2009.

Ralph Wilson was a businessman who founded the Buffalo Bills in 1959 as an original member of the American Football League (AFL). Serving as a key part of the "Foolish Club," he helped the upstart league challenge the established NFL before successfully negotiating its historic merger in 1970. Wilson's leadership early on brought Western New York two AFL Championships in 1964 and 1965.

Throughout his 54 years as owner, he became the NFL's "voice of reason," heavily advocating for league stability, revenue sharing, and keeping his franchise in its original market. His franchise saw its peak success in the 1990s, winning four consecutive AFC titles to make an unprecedented four straight Super Bowl appearances.

1996 SEMI-FINAL RESULTS:

Thank you for your participation in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project. If you are unaware of what that is, we acted like the PFHOF had its first class in January 1946.

We have completed the years up to 1995.

For “1996,” a Preliminary Vote with nearly 100 players whose playing career ended by 1990. We also follow the structure in which players have 20 years of eligibility, and if they do not make it into the Hall, they are relegated to the Senior Pool.

Each voter was asked to select 25 names from the preliminary list, and the top 25 vote-getters were named Semi-Finalists.

A week later, the voters were asked to pick 15 names from the 25 Semi-Finalists, and next week, they will choose five from the remaining 15. We will continue this process every week until we catch up to the current year.

31 votes were cast, with the top 15 advancing.

This is for the “Modern Era”

Bold indicates they advanced to the Finals: 

This is for the “Senior Era”

*Bold indicates they advanced to the Finals:

This is for the “Coaches/Contributors Era”

*Bold indicates they advanced to the Finals:

We will post the Class of 1996 Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project next Saturday.

Thank you to all who contributed. If you want to be part of this project, please let us know!

1996 PRELIMINARY RESULTS:

Thank you to all who participated in the Pro Football Hall of Fame Revisited Project. If you are still determining what that is, we treated the PFHOF as having its first class in January 1946.

We have completed the first 50 years.

For “1996,” a Preliminary Vote with over 100 players whose playing career ended by 1990. We also follow the structure in which players have 20 years of eligibility, and if they do not make it into the Hall, they are relegated to the Senior Pool.

Each voter was asked to select 25 names from the preliminary list, and the top 25 vote-getters were named Semi-Finalists.

A week later, voters will be asked to select 15 names from the 25 Semi-Finalists, then choose five from the remaining 15. We will continue this process every week until we catch up to the current year.

Please note that a significant change occurred “years ago,” allowing voters to submit fewer than the allotted spots. 

32 Votes took place.

This is for the “Modern Era”

Bold indicates they advanced to the Semi-Finals:

*Indicates they have been removed from future ballots