As part of the celebration of the National Football League’s 100thAnniversary, 20 members will be named to the 2020 Pro Football Hall of Fame Class.
In addition to the five Modern-Era Inductees, a special “Blue Ribbon Panel” will name 10 Seniors, 3 Contributors and 2 Coaches for the Centennial Class.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame has now announced the 25 people who comprise the Blue Ribbon Panel. This is a collection of people who are regular followers of Canton are familiar with.
They are:
As of this time, we do not know when the panel will meet or when they will decide. They will be presented on February 1, where the entire group will be subject to a yay or nay vote (they won’t possibly vote nay, would they?) to the 48-member Board of Selectors, some of which as you can see are on the Blue Ribbon Panel. They will require 80 percent of the vote and will be voted in as a group.
ERNIE ACCORSI – Former GM Baltimore Colts, Cleveland Browns and N.Y. Giants.
BILL BELICHICK – New England Patriots head coach.
JARRETT BELL – Hall of Fame selector, USA Today.
JOEL BUSSERT – Former NFL executive, pro football historian.
JOHN CLAYTON – Hall of Fame selector, Washington Post.
FRANK COONEY – Hall of Fame selector, SportsXchange.
JOHN CZARNECKI – Hall of Fame selector, Fox Sports.
RICK GOSSELIN – Hall of Fame selector, Talk of Fame Network.
ELLIOTT HARRISON – Pro football historian, NFL.com.
JOE HORRIGAN – Former Pro Football Hall of Fame executive, pro football historian.
IRA KAUFMAN – Hall of Fame selector, JoeBucsFan.com.
DICK LEBEAU – Hall of Fame cornerback, former NFL coach.
JEFF LEGWOLD – Hall of Fame selector, ESPN.com.
JOHN MADDEN – Hall of Fame coach.
JOHN McCLAIN – Hall of Fame selector, Houston Chronicle.
GARY MYERS – Hall of Fame selector, The Athletic.
OZZIE NEWSOME – Hall of Fame tight end, former GM Baltimore Ravens.
CARL PETERSON – Former GM Philadelphia Eagles, Kansas City Chiefs.
SAL PAOLANTONIO – Hall of Fame selector, ESPN.
BILL POLIAN – Hall of Fame contributor, former GM Buffalo Bills, Carolina Panthers, Indianapolis Colts.
DAN POMPEI – Hall of Fame selector, The Athletic.
CHAREAN WILLIAMS – Hall of Fame selector, Pro Football Talk.
CHRIS WILLIS – Producer/head of research library NFL Films, pro football historian.
BARRY WILNER – Hall of Fame selector, Associated Press.
RON WOLF – Hall of Fame contributor, former executive Oakland/L.A. Raiders, GM Green Bay Packers.
That part seems strange, doesn’t it?
We will add more news as we here it!
We here at Notinhalloffame.com thought it would be fun to take a look at the major awards in North American team sports and see how it translates into Hall of Fame potential.
Needless to say, different awards in different sports yield hall of fame potential. In basketball, the team sport with the least number of players on a roster, the dividend for greatness much higher. In baseball, it is not as much as a great individual season does not have the same impact.
For our next selection we return to the National Football League after a long absence with a major accolade in the Offensive Player of the Year. Considering this is a very important award, it is a little surprising that this has only been in existence since 1972. Not surprising, is that with the exception of Jerry Rice, it has only gone to Quarterbacks and Running Backs; basically, the sexy skill positions of football. Frankly, we don’t think we will ever see an Offensive Lineman win this regardless of how impressive a season he has.
So, how many Offensive Players of the Year have been enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame?
Let’s find out!
The following are the past players who have won the AP Offensive Player of the Year in the NFL who are eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame and have been enshrined.
O.J. Simpson, Buffalo Bills, Running Back (1973)
Who else could possibly win it in 1973? O.J. Simpson made history as the first player to exceed 2,000 Rushing Yards (2,003), and while he now has company in the 2,000 club, it is still exclusive company. This was Simpson’s second rushing title and he would win it two more times (1975 & 1976). He would also win the Bert Bell Award and the AP MVP. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1985. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1985.
Ken Stabler, Oakland Raiders, Quarterback (1974)
Stabler was a First Team All-Pro in 1974, and was chosen for the Pro Bowl for the second year in a row. The Quarterback threw for 2,469 Yards and a league leading 26 Touchdowns. He would have a record of 11-2 this year and was also named the AP MVP. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2016.
Fran Tarkenton, Minnesota Vikings, Quarterback(1975)
Prior to this year, “Scrambling” Fran Tarkenton was chosen for seven Pro Bowls and 1975 was his eighth. This was the first and only year that he would be named a First Team All-Pro and would the NFL in Touchdown Passes with 25. The Minnesota Viking would also be named the AP MVP, PFWA MVP and the Bert Bell Award Winner. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1986.
Walter Payton, Chicago Bears, Running Back (1977)
This was Payton’s third season in the NFL, and the only one where he would win the Rushing Title with 1,852 Yards and lead the NFL in Rushing Touchdowns (14). Payton would have eight more years where he would have 1,200 or more yards on the ground and he retired with 16,726, which as of this writing is second all-time. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1985.
Earl Campbell, Houston Oilers, Running Back (1978)
Campbell was a rookie in 1978 and the number one pick from Texas lived up to the hype. Campbell had a league leading 1,450 Rushing Yards and he punched 13 into the end zone. He would also win the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year and was named the PFWA MVP. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1985.
Earl Campbell, Houston Oilers, Running Back (2) (1979)
The Houston Oiler made history as the first ever repeat winner of the Offensive Player of the Year, and he would again win the Rushing Title with increased production of 1,697 Yards. This time, Campbell would also finish atop the leaderboard in Rushing Touchdowns (19) and he repeated his PFWA MVP while adding the AP Player of the Year and Bert Bell Award. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1985.
Earl Campbell, Houston Oilers, Running Back (3) (1980)
Making waves as the first ever repeat winner of the Offensive Player of the Year, Campbell set a new standard with his third straight win. Campbell again raised his game by setting a career high 1,934 Rushing Yards with his 13 Rushing TDs leading the NFL. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1985.
Dan Fouts, San Diego Chargers, Quarterback (1982)
Fouts was on his fourth straight year of leading the NFL in Passing Yards and he would throw for 2,883 in the strike-shortened campaign of 1982. The Quarterback would be invited to the fourth of what would be six Pro Bowls and he would also lead in Touchdown Passes with 17. He would also win the PFWA MVP. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1993.
Dan Marino, Miami Dolphins, Quarterback (1984)
Marino turned the football world on its head by becoming the first Quarterback to throw for over 5,000 Yards (5,084) and would also throw for a then record 48 Touchdown passes. He would take Miami to the Super Bowl (they didn’t win) and he would also win the PFWA and AP MVP as well as the Bert Bell Award. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2005.
Marcus Allen, Los Angeles Raiders, Running Back (1985)
Marcus Allen had without a doubt the best regular season of his career with an NFL leading and career-high 1,759 Rushing Yards and 2,314 Yards From Scrimmage. Allen, who had previously propelled the Raiders to a Super Bowl win, was also in 1985 named the AP and PFWA MVP. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2003.
Eric Dickerson, Los Angeles Rams, Running Back(1986)
Eric Dickerson easily could have been considered a contender for this award in 1983 and/or 1984, but it would have to wait until 1986 before he won the Offensive Player of the Year. This year would see Dickerson win his third Rushing Title with 1,821 Yards and it would be his third of five First Team All-Pro Selections. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1999.
Jerry Rice, San Francisco 49ers, Wide Receiver(1987)
We think we can agree that of this writing the greatest Wide Receiver of all-time is Jerry Rice. Whether you agree with that or not, Rice made history in 1987 as he first Wide Receiver to win the Offensive Player of the Year and he did so with 22 Touchdown Receptions, which set a record at the time (since eclipsed by Randy Moss). As we all know, this was only the beginning for Rice who was in the second of 11 straight Pro Bowls. Rice also won the PFWA MVP and the Bert Bell Award. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2010.
Joe Montana, San Francisco 49ers, Quarterback (1989)
How loaded were the San Francisco 49ers in late 80s? Montana was the third different 49er to win the Offensive Player of the Year following Jerry Rice and Roger Craig. In this season, Montana would lead the NFL in Completion Percentage (70.2) while throwing for 3,521 Yards and 26 Touchdowns and more importantly he would win his fourth Super Bowl. The legendary Quarterback would also win the AP MVP as well as the Bert Bell Award. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2000.
Warren Moon, Houston Oilers, Quarterback (1990)
At age 34, Warren Moon proved that he should have been in the NFL years before after having to prove himself as a black Quarterback in the Canadian Football League. Moon would lead all passers with 4,689 Yards and 33 Touchdown Passes. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2006.
Thurman Thomas, Buffalo Bills, Running Back (1991)
Thurman Thomas would lead the NFL in Yards From Scrimmage four years in a row, and in 1991 it was the third of that streak. Thomas was a First Team All-Pro for the second and last time this season and he would also be selected as the AP and PFWA MVP. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2007.
Steve Young, San Francisco 49ers, Quarterback (1992)
Steve Young replicated what his predecessor did (Joe Montana) by winning the Offensive Player of the Year. Young would be chosen this year for his first of seven Pro Bowls and he was the NFL leader in Completion Percentage (66.7) and Touchdown Passes (25). He would also capture the AP MVP, PFWA MVP and the Bert Bell Award. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2005.
Jerry Rice, San Francisco 49ers, Wide Receiver (2) (1993)
This was the fourth of six seasons where Rice would lead the NFL in Receiving Yards (1,503) and the final one of six where he was at the top in Receiving Touchdowns (15). This would be the only major individual award that Rice would win in 1993. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2010.
Barry Sanders, Detroit Lions, Running Back (1994)
Sanders would win the Rushing Title for the second time with 1,883 Yards and would also finish atop the Yards From Scrimmage leaderboard with 2,166 Yards. This was his third First Team All-Pro Selection. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2004.
Brett Favre, Green Bay Packers, Quarterback (1995)
Surprisingly, this was the only time that Brett Favre would win this award. In 1995, Favre would lead the NFL in Passing Yards (4,413) and Touchdown Passes (38), the former being a career high. In this season he would win the AP MVP, PFWA MVP and Bert Bell Award and took the Packers to a Super Bowl win the following year. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2016.
