2014 Hall of Famers announced - '15 class now being discussed (1 Viewer)

[Raider Nation]

2014 HOF class, announced 2/1/14.

Ray Guy
Michael Strahan
Andre Reed
Walter Jones
Derrick Brooks
Aeneas Williams
Claude Humphrey

===============================


First-time nominees are in RED.


Quarterback - Trent Green

Running Backs - Shaun Alexander, Warrick Dunn

Wide Receiver - Marvin Harrison

Offensive Linemen - Willie Anderson (T), Walter Jones (T)

Linebackers - Derrick Brooks, Tedy Bruschi, Willie McGinest (also DE), Zach Thomas

Defensive Backs - Rodney Harrison (S), Sam Madison (CB), Patrick Surtain (CB)

Coaches - Tony Dungy, Jon Gruden, Mike Holmgren

===========
Quarterbacks - Drew Bledsoe, Randall Cunningham, Doug Flutie, Steve McNair, Phil Simms

Running Backs - Ottis Anderson, Tiki Barber, *Jerome Bettis, Larry Centers, Roger Craig, Stephen Davis, Terrell Davis, Eddie George, Priest Holmes, Dave Meggett (also PR/KR), Eric Metcalf (also WR/PR/KR), Herschel Walker, Ricky Watters

Wide Receivers - *Tim Brown (also KR), Gary Clark, Mark Clayton, Henry Ellard (also PR), Keyshawn Johnson, Keenan McCardell, *Andre Reed, Sterling Sharpe, Jimmy Smith, Rod Smith

Tight End - Mark Bavaro

Offensive Linemen - Tony Boselli (T), Lomas Brown (T), Jim Covert (T), Jay Hilgenberg ©, Chris Hinton (G/T), Kent Hull ©, Joe Jacoby (T), Mike Kenn (T), Jim Lachey (T), Don Mosebar ©, Tom Nalen ©, Nate Newton (G), *Will Shields (G), Steve Wisniewski (G)

Defensive Linemen - Jerome Brown (DT), *Charles Haley (DE/LB), Ed "Too Tall" Jones (DE), Dexter Manley (DE), Charles Mann (DE), Steve McMichael (DT/NT), Fred Smerlas (NT), *Michael Strahan (DE), Ted Washington (DT/NT), Bryant Young (DE)

Linebackers - Cornelius Bennett, *Kevin Greene (LB/DE), Ken Harvey, Clay Matthews, Karl Mecklenburg, Sam Mills, Darryl Talley

Defensive Backs - Eric Allen (CB), Steve Atwater (S), Joey Browner (S), LeRoy Butler (S), Albert Lewis (CB), John Lynch (S), Troy Vincent (S), Everson Walls (CB), *Aeneas Williams (CB/S), Darren Woodson (S)

Kickers/Punter - Morten Andersen (K), Gary Anderson (K), Sean Landeta (P), Nick Lowery (K)

Special Teams/Position Player - Brian Mitchell (also RB), Steve Tasker (also WR)

Coaches - Bill Arnsparger, Don Coryell, Bill Cowher, Tom Flores, Jimmy Johnson, Chuck Knox, Buddy Parker, Richie Petitbon, Dan Reeves, Lou Saban, Marty Schottenheimer, Clark Shaughnessy, **** Vermeil

Contributors - K. S. (Bud) Adams, Jr., Bobby Beathard, Gil Brandt, Leo Carlin, Red Cashion, Jack Kent Cooke, Otho Davis, *Edward DeBartolo, Jr., Ron Gibbs, Jerry Jones, Eddie Kotal, Robert Kraft, Elmer Layden, Art McNally, *Art Modell, Bill Polian, Steve Sabol, Paul Tagliabue, Jim Tunney, Ron Wolf, George Young

*-On 2013 finalists list

===============================

CANTON, Ohio (AP) - First-year nominees Derrick Brooks, Tony Dungy, Marvin Harrison and Walter Jones were among the 15 modern-era Pro Football Hall of Fame finalists in voting announced Thursday night.

Brooks was a linebacker with Tampa Bay; Dungy coached Tampa Bay and Indianapolis, leading the Colts to a Super Bowl title in 2007; Harrison was a receiver for Indianapolis; and Jones was an offensive tackle with Seattle.

Former New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan also was selected a modern-era finalist along with defensive end/linebacker Charles Haley, defensive end/linebacker Kevin Greene, receiver Andre Reed, running back Jerome Bettis, receiver/returner Tim Brown, safety John Lynch, guard Will Shields, cornerback/safety Aeneas Williams, kicker Morten Andersen and former San Francisco owner Edward DeBartolo Jr.

Punter Ray Guy and defensive end Claude Humphrey were announced as senior nominees in August.

The 46-member selection committee will vote Feb. 1 in New York, with a minimum 80 percent required for induction.