Terrell Davis, Denver Broncos, Running Back (1996)
This year began Davis’ three years of dominance in the AFC running game and he would rush for 1,538 Yards and catch another 36 passes for 310 Yards. He would be named a First Team All-Pro for the first of three straight seasons. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2017.
Barry Sanders, Detroit Lions, Running Back (2)(1997)
This was Sanders’ second Offensive Player of the Year Award, and he would shatter the accomplishments of his first win. The Lions Running Back rushed for a career high 2,058 Yards joining the exclusive “2,000 Club” and his 2,358 Yards From Scrimmage was easily the best in the NFL. Sanders also won the AP MVP, PFWA MVP and the Bert Bell Award. This would be his sixth and last First Team All-Pro Selection. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2004.
Terrell Davis, Denver Broncos, Running Back (2) (1998)
We will argue (and have often) that this is the season that put Terrell Davis in the Hall of Fame. In 1998, T.D., rushed for a league leading 2,008 Yards and 21 Touchdowns and led the Broncos to their second consecutive Super Bowl win. In ’98, Davis also won the AP and PFWA MVP Awards. After this season, injuries would decimate him but that three-year stint was so good that Canton could not ignore him. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2017.
Marshall Faulk, St. Louis Rams, Running Back (1999)
Marshall Faulk began his run of three First Team All-Pro Selections and this would be his first year in St. Louis after five seasons with the Indianapolis Colts. Faulk was the ground attack for what would be “The Greatest Show on Turf” and in 1999, he would rush for 1,381 Yards, catch 87 passes for another 1,048 Yards and led the NFL with 2,429 Yards from Scrimmage. Faulk would win the Super Bowl that year. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2011.
Marshall Faulk, St. Louis Rams, Running Back (2) (2000)
Faulk would again exceed 1,300 Rushing Yards, though he would not hit the 1,000 Receiving Yard mark, landing at “only” 830. Faulk would however have more Touchdowns than the previous season, as his 18 Rushing Touchdowns (league leading) and another 8 from the air, which totaled 26, again a league leading. Faulk would also win the AP and PFWA MVP. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2011.
Marshall Faulk, St. Louis Rams, Running Back (3) (2001)
Faulk became the second player since Earl Campbell to win the Offensive Player of the Year Award, and like the former Houston Oiler, he did it consecutively. Faulk put up his fourth straight 2,000 plus Yards From Scrimmage year and again led the NFL in Touchdowns with 21. He would also win the PFWA MVP and the Bert Bell Award. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2011.
LaDainian Tomlinson, San Diego Chargers, Running Back (2006)
By this time, LaDainian Tomlinson had already established himself as an elite NFL Running Back and he would win his first Rushing Title with 1,815 Yards and his second Rushing Touchdown title with a career high 28 Touchdowns. He would have another three TDs for 31 total. In 2006, he would also win the AP MVP, PFWA MVP, Walter Payton Man of the Year and the Bert Bell Award. Inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2017.
The following are the players who have won the AP Offensive Player of the Year in the NFL who are eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame and have not been selected:
Larry Brown, Washington Redskins, Running Back(1972)
This was the last great year of Larry Brown’s career and this would be his fourth straight and final Pro Bowl and we would set a career high with 1,216 Rushing Yards and his 1,689 Yards From Scrimmage would lead the NFL. Brown also would lead the league in Approximate Value and would win the AP MVP and Bert Bell Award. Unrankedon Notinhalloffame.com.
Bert Jones, Baltimore Colts, Quarterback (1976)
Bert Jones had only one Pro Bowl Season, and needless to say it was in 1976. Jones led the NFL with 3,104 Passing Yards and had an 11-3 season. He threw for 24 Touchdowns, which was a career high. He would also win the AP MVP. Unrankedon Notinhalloffame.com.
Ken Anderson, Cincinnati Bengals, Quarterback (1981)
Anderson would throw for career highs of 3,754 Passing Yards, 29 Touchdowns and a league leading 98.4 Quarterback Rating and he was on his third of what would be four Pro Bowls. He would take the Bengals to their first Super Bowl, albeit in a losing effort to the San Francisco 49ers. He would also win the AP MVP, the PFWA MVP and the Bert Bell Award. Ranked #12 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Joe Theismann, Washington Redskins, Quarterback (1983)
The year after Theismann Quarterbacked the Redskins to the Super Bowl, Theismann had the best regular season of his career with career highs in Passing Yards (3,714) and Touchdown Passes (29). This year, Theismann would also win the PFWA and AP MVP. Unrankedon Notinhalloffame.com.
Roger Craig, San Francisco 49ers, Running Back(1988)
Craig was an absolute beast at Running Back in 1988 and he would lead the National Football League in Yards from Scrimmage with 2,036 Yards. This was three years after he became the first ever player to eclipse four digits in Rushing and Receiving Yards. He would go on to have 13,100 Yards from Scrimmage over his career. Ranked #6 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Priest Holmes, Kansas City Chiefs, Running Back (2002)
Holmes was in the middle of a three-year run of three straight Pro Bowls and First Team All-Pro Selections and in this season he would rush for 1,615 Yards an NFL leading 21 Touchdowns. He would also have another 687 Receiving Yards, which would tally 2,287 Yards From Scrimmage, his career high. Unrankedon Notinhalloffame.com.
Jamal Lewis, Baltimore Ravens, Running Back (2003)
While Jamal Lewis had many good seasons in the National Football League, there was one that was unquestionably incredible. That season (2003), Lewis would join the very exclusive 2,000 Yard Rushing Club (2,066) and he would also win the PFWA MVP. Unrankedon Notinhalloffame.com.
Shaun Alexander, Seattle Seahawks, Running Back (2005)
Shaun Alexander led the NFL in Rushing Yard (1,880) and Rushing Touchdowns (27) and this was easily the best season of his career. It was also his last decent season. Forgetting that, Alexander would in 2005 also win the AP and PFWA MVP and the Bert Bell Award. Unrankedon Notinhalloffame.com.
Let’s update our tally, shall we?
|
Award in Question |
Percentage of recipients who have entered the HOF |
Percentage of recipients by year who have entered the HOF. |
|
NBA MVP |
100% |
100% |
|
NHL Norris |
90.5% |
96.4% |
|
NBA All Star Game MVP |
89.5% |
91.7% |
|
NHL Conn Smythe |
74.2% |
85.4% |
|
NFL AP Offensive Player of the Year |
73.1% |
79.4% |
|
NHL Lady Byng |
63.8% |
76.0% |
|
NFL Super Bowl MVP |
60.6% |
64.9% |
|
NBA Defensive Player of the Year |
58.3% |
56.5% |
|
NBA Rookie of the Year |
56.5% |
56.5% |
|
NFL Pro Bowl MVP |
52.3% |
54.8% |
|
MLB Lou Gehrig Award |
51.9% |
51.9% |
|
MLB Roberto Clemente Award |
47.4% |
47.4% |
|
MLB/NL/AL Cy Young Award |
44.4% |
55.4% |
|
MLB Babe Ruth Award |
37.0% |
39.3% |
|
NHL Frank J. Selke Trophy |
33.3% |
36.7% |
|
MLB Hutch Award |
33.1% |
33.1% |
|
NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year |
28.6% |
28.6% |
|
MLB Edgar Martinez Award |
26.7% |
17.2% |
|
MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Designated Hitter) |
25.0% |
30.8% |
|
MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Shortstop) |
23.5% |
52.6% |
|
MLB (NL/AL) Gold Glove |
21.7% |
36.8% |
|
NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year |
20.6% |
20.6% |
|
MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Catcher) |
20.0% |
22.5% |
|
MLB (NL/AL) Gold Glove (Second Base) |
18.8% |
39.8% |
|
MLB (NL/AL) Gold Glove (Shortstop) |
18.2% |
35.1% |
|
MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Pitcher) |
18.2% |
20.1% |
|
MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Second Base) |
16.7% |
32.7% |
|
MLB (NL/AL) Gold Glove (Outfield) |
16.7% |
30.1% |
|
MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Outfield) |
15.7% |
25.2% |
|
MLB (NL/AL) Gold Glove (Third Base) |
14.3% |
14.3% |
|
MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (Third Base) |
13.6% |
14.3% |
|
MLB (NL/AL) Silver Slugger (First Base) |
13.6% |
13.3% |
|
MLB (NL/AL) Rookie of the Year |
13.3% |
13.3% |
|
MLB (NL/AL) Gold Glove (Catcher) |
10.3% |
15.2% |
|
NBA Most Improved Player of the Year |
5.3% |
3.2% |
|
MLB (NL/AL) Gold Glove (First Base) |
3.8% |
3.2% |
So, who is up next?
The following are the players who have won the Offensive Player of the Year Award in the National Football League who have retired but have not met the mandatory years out of the game to qualify for the Pro Football Hall of Fame:
Peyton Manning, Indianapolis Colts, Quarterback(2004)
This was the second of Peyton Manning’s seven First Team All-Pro Selections and he would do so by throwing a league-leading 49 Touchdown Passes on 4,557 Yards. The OPOY was one of many awards that the Colts Quarterback would collect in 2004 as he was also the PFWA MVP, AP MVP and the Bert Bell Award winner. Manning is eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2021.
Chris Johnson, Tennessee Titans, Running Back(2009)
The 2,006 Rushing Yards would bring Chris Johnson to the exclusive 2G Rushing Club, but while he wasn’t expected to repeat it, he never came very close. No matter. In this season, Johnson also led the NFL in Yards From Scrimmage with 2,509 Yards. Johnson is eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2023.
Peyton Manning, Denver Broncos, Quarterback (2)(2013)
Manning was in his second season with the Denver Broncos and he would set a career-high with 5,477 Passing Yards and 55 Touchdown Passes. This year would be his seventh and final First Team All-Pro and he would also win the AP MVP, PFWA MVP and the Bert Bell Award. Manning is eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2021.
DeMarco Murray, Dallas Cowboys, Running Back(2014)
Murray would lead the NFL in Rushing Yards (1,845), Rushing Touchdowns (13) and Yards From Scrimmage (2,261). This would be his only season as a First Team All-Pro and he would retire with 9,339 Yards From Scrimmage. Johnson is eligible for the Hall of Fame in 2023.
The following are the players who have won the Offensive Player of the Year Award who are still active.
Tom Brady, New England Patriots, Quarterback (2007)
In 2007, Tom Brady would lead the NFL in Passing Yards with a career high 4,806 and 50 Touchdown Passes. By this time, Brady already has won three Super Bowls and in 2007, he would win the AP and PFWA MVP as well as the Bert Bell Award. 41 Years Old, Playing for the New England Patriots.
Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints, Quarterback (2008)
Brees threw for his first 5,000 Yard Season (5,069) and this was the first time that he led the NFL in Touchdown Passes (34). This was the season that cemented Brees as a bona fide elite Quarterback in the National Football League. 40 Years Old, Playing for the New Orleans Saints.
Tom Brady, New England Patriots, Quarterback (2) (2010)
Brady returns to this accolade with an NFL leading 36 Touchdown Passes. This was also his second First Team All-Pro Selection and he would also win the AP and PFWA MVP. 41 Years Old, Playing for the New England Patriots.
Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints, Quarterback (2) (2011)
In 2011, Brees threw for a career-highs of 5,476 Yards and 46 Touchdown Passes and took the Saints to a 13-3 record. The Quarterback was also chosen for his seventh Pro Bowl. 40 Years Old, Playing for the New Orleans Saints.
Adrian Peterson, Minnesota Vikings, Running Back (2012)
This was the season where Adrian Peterson would become one of the members of the 2,000 Rushing Yard Club with a season of 2,097 Yards. A.P. was not surprisingly also the NFL leader in Yards From Scrimmage (2,314) and the Running Back would also win the AP and PFWA MVP and the Bert Bell Award. This season would see him also make his third of four First Team All-Pros. 34 Years Old, Playing for the Washington Redskins.
Cam Newton, Carolina Panthers, Quarterback (2015)
Newton would take the Panthers to the Super Bowl that season and he would earn what is to date his first First Team All-Pro Selection. Newton threw for 3,837 Yards and 35 Touchdowns and also rushed for another 636 Yards and 10 TDs. Newton would also be awarded the AP MVP, PFWA MVP and Bert Bell Award. 31 Years Old, Playing for the Carolina Panthers.
Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons, Quarterback (2016)
Ryan set career-highs with 4,944 Passing Yards and 38 Touchdown Passes and to date this is the only First Team All-Pro Selection. He would also win the AP MVP, PFWA MVP and the Bert Bell Award. 34 Years Old, Playing for the Atlanta Falcons.
Todd Gurley, Los Angeles Rams, Running Back (2017)
Gurley was a First Team All-Pro for the first time in his career, and he would lead the NFL in Rushing Touchdowns with 13. He would also top the NFL with 2,093 Yards From Scrimmage, 19 Touchdowns and an Approximate Value of 19. 25 Years Old, Playing for the Los Angeles Rams.
Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs, Quarterback (2018)
In his first season as a starting Quarterback, Mahomes shattered all lofty expectations with a league leading 50 Touchdown passes on 5,097 Passing Yards. He would also be named the AP and PFWA Player of the Year. 24 Years Old, Playing for the Kansas City Chiefs.
It certainly appears that the Offensive Player of the Year Award is a huge springboard to Canton immortality.
How do you do the Offensive Player of the Year without going to the defensive side of the same idea? That is what we are doing next!
As always, we thank you for that support and look for that soon!
For us at Notinhalloffame.com, this is our march toward our Christmas. The Pro Football Hall of Fame has announced the Modern-Era Preliminary Nominees for the Class of 2020, a total of 122 former players.
To qualify, a player must have retired less than 25 years ago and at least 5 years ago:
The nominees are:
Quarterbacks:
Randall Cunningham: 1985-2001, PHI, MIN, DAL, BAL. Cunningham is a three-time Bert Bell Award winner a four-time Pro Bowl Selection. Ranked #33 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Jake Delhomme: 1999-11, NOR, CAR, HOU. Delhomme went to the Pro Bowl in 2005 and he would throw for over 20,000 Yards.
Boomer Esiason: 1984-97, CIN, NYJ, ARI. Esiason went to four Pro Bowls and in 1988 he was named the AP MVP. He would take the Bengals to a Super Bowl appearance and threw for over 37,000 Yards with 247 TDs. Ranked #74 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Jeff Garcia: 1999-09, SFO, CLE, DET, PHI, TAM. Garcia was a four-time Pro Bowler and would throw for over 25,000 Passing Yards.
Jeff Hostetler: 1985-97, NYG, RAI, OAK, WAS. Hostetler won two Super Bowls and was the winning Quarterback in Super Bowl XXV. He would later be a Pro Bowl in 1994 with the Raiders.
Dave Krieg: 1980-98, SEA, KAN, DET, ARI, CHI, TEN. Krieg went to three Pro Bowls with the Seahawks and threw for 38,147 Yards and 261 Touchdowns over a 19-year career. Ranked #89 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Donovan McNabb: 1999-01, PHI, WAS, MIN. McNabb took the Eagles to the Super Bowl and was a six-time Pro Bowler. He threw for 37,276 Yards with 234 Touchdowns and ran for another 3,459 Yards and 29 TDs. Ranked #67 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Running Backs:
Shaun Alexander: 2000-08, SEA, PHI. Alexander went to three straight Pro Bowls and in the last one he won the Rushing Title and was named the AP MVP. Alexander retired with 10,973 Yards From Scrimmage and 112 Touchdowns.
Mike Alstott: 1996-06, TAM. Alstott won a Super Bowl with the Bucs and was a six-time Pro Bowl and three-time First Team All-Pro. He would total 7,373 Yards From Scrimmage with 71 Touchdowns.
Tiki Barber: 1997-06, NYG. Barber rushed for over 10,000 Yards and was a three-time Pro Bowler. He also caught another 5,000 Yards and was a two-time leader in Yards From Scrimmage. Ranked #93 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Earnest Byner: 1984-97, CLE, WAS, BAL. Byner won a Super Bowl with the Washington Redskins and he was a two-time Pro Bowler. He would accumulate 12,866 Yards From Scrimmage with 71 Touchdowns over his career.
Larry Centers: 1990-03, PHO, ARI, WAS, BUF, NWE. Centers was a three-time Pro Bowl Selection and totalled 8,985 Yards From Scrimmage
Corey Dillon: 1997-06, CIN, NWE. Dillon won the Super Bowl with the Patriots and was a four-time Pro Bowl Selection. Dillon accumulated 13,335 All-Purpose Yards over his career.
Eddie George: 1996-04, HOU, TEN, DAL. George went to four straight Pro Bowls and was a First Team All-Pro in 2000. He would rush for 10,441 Yards.
Priest Holmes: 1997-07, BAL, KC. Winning the Super Bowl with the Baltimore Ravens, Holmes had greater individual success with the Chiefs where he was a three-time First Team All-Pro. He would tabulate 11,134 Yards From Scrimmage.
Edgerrin James: 1999-09, IND, ARI, SEA. James won the Rushing Titles in his first two years in the NFL and he would go on to accrue 12,246 Yards from the ground. He would have 15,610 Yards From Scrimmage and 91 Touchdowns in his career and was chosen for four Pro Bowls. This is James’ fourth time as a Finalist.
Daryl Johnston: 1989-99, DAL. “Moose” was the Fullback for the Cowboys team that won three Super Bowls in the 1990s. He would go to two Pro Bowls.
Thomas Jones: 2000-11, ARI, TAM, CHI, NYJ, KAN. Jones was a Pro Bowler in 2008 and he would have 10,591 Rushing Yards with 71 TDs.
Maurice Jones-Drew: 2006-14, JAX, OAK. Jones-Drew is entering his first year of eligibility and the long-time Jaguar won the Rushing Title in 2011. He would overall accumulate 11,111 Yards from Scrimmage with 79 Touchdowns.
Eric Metcalf: 1989-02, CLE, ATL, SDG, ARI, CAR, WAS, GNB. Incredibly versatile, Metcalf was also used as a Wide Receiver and Returner and the three-time Pro Bowler would total 17,230 All-Purpose Yards.
Lorenzo Neal: 1993-08, NOR, NYJ, TAM, TEN, CIN, SDG, BAL. Playing at Fullback, Neal would go to four Pro Bowls and was named to two First Team All-Pros.
Clinton Portis: 2002-10, WAS. Portis played his entire career with Washington and twice a Pro Bowler with 11,941 Yards From Scrimmage. He would also record 80 Touchdowns.
Fred Taylor: 1998-10, JAX, NWE. Taylor was a Pro Bowl Selection in 2007 and would accumulate 14,079 Yards From Scrimmage, 11,695 on the ground.
Herschel Walker: 1986-97, DAL, MIN, PHI, NYG. Walker was a two-time Pro Bowl Selection who had 13,084 Yards From Scrimmage with 82 Touchdowns. He is also the best player in USFL history, though we aren’t sure how much (if at all) the Pro Football Hall of Fame cares about that. Ranked #30 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Chris Warren: 1990-00, SEA, DAL, PHI. Warren went to three straight Pro Bowls from ’93 to ’95.
Ricky Watters: 1992-01, SFO, PHI, SEA. Watters was a Super Bowl Champion with the 49ers and he would go to the Pro Bowl in his first five years in the NFL. He would lead the NFL in Yards From Scrimmage in 1996 and would have 14,891 in total. Ranked #44 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Wide Receivers:
Isaac Bruce: 1994-04, LAR, STL, SFO. Bruce was a four-time Pro Bowl Selection who led the NFL in Receiving Yards in 1996. He finished his career with 15,208 Receiving Yards and is 5thall-time. His 91 Touchdown Receptions is 12thall-time. Bruce was a Finalist last year and has a Super Bowl Wing with the St. Louis Rams. Ranked #10 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Gary Clark: 1985-95, WAS, PHO, ARI, MIA. A two-time Super Bowl Champion with the Washington Redskins, Gary Clark went to four Pro Bowls and would record 10,856 Receiving Yards. Ranked #53 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Donald Driver: 1999-12, GNB. Driver was a Super Bowl Champion with the Packers where he would also go to three Pro Bowls. He would accumulate 10,137 Receiving Yards.
Henry Ellard: 1983-98, LAR, WAS, NWE. Ellard led the NFL in Receiving Yards in 1988 and was a three-time Pro Bowl as well as a two-time First Team All-Pro. He would have 13,777 Receiving Yards with 81 Touchdowns over his career. Ranked #95 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Torry Holt:1999-09, STL, JAX. A Super Bowl Champion with the St. Louis Rams, Holt went to seven Pro Bowls and led the NFL in Receiving Yards twice. He finished his career with 13,382 Yards and 74 TDs. Holt has previously been a Semi-Finalist. Ranked #11 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Chad Johnson: 2001-11, CIN, NWE. Johnson went to six Pro Bowls as a Bengal and he would accumulate 11,059 Receiving Yards, punching 67 of them into the end zone. “Ocho Cinco” was also a First Team All-Pro twice. Ranked #72 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Derrick Mason: 1997-11, TEN, BAL. Mason would record 12,061 Receiving Yards and was chosen for the Pro Bowl twice. Ranked #102 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Muhsin Muhammad: 1996-09, CAR, CHI. Muhammad led all NFL Wide Receivers in Yards in 2004, which was the season he was chosen as a First Team All-Pro. He would net 11,438 Receiving Yards in total.
Jimmy Smith: 1992-05, DAL, JAX. Smith was chosen for five consecutive Pro Bowls (1997-01) and in 1999 he led the NFL in Receptions. He would retire with 12,287 Receiving Yards and 67 Touchdowns. Ranked #96 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Rod Smith: 1995-06, DEN. Smith would win two Super Bowls with the Broncos and was a three-time Pro Bowl Selection. He recorded 11,389 Yards with 68 TDs. Ranked #51 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Hines Ward: 1998-11, PIT. Ward won two Super Bowls with the Steelers and was the MVP in one of them. A previous Semi-Finalist, he has four Pro Bowls, 85 Touchdowns and 12,083 Yards on his resume. Ranked #34 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Reggie Wayne: 2001-14, IND. Wayne won a Super Bowl with the Indianapolis Colts and was the Receiving Yards leader in 2007. A six-time Pro Bowler, Wayne’s 14,345 Yards ranks him 10thall-time. Ranked #5 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Tight Ends:
Dallas Clark: 2003-13, IND, TAM, BAL. Clark would win the Super Bowl with the Colts and was a First Team All-Pro and Pro Bowl Selection in 2009. He would record 5,665 Yards with 53 Touchdowns.
Ben Coates: 1991-00, NWE, BAL. Coates was a Pro Bowler in five straight years from 1994 to 1998 and was a two-time First Team All-Pro. He would accumulate 5,555 Yards with 50 Touchdowns. Ranked #78 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Keith Jackson: 1988-96, PHI, MIA, GNB. Jackson was a five-time Pro Bowl Selection and in his first three seasons in the NFL was a First Team All-Pro. He would have 5,283 Receiving Yards with 49 TDs. Ranked #63 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Brent Jones: 1987-97, SFO. Jones went to four Pro Bowls in a row (1992-95) and he was a three-time Super Champion with San Francisco. He accrued 5,195 Yards with 33 TDs over his career.
Jeremy Shockey: 2002-11, NYG, NO, CAR. Shockey would go to four Pro Bowls and was a First Team All-Pro as a rookie. He would later win a Super Bowl with the New Orleans Saints.
Wesley Walls: 1989-03, SFO, NOR, CAR, GNB. Walls was named to the Pro Bowl five times when he was with the Carolina Panthers. He would have 5,291 Yards with 54 TDs in his career.
Offensive Lineman:
Willie Anderson: 1996-08, CIN, BAL. Anderson was chosen for four Pro Bowls in a row (2003-06), with his last three being First Team All-Pro worthy.
Matt Birk: 1998-12, MIN, BAL. Birk is a Super Bowl Champion with the Baltimore Ravens and would prior have six Pro Bowls as a Minnesota Viking. Ranked #66 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Tony Boselli: 1995-01, JAX. Boselli was a Finalist for the last three years and he was a five-time Pro Bowl and three-time First Team All-Pro Selection. Ranked #49 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Lomas Brown: 1985-02, DET, ARI, CLE, NYG, TAM. Brown had seven straight Pro Bowls (1990-96) and in his last season in the NFL, he would win a Super Bowl with Tampa Bay.
Ray Donaldson: 1980-96, BAL, IND, SEA, DAL. Donaldson would be chosen for six Pro Bowls over his career.
Alan Faneca: 1998-10, PIT, NYJ, ARI. Faneca has been a Finalist for the last three years and he is a Super Bowl Champion with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He is also a nine-time Pro Bowl and a six-time First Team All-Pro. Ranked #3 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Kevin Gogan: 1987-00, DAL, RAI, OAK, SFO, MIA, SDG. Gogan was a two-time Super Bowl Champion with Dallas and would also go to three Pro Bowls.
Jordan Gross: 2003-13, CAR. A career Carolina Panther, Jordan Gross went to three Pro Bowls and was a First Team All-Pro in 2008.
Chris Hinton: 1985-95, IND, ATL, MIN. Hinton went to seven Pro Bowls and was a First Team All-Pro in 1993. Ranked #94 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Kent Hull: 1986-96, BUF. Hull was a three-time Pro Bowl and two-time First Team All-Pro.
Steve Hutchinson: 2001-12, SEA, MIN, TEN. Hutchinson has been a Finalist the last two years and he is a seven-time Pro Bowl and five-time First Team All-Pro. Ranked #22 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Lincoln Kennedy: 1993-03, ATL, OAK. Kennedy was a three-time Pro Bowler with the Raiders and would be a First Team All-Pro once.
Olin Kreutz: 1998-11, CHI, NOR. Kreutz went to six Pro Bowls and was also a one-time First Team All-Pro. Ranked #60 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Chris Samuels: 2000-09, WAS. Samuels went to six Pro Bowls in a career spent only as a Redskin.
Jeff Saturday: 1999-02, IND, GNB. Saturday won a Super Bowl with the Colts and he was a six-time Pro Bowl and two-time First Team All-Pro. Ranked #84 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Brian Waters: Waters would go to six Pro Bowls and was named to two First Team All-Pros. Ranked #100 on Notinhalloffame.com
Richmond Webb: 1990-02, MIA, CIN. Webb was a Pro Bowl Selection in his first seven seasons with two of them earning First Team All-Pro nods.
Erik Williams: 1991-01, DAL, BAL. Williams won three Super Bowls with Dallas and he went to four Pro Bowls.
Steve Wisniewski: 1989-01, RAI, OAK. A previous Semi-Finalist, Wisniewski played his entire career with the Raiders and he was an eight-time Pro Bowl and two-time First Team All-Pro. Ranked #21 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Defensive Linemen:
John Abraham: Recording 133.5 Sacks, Abraham was a five-time Pro Bowl and two-time Second Team All-Pro. He is in his first year of eligibility. Ranked #40 on Notinhalloffame.com.
La’Roi Glover: 1996-08, OAK, NOR, DAL, STL. Glover was a six-time Pro Bowl Selection and in 2000 he would lead the NFL in Sack and was also a First Team All-Pro that year.
Casey Hampton: 2001-12, PIT. Hampton played his entire career with the Steelers where he won two Super Bowls and was chosen for five Pro Bowls.
Chester McGlockton: 1992-03, RAI, OAK, KAN, DEN, NYJ. McGlockton’s four Pro Bowls were with the Raiders and were consecutive from 1994 to 1997. 1995 would see him earn a First Team All-Pro Selection.
Leslie O’Neal: 1986-99, SDG, STL, KAN. O’Neal was a six-time Pro Bowler during his tenure with the Chargers.
Simeon Rice: 1996-07, ARI, TAM, IND, DEN. Rice won a Super Bowl with the Buccaneers and was a three-time Pro Bowler.
Richard Seymour: 2001-12, NWE, OAK. Seymour won three Super Bowls with the Patriots and was a seven-time Pro Bowl and three-time First Team All-Pro Selection. Seymour was a Finalist last year. Ranked #47 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Justin Smith: 2001-14, CIN, SFO. Smith went on a five-year streak in the second half of his career of Pro Bowls (2009-14) and was a one-time First Team All-Pro in the middle of it. Ranked #101 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Neil Smith: 1988-00, KAN, DEN, SDG. Smith would go to six Pro Bowls and was also a First Team All-Pro in 1993. He would also win two Super Bowls with the Denver Broncos. Ranked #39 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Greg Townsend: 1983-97, RAI, PHI, OAK. Townsend is a Super Bowl Champion with the Raiders and would be named to two Pro Bowls.
Bryant Young: 1994-07, SFO. Young won a Super Bowl with the 49ers and he would be chosen for four Pro Bowls.
Linebackers:
Carl Banks: 1984-95, NYG, WAS, CLE. Banks won two Super Bowls with the New York Giants and he was a Pro Bowl and First Team All-Pro in 1987.
Cornelius Bennett: 1987-00, BUF, ATL, IND. Bennett would go to five Pro Bowls and he was a First Team All-Pro in 1988.
Lance Briggs: 2003-14, CHI. Briggs went to seven straight Pro Bowls (2005-11) and he was a First Team All-Pro in the first year of that streak. He is in his first year of eligibility. Ranked #80 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Tedy Bruschi: 1996-08, NWE. Bruschi won three Super Bowls with the Patriots and was a Pro Bowler in 2004.
James Farrior: 1997-11, NYJ, PIT. Farrior was a two-time Super Bowl Champion with the Pittsburgh Steelers, where he would also go to two Pro Bowls.
London Fletcher: 1998-13, STL, BUF, WAS. Fletcher would win a Super Bowl early in his career with the Rams and late on his career, he would make the Pro Bowl four years in a row as a Redskin. He would accumulate over 2,000 Combined Tackles over his career. Ranked #62 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Seth Joyner: 1986-98, PHI, ARI, GNB, DEN. Joyner was a three-time Pro Bowler and would win a Super Bowl late in his career with the Packers.
Wilber Marshall: 1984-95, CHI, WAS, HOU, ARI, NYJ. Marshall was a Super Bowl Champion with both the Chicago Bears and Washington Redskins and he would go to three Pro Bowls.
Clay Matthews: 1978-96, CLE, ATL. Matthews played 278 Games and would go to four Pro Bowls while playing for the Cleveland Browns.
Willie McGinest: 1994-08, NWE, CLE. McGinest would win three Super Bowls with the New England Patriots and was named to two Pro Bowls.
Sam Mills: 1986-97, NOR, CAR. Mills was chosen for five Pro Bowls and one First Team All-Pro. Ranked #54 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Chris Spielman: 1988-97, DET, BUF. Spielman would lead the NFL in Tackles in 1994 and was a four-time Pro Bowl and one-time First Team All-Pro.
Takeo Spikes: 1998-12, CIN, BUF, PHI, SFO, SDG. Spikes was chosen for two Pro Bowls and was a First Team All-Pro in 2004.
Darryl Talley: 1983-86, BUF, ATL, MIN. Talley was a Pro Bowl Selection twice.
Zach Thomas: 1996-08, MIA. Thomas is an eight-time Pro Bowl and five-time First Team All-Pro who has twice led the NFL in Tackles. He has been a Semi-Finalist before.
Jessie Tuggle: 1987-00, ATL. Tuggle would lead the NFL in Tackles four times and he is first all-time in Solo Tackles with 1,640. He went to five Pro Bowls.
Patrick Willis: 2007-14, SFO. Willis retired before the age of 30 and is now in his first year of eligibility. The career 49er led the league in Tackles twice and is a seven-time Pro Bowl and five-time First Team All-Pro. Ranked #16 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Defensive Backs:
Eric Allen: 1988-01, PHI, NOR, OAK. Allen secured 54 Interceptions and would have six Pro Bowl Seasons, with one of them earning a First Team All-Pro Selection. Ranked #38 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Steve Atwater: 1989-99, DEN, NYJ. A Finalist last year, Steve Atwater had 1,180 Tackles with eight Pro Bowl Seasons. He would also win two Super Bowls with the Broncos and is a two-time First Team All-Pro. Ranked #7 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Ronde Barber: 1997-12, TAM. Barber helped the Tampa Bay Buccaneers win their only Super Bowl and he would record 47 Interceptions and 1,231 Tackles. A five-time Pro Bowl and three-time First Team All-Pro, Barber has been a Semi-Finalist. Ranked #9 on Notinhalloffame.com.
LeRoy Butler: 1990-01, GNB. Butler won a Super Bowl with the Packers and in all four of his Pro Bowl Selections, he would also be named a First Team All-Pro. He has been a Semi-Finalist in the past. Ranked #71 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Nick Collins: 2005-11, GNB. Collins won a Super Bowl with the Green Bay Packers and was a Pro Bowler three times. He would lead the NFL in Interception Return Yards in 2008.
Merton Hanks: 1991-98, SFO, SEA. Hanks won a Super Bowl with the Niners and was also a Pro Bowl Selection four times.
Rodney Harrison: 1994-08, SDG, NWE. Harrison won two Super Bowls with the New England Patriots and he was a Pro Bowl and First Team All-Pro twice.
Albert Lewis: 1983-98, KAN, RAI, OAK. Lewis would record 42 Interceptions and he was a four-time Pro Bowler. He also had two First Team All-Pro Selections.
John Lynch: 1993-07, TAM, DEN. A Finalist for the last six years, Lynch won a Super Bowl with the Buccaneers and was a Pro Bowl Selection nine times. He also was a First Team All-Pro twice. Ranked #29 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Terry McDaniel: 1988-98, RAI, OAK, SEA. McDaniel went to five straight Pro Bowls with the Raiders from 1992 to 1996.
Tim McDonald: 1987-99, STL, PHO, SFO. McDonald recorded 40 Interceptions and was a six-time Pro Bowler. He would win a Super Bowl with the 49ers.
Troy Polamalu: 2003-14, PIT. Polamalu is entering his first year of eligibility and he is a former 2010 AP Defensive Player of the Year. Polamalu played his entire career with the Steelers and helped them win two Super Bowls. Individually, he is an eight-time Pro Bowl and four-time First Team All-Pro Selection. Ranked #8 on Notinhalloffame.com.
Bob Sanders: 2004-11, IND, SDG. Sanders only played 50 Games but was the 2009 Defensive Player of the Year and is the owner of a Super Bowl Ring with the Colts.
Troy Vincent: 1992-06, MIA, PHI, BUF, WAS. Vincent’s five Pro Bowls would all come consecutively when he was with the Eagles. He would earn First Team All-Pro honors in 2002.
Darren Woodson: 1992-03, DAL. A part of the Cowboys three Super Bowl Titles in the early 90s, Woodson was a five-time Pro Bowl and three-time First Team All-Pro. He has been a Semi-Finalist before.
Place Kickers:
David Akers: 1998-13, PHI, SFO, DET. Akers was a six-time Pro Bowl and two-time First Team All-Pro Selection.
Gary Anderson: 1982-04, PIT, PHI, SFO, MIN, TEN. Anderson went to four Pro Bowls and at the time of his retirement, he was the all-time leader in Points Scored and Field Goals Made.
Jason Elam: 1993-09, DEN, ATL. Elam won two Super Bowls with Denver and is a three-time Pro Bowler.
Jason Hanson: 1992-12, DET. Hanson played his entire career with the Detroit Lions and was chosen for two Pro Bowls. He is fourth all-time in Points Scored and Field Goals Made.
Ryan Longwell: 1997-12, GNB, MIN, SEA. Longwell is 17thall-time in Field Goals Made.
Nick Lowery: 1978-96, KC, NYJ. Lowery is a three-time Pro Bowl and two-time First Team All-Pro. He is 13thall-time in Field Goals Made.
Punters:
Jeff Feagles: 1988-09, NEW, PHI, ARI, SEA, NYG. Feagles was a two-time Pro Bowler and won a Super Bowl with the Giants.
Sean Landeta: 1985-05, NYG, LAR, STL, TAM, GNB, PHI. Landeta won two Super Bowls with the Giants and was chosen for three First Team All-Pros. He is currently third all-time in Punting Yards.
Reggie Roby: 1983-98, MIA, WAS, TAM, HOU, TEN, SFO. Roby went to three Pro Bowls and two First Team All-Pros.
Rohn Stark: 1982-97, BAL, IND, PIT, CAR, SEA. Stark was a four-time Pro Bowl and one-time First Team All-Pro.
Matt Turk: 1995-11, WAS, MIA, NYJ, STL, HOU, JAX. Turk’s three Pro Bowls were consecutive from 1996 to 1998. He was a First Team All-Pro in ’95.
Special Teams:
Johnny Bailey (PR/KR/RB): 1990-95, CHI, PHO, LAR, STL. Bailey was a one-time Pro Bowl Selection and he accumulated 6,027 All-Purpose Yards.
Josh Cribbs (PR/KR/WR): 2005-14, CLE, NYJ, IND. Cribbs was a three-time Pro Bowl and one-time First Team All-Pro and collected 15,453 All-Purpose Yards. This is his first year of eligibility.
Mel Gray (PR/KR/WR): 1986-97, NOR, DET, HOU, TEN, PHI. Gray was chosen for four Pro Bowls and three First Team All-Pros. He would accrue 13,279 All-Purpose Yards.
Brian Mitchell (KR/PR/RB): 1990-03, WAS, PHI, NYG. Mitchell was a one-time Pro Bowl recipient and a four-time leader in All-Purpose Yards. He totaled 23,330 in APY, and is second all-time in that statistic.
Steve Tasker (ST/WR): 1985-97, HOU, BUF. Tasker is a seven-time Pro Bowl Selection at Special Teams. Ranked #88 on Notinhalloffame.com.
There are a few immediate reactions. The first is that unlike in years past, there are no Coaches listed. It was announced that Seniors, Contributors and Senior Finalists will be led by a special 25-member Blue-Ribbon panel. This is very different from in years past as Senior Candidates and Contributor Finalists were announced in August or September. Coaches had always been part of the Preliminary Nominee List. Not this year!
Special Teams players are well represented on this preliminary list, which is atypical of what we have seen in the past. Whether or not this could result in one of them making the Semi-Finalist cut remains to be seen.
There are eight first-year nominees in this group consisting of Abraham, Briggs, Cribbs, Jones-Drew, Polamalu, J. Smith, Wayne and Willis.
With all due respect to many of these candidates, there are several of these Preliminary Nominees that have no realistic chance for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
With all of that being said, this is by far one of our favorite Halls of Fame. We love the multiple stages that they have and in terms of transparency, the Pro Football Hall of Fame is certainly more so than most of them.
We can’t stress enough how special this year is for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. As most of you aware, this is the 100thAnniversary of the National Football League and the Hall of Fame Board will be celebrating this with a special Centennial Class of 20 members for 2020. The group will comprise of five Modern-Era Players, 10 Senior Candidates, three Contributors and two Coaches.
According to the Pro Football Hall of Fame website, this is planned for only 2020 only.
The Semi-Finalists for the Modern-Era Players will be announced in November.
We here at Notinhalloffame.com are thrilled with this year’s plan for the Pro Football Hall of Fame plans for 2020, and we will be watching!
We are excited here at Notinhalloffame.com that we are unveiling a new section, which looks at the top active players in the big four of sports and how they are positioned at the start of each seasons in regards to Hall of Fame credentials.
We are beginning with Pro Football, and how perfect is that considering the seasons kicks off this week. Rather than list everyone directly, we have isolated them based on their position and with the exception of Special Teams, we have created a new stat based on the last five modern players (not senior inductees) of their respective position and how the current player compares with that.
This will be updated annually, so this 100 was finalized this week. We will not be updating again until the end of the season.
The new section begins here
We here at Notinhalloffame.com would like to thank you all for your continued support and we hope that you enjoy this new section!
We have seen a lot lately of Donovan McNabb and his plight for the Pro Football Hall of Fame, from Terrell Owens simply saying “Who?” when asked about McNabb and McNabb himself comparing his stats to Troy Aikman and saying that he is a Hall of Famer.
McNabb’s candidacy has been much aligned by critics and fans and even on our site, he has not received a lot of support.
He does, however, have a great fan for his potential Hall of Fame bust in his former coach Andy Reid, who had this to say:
“Listen, I’m his biggest fan. I was there. I know he belongs there. You talk about the great players in the National Football League? Five championship games, a Super Bowl? All those things? Good football player. Great football player, and did some things that weren’t being done at that particular time in a lot of areas. I think the world of him.”
Reid makes a lot of good points, but they seem to have gone on deaf ears in terms of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. McNabb has yet to be a Semi-Finalist and based on history it does not seem that he will be chosen this year.
Either way, we will be paying attention.
As we approach the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Saturday, we have been working on our future eligible section. As football players don’t always retire after they played their last game (usually to see if they can land another job while sitting out as a free agent) we aren’t able to immediately add them.
With that being the case, we have added to our site, 2023 Pro Football Hall of Fame eligible list.
The people eligible for the Pro Football Hall of Fame whom we are featuring are:
Alterraun Verner: Verner would be named to the Pro Bowl at Cornerback in 2013 when he was with the Tennessee Titans.
Brian Cushing: The Linebacker was the Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2009, but this would be the only year that the career Houston Texan would be named to the Pro Bowl.
Carson Palmer: Palmer was a three-time Pro Bowl Quarterback who led the NFL in Touchdown Passes in 2005.
Chris Johnson: Johnson was the Offensive Player of the Year in 2009 and the Running Back would go on to three Pro Bowls.
Cliff Avril: Avril was a Pro Bowl Linebacker in 2016 and was a Super Bowl Champion with the Seattle Seahawks.
Danny Woodhead: Woodhead was a popular and undrafted Running Back who would have nearly 5,000 Yards from Scrimmage.
Darrelle Revis: Revis was the greeter of “Revis Island”, where the Cornerback would be named to seven Pro Bowls and four First Team All-Pros. Revis would win a Super Bowl with the New England Patriots.
Darren McFadden: McFadden played at Running Back where he would have 7,535 Yards from Scrimmage.
DeAngelo Hall: Hall would become a three-time Pro Bowl Defensive Back.
DeMarco Murray: Murray was explosive in 2014 where the Running Back would be named the Offensive Player of the Year. He was also a three-time Pro Bowl Selection.
Dwight Freeney: Freeney was a First Team All-Pro Defensive End three times and he would be named to seven Pro Bowls. Freeney won the Super Bowl with the Indianapolis Colts and he retired with 125.5 Quarterback Sacks.
Elvis Dumervil: At Defensive End, Dumervil was a five-time Pro Bowl and two-time First Team All-Pro who led the NFL in Sacks in 2009. He retried with 105.5 Sacks over his career.
Eric Decker: The Wide Receiver would have over 50 Receiving Touchdowns over his career.
Eric Weems: Weems would record over 5,000 Return Yards and was 2010 Pro Bowl Selection.
Eric Wood: Wood would be a Pro Bowl Selection at 2015 at the Center Position.
James Harrison: Harrison was the Defensive Player of the Year in 2008 and was a five-time and two-time First Team All-Pro. The Linebacker would help the Pittsburgh Steelers win two Super Bowls.
Jay Cutler: Cutler would throw for over 35,000 Yards and was a Pro Bowl Selection in 2008.
Jeremy Maclin: Maclin played at Wide Receiver and he had five straight years of 800 Yards.
Joe Thomas: Thomas played his entire career at Left Tackle for the Cleveland Browns where he was an 11-time Pro Bowl and a six-time First Team All-Pro Selection.
John Kuhn: Kuhn was a three-time Pro Bowl Fullback who would win two Super Bowls, one with Pittsburgh and one with the Green Bay Packers.
Julius Thomas: Thomas was a two-time Pro Bowl Tight End.
Kam Chancellor: Chancellor helped the Seattle Seahawks win the Super Bowl and the Strong Safety was a four-time Pro Bowler.
Martellus Bennett: Bennett was a Pro Bowl Tight End in 2014 and a Super Bowl Champion with the New England Patriots.
Matt Forte: Forte was a two-time Pro Bowl Running Back who retired with 9,796 Rushing Yards and another 4,672 Yards from Receiving.
NaVorro Bowman: Bowman was a First Team All-Pro Linebacker who would lead the NFL in Tackles in 2015.
Paul Pozluszny: Pozluszny was a Pro Bowl Linebacker in 2013.
Shane Lechler: Lechler was the best Punter of his era, going to seven Pro Bowls and earning six First Team All-Pro Selections.
Tamba Hali: Hali would have 89.5 Sacks over his career and the career Kansas City Chief would go to five Pro Bowls.
Terence Newman: Newman was a two-time Cornerback.
The entire group eligible for 2023 can be found here.
As always, we encourage you to vote and state your opinion.
Thank you again for your support!
As we approach the Pro Football Hall of Fame induction ceremony on Saturday, we have been working on our future eligible section. As football players don’t always retire after they played their last game (usually to see if they can land another job while sitting out as a free agent) we aren’t able to immediately add them.
With that being the case, here are some new additions to the 2022 Pro Football Hall of Fame eligible list.
Antonio Smith: Smith played on the Defensive Line where he was a 2011 Pro Bowler with the Houston Texans.
Darrell Stuckey: Stuckey played at Safety for his entire career with the San Diego Chargers where he was a Pro Bowl Selection in 2014.
Dashon Goldson: Goldson would twice be name to the Pro Bowl (2011 & 2012), the latter of which seeing the Free Safety win the First Team All-Pro.
DeAngelo Williams: Williams was an eleven-year veteran, all with the Carolina Panthers and he was a Pro Bowl Selection in 2009.
D’Qwell Jackson: Jackson was a Pro Bowl Linebacker in 2014 and he would lead the NFL in Solo Tackles in 2011.
Gary Barnidge: Barnidge was a Pro Bowl Tight End in 2015.
Jon Dorenbos: Dorenbos was a two-time Pro Bowl Long Snapper.
Marc Mariani: Mariani would be named to the Pro Bowl as a Returner in 2010.
Mario Williams: Williams was the first overall pick in 2006 and would become a four-time Pro Bowl Selection.
Michael Griffin: Griffin would go to two Pro Bowls at Free Safety as a Tennessee Titan.
Paul Soliai: Soliai was a Pro Bowler in 2011.
Roman Harper: Harper was a two-time Pro Bowler and would win the Super Bowl with the New Orleans Saints.
Ryan Matthews: Matthews was a Pro Bowl Running Back in 2011 and he would have two 1,000 Rushing Yard seasons.
Trent Cole: Cole was a two-time Pro Bowl Linebacker (2007 & 2009) who would accumulate 90.5 Quarterback Sacks.
Victor Cruz: Crus would win a Super Bowl with the New York Giants and was a Pro Bowl Selection in 2012.
This group joins A.J. Hawk, Andre Johnson, Anquan Boldin, Antonio Cromartie, Arian Foster, Branden Albert, Brandon Flowers, Chad Greenway, Chris Chester, DeMarcus Ware, Devin Hester, Evan Mathis, Jake Long, James Laurinaitis, Jeremy Zuttah, Jerome Felton, Jordan Cameron, Josh Brown, Justin Forcett, Nick Mangold, Pat McAfee, Percy Harvin, Robert Mathis, Ryan Clady, Steve Smith, Tony Romo, Vince Wilfolk and Vincent Jackson who are already featured.
The entire group eligible for 2022 can be found here.
As always, we encourage you to vote and state your opinion.
Thank you again for your support!
TMZ brings us more Hall of Fame related news as it caught up with Terrell Owens who was asked about Donovan McNabb’s claim that he should be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
He answered with one word:
“Who?”
There is a lot of shade in that one-word answer isn’t there?
McNabb and Owens played together in the 2004 and 2005 Season where they feuded with one another. The Wide Receiver would be injured late in the 2004 season but returned early to assist the Eagles in the Super Bowl where he caught nine passes for 122 Yards. McNabb would throw for three TDs, but also three Interceptions and when Owens would seek a renegotiation of his contract quipped that “he didn’t get tired at the Super Bowl”. Owens made other comments through the 2005 season and he was suspended by the team and would be released on March of 2006.
He would later claim that he left Philadelphia because “McNabb didn’t want him there.”
Owens was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame last year on his third year of eligibility. He famously criticized the Hall for not selecting him in his first two years and he did not attend the ceremony, choosing to hold his own festivities at his alumni, Tennessee-Chattanooga. As for McNabb, he has never been a Finalist.
We love this and can’t wait to see what HOF comments TMZ will uncover next!
As we here at Notinhalloffame.com consistently work hard to create new lists we have to continuously update the ones that we have. One of our main core lists, the Football List of those to consider for the Pro Football Hall of Fame has been updated.
The first step for us is to take out all of those who were chosen for the Hall. This takes out Tony Gonzalez (#1), Champ Bailey (#2), Ed Reed (#3), Johnny Robinson (#7), Kevin Mawae (#16) and Ty Law (#28).
The second step is to add those who are now eligible. As we have a Football Futuressection that allows you to vote and make comments prior to their eligibility we factor that input before we slot in the new entries.
This leads to our third step, which is taking in your votes and comments on the existing names on the list and altering our rankings if deemed necessary.
The entire list can be found here, but on this page the new top ten are:
For the first time, Chuck Howley moved to the top. The former Linebacker and Super Bowl V MVP was a six time Pro Bowl and five time First Team All Pro Selection. He was ranked at #5 last year.
L.C. Greenwood rocketed to #2 from #6. Greenwood played for the Pittsburgh Steelers all of his career and was a member of the dynasty that won four Super Bowls in the 1970’s. The Defensive End was a six time Pro Bowl Selection and he was a Finalists for the Hall of Fame on six occasions.
Alan Faneca went up from #4 to #3. The Offensive Lineman was a nine time Pro Bowl and six time First Team All Pro and helped the Steelers win Super Bowl XL. He has been a Finalist the last four years.
Former NFL Defensive Player of the Year (1978) Randy Gradisharjumps from #8 to #4. The former Denver Bronco would be chosen for seven Pro Bowls, five First Team All Pros and was a Finalist for the Hall of Fame twice.
Our highest new entry is also our highest rated offensive skill player in former Wide Receiver, Reggie Wayne. Wayne helped the Colts win Super Bowl XLI and caught 1,070 Receptions with 14,345 Yards. He was a six time Pro Bowl Selection who led the NFL in Receiving Yards in 2007.
Roger Craig went from #9 to #6. The versatile Running Back helped the San Francisco 49ers win three Super Bowls and he was the NFL Offensive Player of the Year in 1988. He made history as the first player to rush for 1,000 Yards and catch for 1,000 Yards.
Steve Atwater increased his rank from #12 to #7. “The Smilin’ Assassin” and former Denver Bronco was first a Finalist in 2016 and was against this year. The Defensive Back was an eight time Pro Bowler and two time Super Bowl Champion.
Troy Polamalu is the second new entry to break our top ten. Spending his entire career with the Pittsburgh Steelers, Polamalu was chosen for eight Pro Bowls, four First Team All Pros and was the 2010 Defensive Player of the Year. He helped Pittsburgh win the Super Bowl twice.
Former Super Bowl Champion with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Ronde Barber is #9 after climbing from #11. The Defensive Back was chosen for five Pro Bowls and was the league leader in Interceptions in 2001.
Rounding out the top ten is Isaac Bruce, the former St. Louis Rams Wide Receiver of their “Greatest Show on Turf”. Bruce was a former Super Bowl Champion who caught 1,024 Passes for 15,208 Yards and 91 Touchdowns. He would go to four Pro Bowls.
There are other new entries on out Notinhalloffame.com Football List. Also making their debut are:
Patrick Willis comes in at #16. Playing his entire career with the San Francisco 49ers the Linebacker would be invited to seven Pro Bowls and five First Team All Pros.
John Abraham makes his first appearance at #40. Abraham is in the top 15 all time in Quarterback Sacks, Tackles for Loss and Forced Fumbles and he was a five time Pro Bowl Selection.
Former Chicago Bear Linebacker Lance Briggs enters at #80. He was a seven time Pro Bowl Selection.
The final new entry is Justin Smith at #101. Smith is a five time Pro Bowl Selection.
As you will see, there are 103 names on this list. Our intent is to eventually grow it to 250 (or possibly more) so as we are adding and subtracting names, we feel leaving it at this number is fine for now.
You know what we want you to do!
Take a look at our revised list and cast your votes and offer your opinions!
As always we here at Notinhalloffame.com would like to thank you for your support.
This has always been one of our favorite days at Notinhalloffame.com as while we prepare for the Super Bowl the Pro Football Hall of Fame also decides the next Hall of Fame Class. It is a class dedicated to the defensive side of the ball, mostly the secondary, which has traditionally been overlooked by Canton.
The Class of 2019 is:
Champ Bailey: Bailey gets in on his first year of eligibility and was a twelve time Pro Bowl Selection. Bailey played for the Washington Redskins from 1999 to 2003 and was with the Denver Broncos from 2004 to 2013. The three time Frist Team All Pro would lead the NFL in Interceptions in 2006 and he would tally 52 in total.
Pat Bowlen: Bowlen purchased the Denver Broncos in 1984 and he would serve as the team’s CEO until 2014 when he stepped down due to the progression of Alzheimer’s Disease. Under Bowlen’s leadership, the Broncos became a power in the American Football Conference winning the AFC Championship seven times and the Super Bowl three times.
Gil Brandt: Brandt is credited with revolutionizing scouting and he served as an Executive for the Los Angeles Rams, San Francisco 49ers and the Dallas Cowboys, the latter of which he helped to create an empire.
Ed Reed: Reed enters on his first ballot and he joins fellow Ravens teammates, Ray Lewis and Jonathan Ogden in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. A nine time Pro Bowler, Reed was a former Defensive Player of the Year.
Tony Gonzalez: Easily the most productive Tight End of all-time, Tony Gonzalez enjoyed a 17 year career where his 1,325 Receptions and 15,127 Receiving Yards are by far the most of any NFL player at his position. Now a successful broadcaster, Gonzalez was a 14 time Pro Bowl and 6 time First Team All Pro.
Ty Law: A vital part of the New England Patriots’ success, Ty Law was a two time Interception leader, three time Super Bowl Champion and five time Pro Bowl Selection.
Kevin Mawae: An Offensive Lineman for the Seattle Seahawks, New York Jets and Tennessee Titans, Mawae went to eight Pro Bowls and was chosen for seven First Team All Pro honors.
Johnny Robinson: Robinson was this year’s Senior Candidate and he brought a resume where he was a three time AFL Champion with the Dallas Texans/Kansas City Chiefs and was a First Team All AFL Selection five times and First Team All Pro once. Robinson recorded 57 Interceptions over his career.
The Finalists who did not make the cut were Steve Atwater, Ronde Barber, Tony Boselli, Alan Faneca, Tom Flores, John Lynch and Richard Seymour.
We here at Notinhalloffame.com would like to congratulate all of the members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2019. We will now begin work on our new Notinhalloffame.com Football List.
Leading up to Saturday’s Pro Football Hall of Fame vote, we have some developments that we think are very interesting and definitely noteworthy.
Both Tom Brady and Bill Belichick have penned letters to the Selection Committee extolling the virtues of Ty Law and Richard Seymour, both former New England Patriots who are among the Finalists this year.
Brady’s letter regarding Ty Law can be found here.
Belichick’s letter regarding Richard Seymour can be found here.
In an ESPN article, Hall of Fame Running Back Curtis Martin endorses former New York Jet teammate, Kevin Mawae for a spot in Canton.
Ed Reed stated in an interview with Bleacher Report that he would rather see the other Safety on the ballot, Steve Atwater get in than himself
We are only 48 hours from finding out who will comprise the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2019 and we can’t wait to find out!
Never underestimate how much First Team All Pro Selections mean in terms of the Pro Football Hall of Fame. While it is possible to enter Canton without one, this accolade tells everyone that in that particular year you are the best at your position. Now granted it means more in some positions than others (Special Teams for example will always struggle to get players inducted) but this is a vital step to get into the Hall.
Rather than look at the 2018 First Team All Pro Selections by position, let’s list them in order of how many they have in total.
5th: J.J. Watt, Defensive End: Houston Texans. Watt was named a First Team All Pro each season from 2012 to 2015 but injuries prevented him earning any accolades the last two seasons. He is clearly back! Watt is currently an eight year veteran of the National Football League.
5th: Luke Kuechly, Linebacker: Carolina Panthers. Kuechly was a First Team All Pro in 2013 2014, 2015 and 2017 previously and he is a six time Pro Bowl Selection over his seven season career.
4th: Aaron Donald, Defensive Lineman: Los Angeles Rams. Donald has been chosen for his fourth straight First Team All Pro and he is a five year veteran. Donald received the maximum number of votes.
4th: Bobby Wagner, Linebacker: Seattle Seahawks. This is Wagner’s fourth First Team All Pro and third in a row. He is a seven year veteran, all with the Seahawks.
3rd: Zach Martin, Right Guard: Dallas Cowboys. In five seasons in the NFL, Martin has been a Pro Bowl in all of them and a First Team All Pro in three. This is a Hall of Fame caliber start.
3rd: Khalil Mack, Defensive End: Chicago Bears. In four seasons with Oakland, Mack went to two First Team All Pros. In his fifth season in the NFL and first in Chicago he was chosen for his third First Team All Pro.
3rd: Justin Tucker, Place Kicker: Baltimore Ravens. Tucker’s two previous selections were in 2013 and 2016.
2nd: Todd Gurley, Running Back: Los Angeles Rams. Gurley is in his fourth season and this is his second straight selection. He led the league in Rushing Touchdowns (17) and had 1,251 Yards with another 580 from the air.
2nd: Tyreke Hill, Wide Receiver (Flex Selection): Kansas City Chiefs. Hill was a First Team All Pro in his rookie season and this his third year in the NFL. The Kansas City Chief caught 87 passes for 1,479 Yards and 12 Touchdowns.
2nd: DeAndre Hopkins, Wide Receiver: Houston Texans. Hopkins was first chosen for this honor in 2017 and this year he caught 115 Passes for 1,572 Yards and 11 Touchdowns.
2nd: Travis Kelce, Tight End: Kansas City Chiefs. The first time he did this was in 2017 and this is now his sixth season in the NFL. Kelce set personal records with 103 Receptions, 1,336 Receiving Yards and 10 Touchdowns.
2nd: Jason Kelce, Center: Philadelphia Eagles. This is Kelce’s eight season and second straight First Team All Pro Selection.
1st: Patrick Mahomes, Quarterback: Kansas City Chiefs. The second year man set record after record this year and he threw for an NFL high 50 Touchdown passes with 5,097 Yards.
1st: Michael Thomas, Wide Receiver: New Orleans Saints. In his third season, Thomas continued his streak of 1,000 Receiving Yard seasons with a career high of 1,405. He would lead the NFL in Receptions with 125 and he caught 9 Touchdown passes.
1st: David Bakhtiari, Left Tackle: Green Bay Packers. This is his sixth season in the NFL and he on a 90 Game starting streak.
1st: Mitchell Schwartz, Right Tackle: Kansas City Chiefs. In his seventh season in the league, Schwartz become a First Team All Pro Selection for the first time.
1st: Quenton Nelson, Left Guard: Indianapolis Colts. Nelson is a First Team all Pro as a rookie. The sky is the limit for Nelson.
1st: Fletcher Cox, Defensive End: Philadelphia Eagles. Cox has been in the league now for seven years and he has been named a Pro Bowler in the last fourth however this is the first time that he received a First Team All Pro.
1st: Darius Leonard, Linebacker: Indianapolis Colts. This is Leonard’s rookie season and he would lead the National Football League in Solo Tackles.
1st: Kyle Fuller, Cornerback: Chicago Bears. In the fourth season of Fuller’s career he was chosen for his first Pro Bowl and First Team All Pro this year.
1st: Stephon Gilmore, Cornerback: New England Patriots. This is Gilmore’s seventh season and it is first time being named a First Team All Pro.
1st: Eddie Jackson, Safety: Chicago Bears. Jackson’s first time being named an All Pro comes in his sophomore year. Two of his six Interceptions were ran back for Touchdowns.
1st: Derwin James, Safety: Los Angeles Chargers. We have another rookie off to a great start by earning this accolade.
1st: Desmond King, Defensive Back: Los Angeles Chargers. King was also used as a Returner this year for the Chargers.
1st: Michael Dickson, Punter: Seattle Seahawks. Dickson is a rookie and you can’t ask for a better start.
1st: Andre Roberts, Kick Returner: New York Jets. This is the ninth season for Roberts and his fifth team as he played previously for Arizona, Washington Detroit and Atlanta.
1st: Tarik Cohen, Punt Returner: Chicago Bears. Cohen is a sophomore with the Bears and he was the leader in Punt Return and Punt Return Yards.
1st: Adrian Phillips, Special Teams: Los Angeles Chargers. This is Phillip’s fifth season and he also played Defensive Back, Linebacker and Safety this season.
We here at Notinhalloffame.com would like to congratulate all of the 2019 First Team All Pro Selections.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame has announced their Finalists for the Class of 2019 and as per normal, there are little surprises.
The Finalists are:
Steve Atwater: Atwater played Free Safety for the Denver Broncos from 1989 to 1998 and in that span, he would win two Super Bowls and would be named to two First Team All Pro and eight Pro Bowls. He was known for delivering the most punishing hits for a Safety. Atwater played one final season for the Jets and this is his second time as a Finalist, the last being in 2016. He is ranked #12on our Notinhalloffame.com Football list.
Champ Bailey: Bailey began his career playing for the Washington Redskins in 1999 where he quickly would establish himself as one of the top Cornerbacks in the NFL. He would play there for five seasons, going to four Pro Bowls in his last four seasons there, but he would be traded to the Denver Broncos and elevated his career even more. A Bronco from 2004 to 2013 was a First Team All Pro three years in a row 2004-06 and was a Pro Bowl Selection eight more times. He retired with 52 Interceptions. Bailey becomes a Finalist in his first year of eligibility and he is ranked #2on our Notinhalloffame.com Football list.
Tony Boselli: Arguably the greatest Jacksonville Jaguar of all-time, Boselli was only in the National Football League for seven seasons, but was a Pro Bowler for five of them and he was chosen for three straight First Team All Pros from 1997 to 1999. This is his third straight time for the Offensive Lineman as a Finalist and he is ranked #64on our Notinhalloffame.com Football list.
Isaac Bruce: Bruce was an explosive Wide Receiver who played the first fourteen of his sixteen years with the Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams and he was a member of the Rams Super Bowl winning “Greatest Show on Turf”. Bruce was the NFL leader in Receiving Yards in 1996 and retired with 15,208 Receiving Yards, which is fifth all-time. His 1,024 Receptions and 91 Receiving Touchdowns are thirteenth and twelfth all-time. Like Boselli this is Bruce’s third straight year as a Finalist. He is ranked #13on our Notinhalloffame.com Football list.
Don Coryell: Coryell was the Head Coach of the St. Louis Cardinals (1973-77) and the San Diego Chargers (1978-86) and had a 114-89-1 record. Coryell never won a Super Bowl but is known for revolutionizing the passing game in football. This is his fifth time as a Finalist (2010, 2015, 2016 & 2017).
Alan Faneca: Faneca was a veteran of thirteen NFL seasons, the first ten of which were with the Pittsburgh Steelers where he won a Super Bowl and was named to five First Team All Pro and seven Pro Bowls. He followed that up with two Pro Bowl seasons with the New York Jets and one final season with Arizona. This is his fourth straight year as a Finalist and he is ranked #4on our Notinhalloffame.com Football list.
Tom Flores: Flores was the Head Coach of the Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders (1979-87) and the Seattle Seahawks (1992-94) and had a 105-90 record. He would win two Super Bowls as a Head Coach with the Raiders and this is the first time that he is a Hall of Fame Finalist.
Tony Gonzalez: Gonzalez is the most successful Tight End in terms of offensive output and his contributions to the Kansas City Chiefs (1997-2008) and Atlanta Falcons (2009-13) will never be forgotten. Gonzalez caught 1,325 passes for 15,127 Yards and 111 Touchdowns, which are by far the best by anyone of his position. He would be named to six First Team All Pro and fourteen Pro Bowls and is a Finalist on his first year of eligibility. He is ranked #1on our Notinhalloffame.com Football list.
Steve Hutchinson: Playing for the Seattle Seahawks (2001-05), Minnesota Vikings (2006-11) and Tennessee Titans (2012) over his career, the Left Guard would be a Pro Bowl in seven straight seasons (2003-09). He was also named to five First Team All Pro teams and this is his second year being names as a Finalist. He is ranked #26on our Notinhalloffame.com Football list.
Edgerrin James: With the Indianapolis Colts for the first seven years of his career, James would lead the NFL in Rushing Yards in his first two seasons. James would be a four time Pro Bowl and one time First Team All Pro as a Colt and he would finish his career with Arizona for three seasons and a final one in Seattle.
Ty Law: Law played Cornerback for the New England Patriots from 1995 to 2004 where he was a four time Pro Bowl, two time First Team All Pro but more importantly was a three time Super Bowl Champion. Law would go to another Pro Bowl as a New York Jet and he would also finish his career with Kansas City and Denver. The two time leader in Interceptions is a Finalist for the third straight year and he is ranked #28on our Notinhslloffame.com football list.
John Lynch: Lynch played for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 1993 to 2003 where at Strong Safety he helped the Bucs win a Super Bowl and was a five time Pro Bowl and two time First Team Al Pro. He would move to Free Safety and the Denver Broncos the last four seasons of his career and was a Pro Bowl in all of them. This is Lynch’s sixth straight year as a Finalist and he is ranked #34on our Notinhalloffame.com Football list.
Kevin Mawae: Mawae played for the Seattle Seahawks (1994-97), the New York Jets (1998-2005) and the Tennessee Titans (2006-09) and it was with the Jets where he was at their best with six straight Pro Bowls (1999-2004) with two First Team All Pros in that stint. He had two more Pro Bowls with Titans. Mawae is a Finalist for the third straight year and he is ranked #16on our Notinhalloffame.com Football list.
Ed Reed: The 2004 Defensive Player of the Year was a nine time Pro Bowl and five time First Team All Pro Selection who played all but his final season with the Baltimore Ravens. A Super Bowl Champion with the Ravens, Reed was a three time Interception leader and he is seventh all time in Interceptions and first in Interception Return Yards. This is Reed’s first year of eligibility and he is ranked #3on our Notinhalloffame.com Football list.
Richard Seymour: A three time Super Bowl Champion with the New England Patriots, Richard Seymour was also a First Team All Pro Defensive Tackle three years in a row from 2003 to 2005. The seven time Pro Bowl also played for the Oakland Raiders. This is Seymour’s first time as a Finalist and he is ranked #50on our Notinhalloffame.com Football list.
This group joins three Johnny Robinson (Seniors Finalists), Pat Bowlen (Contributor) and Gil Brandt (Contributor).
Johnny Robinson: A member of the Dallas Texans/Kansas City Chiefs throughout his career, Robinson was a Safety who was a Pro Bowl/AFL All Star seven times and a First Team All Pro five times. A Super Bowl Champion and three time AFL Champion is a Finalist for a seventh time, his last being in 1986. He is ranked #7on our Notinhalloffame.com Football list.
Pat Bowlentook over ownership of the Denver Broncos in 1984 and over that timeframe the team appeared in seven Super Bowls with three wins.
Gil Brandtis credited with revolutionizing scouting and his methods helped the Dallas Cowboys win Super Bowls.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame Committee will announce their selections on February 2.
This weekend a huge contest will take place in the National Football League as the New Orleans Saints take on the Pittsburgh Steelers. As is the case with many important matchups in professional football, a lot of jawjacking is taking place prior to by some of the players and one of them is certainly Hall of Fame related as today a reporter described the upcoming matchup between Quarterbacks Drew Brees (New Orleans) and Ben Roethlisberger (Pittsburgh) as a battle between future Hall of Famers. Saints Defensive End Cameron Jordan apparently disagrees.
“Is that true?” when Jordan questioned the reporter when he said that Roethlisberger would eventually be enshrined in Canton and he said yes, Jordan said the following:
“Really? In this era? “You’d put him at like a top three in this era? Top five of this era? Top five of this era? You’d put him at top five of this era? Is that a yes or no?”
The yes answer from the reporter elicited a response from Jordan asking if Roethlisberger was better than Los Angeles Chargers’ Quarterback, Philip Rivers. This was after he named Brees, Aaron Rodgers (Green Bay), Tom Brady (New England) and Peyton Manning ahead of “Big Ben”. As the conversation continued, Jordan mentioned that he would also put Eli Manning over Roethlisberger.
Regardless of what Cameron Jordan thinks, the odds are strong that Ben Roethlisberger, who is a two time Super Bowl Champion will one day be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
It is a major day for the Pro Football Hall of Fame as they have announced their preliminary nominees for enshrinement.
Let’s take a look at who was chosen at this stage by way of their position:
Quarterbacks:
Randall Cunningham, Dave Krieg, Jeff Garcia, Donovan McNabb, Steve McNair.
Running Backs:
Shaun Alexander, Tiki Barber, Earnest Byner, Larry Centers, Corey Dillon, Eddie George, Edgerrin James, Darryl Johnston, Eric Metcalf (WR/KR/PR), Clinton Portis, Fred Taylor, Herschel Walker, Chris Warren, Ricky Watters.
Wide Receivers:
Isaac Bruce, Gary Clark, Henry Ellard, Torry Holt, Chad Johnson, Derrick Mason, Sterling Sharpe, Rod Smith, Hines Ward.
Tight Ends:
Mark Bavaro, Tony Gonzalez, Brent Jones, Jay Novacek.
Offensive Linemen:
Willie Anderson (T), Tony Boselli (T), Lomas Brown (T), Ray Donaldson (C), Alan Faneca (G), Chris Hinton (G/T), Kent Hull (C), Steve Hutchinson (G), Mike Kenn (T), Olin Kreutz (C), Kevin Mawae (C/G), Tom Nalen (C), Chris Samuels (T), Richmond Webb (T), Steve Wisniewski (G).
Defensive Linemen:
La’Roi Glover (DT/NT), Russell Maryland (DT), Leslie O’Neal (DE), Simeon Rice (DE), Richard Seymour (DT), Neil Smith (DE), Bryant Young (DT).
Linebackers:
Carl Banks, Cornelius Bennett, Tedy Bruschi, London Fletcher, Seth Joyner, Wilber Marshall, Clay Matthews, Willie McGinest, Karl Mecklenburg, Sam Mills, Chris Spielman, Takeo Spikes, Darryl Talley, Zach Thomas.
Defensive Backs:
Eric Allen (CB), Steve Atwater (S), Champ Bailey (CB), Ronde Barber (CB/S), Bill Bates (S), LeRoy Butler (S), Nick Collins (S), Thomas Everett (S), Rodney Harrison (S), Ty Law (CB), Albert Lewis (CB), John Lynch (S), Tim McDonald (S), Ed Reed (FS), Dennis Smith (S), Troy Vincent (CB), Adrian Wilson (S), Darren Woodson (S).
Special Teams:
Jason Elam (K), Jeff Feagles (P), Sean Landeta (P), Brian Mitchell (KR/PR also RB), Steve Tasker (ST also WR).
Coaches:
Don Coryell, Bill Cowher, Tom Flores, Jim Hanifan, Mike Holmgren, Jimmy Johnson, Richie Petitbon, Dan Reeves, Marty Schottenheimer, Clark Shaughnessy, Dick Vermeil.
There are four first time nominees in Tony Gonzalez, London Fletcher, Ed Reed and Champ Bailey.
In November 25 Semi-Finalists will be chosen and the Finalists will be announced in January.