Former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue failed to advance. Former coaches Jimmy Johnson and Don Coryell and general manager George Young also dropped out along with fellow semifinalists Steve Atwater, Roger Craig, Terrell Davis, Joe Jacoby, Karl Mecklenburg and Steve Wisniewski.

Strahan, Andersen and Lynch are in their second year of eligibility. Shields is in his third year, Bettis his fourth, Brown and Williams their fifth, Reed his ninth, and Greene and Haley their 10th.

The modern-era finalists were chosen by the selection committee from a list of 126 nominees that was reduced to 25 semifinalists. Each finalist received a minimum vote of 80 percent.

To be eligible, modern-era players and coaches must have last played or coached more than five seasons ago.

If selected, Guy would become the first punter to be inducted. Andersen would become the second pure kicker, following Jan Stenerud.

Cris Carter, Jonathan Ogden, Larry Allen, Bill Parcells, Warren Sapp, Dave Robinson and Curley Culp were inducted last year, the 50th anniversary celebration of the hall.

 

[biju]

I'm already booking tickets and getting ready to see Walter Jones inducted into the HoF. As my favorite Seahawk of all time my trip to Canton to see him get in is a moral imperative. I honestly don't see how he doesn't get in on the first try either.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Derrick Brooks and Tony Dungy go in 1st ballot. Brooks has 11ProBowl-5All-Pro-Super Bowl TD and victory

 

[timschochet]

Did you actually write Trent Green? Is that for real?

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Bettis and Strahan were finalists last year, I think they go in this year.

Roaf had to wait a year, Walter Jones is going to have to wait, don't book those Canton tix from Seattle just yet. I think he waits one year.

 

[Mr. Retukes]

Damn, Priest Holmes has been retired for 6 years?!

 

[netnalp]

Strahan and Brown are likely, Haley perhaps if they choose to put two D Linemen in.

 

[timschochet]

Marvin Harrison

Walter Jones

Derrick Brooks

Jerome Bettis

Don Mosebar

Michael Strahan

Sam Mills

Bryant Young

Aeneas Williams

Jimmy Johnson

Gil Brandt

Edward DeBartolo, Jr.

 

[Adam Harstad]

First-time nominees are in RED.

Quarterback - Trent Green

Running Backs - Shaun Alexander, Warrick Dunn

Wide Receiver - Marvin Harrison

Offensive Linemen - Willie Anderson (T), Walter Jones (T)

Linebackers - Derrick Brooks, Tedy Bruschi, Willie McGinest (also DE), Zach Thomas

Defensive Backs - Rodney Harrison (S), Sam Madison (CB), Patrick Surtain (CB)

Coaches - Tony Dungy, Jon Gruden, Mike Holmgren

===========

Quarterbacks - Drew Bledsoe, Randall Cunningham, Doug Flutie, Steve McNair, Phil Simms

Running Backs - Ottis Anderson, Tiki Barber, *Jerome Bettis, Larry Centers, Roger Craig, Stephen Davis, Terrell Davis, Eddie George, Priest Holmes, Dave Meggett (also PR/KR), Eric Metcalf (also WR/PR/KR), Herschel Walker, Ricky Watters

Wide Receivers - *Tim Brown (also KR), Gary Clark, Mark Clayton, Henry Ellard (also PR), Keyshawn Johnson, Keenan McCardell, *Andre Reed, Sterling Sharpe, Jimmy Smith, Rod Smith

Tight End - Mark Bavaro

Offensive Linemen - Tony Boselli (T), Lomas Brown (T), Jim Covert (T), Jay Hilgenberg ©, Chris Hinton (G/T), Kent Hull ©, Joe Jacoby (T), Mike Kenn (T), Jim Lachey (T), Don Mosebar ©, Tom Nalen ©, Nate Newton (G), *Will Shields (G), Steve Wisniewski (G)

Defensive Linemen - Jerome Brown (DT), *Charles Haley (DE/LB), Ed "Too Tall" Jones (DE), Dexter Manley (DE), Charles Mann (DE), Steve McMichael (DT/NT), Fred Smerlas (NT), *Michael Strahan (DE), Ted Washington (DT/NT), Bryant Young (DE)

Linebackers - Cornelius Bennett, *Kevin Greene (LB/DE), Ken Harvey, Clay Matthews, Karl Mecklenburg, Sam Mills, Darryl Talley

Defensive Backs - Eric Allen (CB), Steve Atwater (S), Joey Browner (S), LeRoy Butler (S), Albert Lewis (CB), John Lynch (S), Troy Vincent (S), Everson Walls (CB), *Aeneas Williams (CB/S), Darren Woodson (S)

Kickers/Punter - Morten Andersen (K), Gary Anderson (K), Sean Landeta (P), Nick Lowery (K)

Special Teams/Position Player - Brian Mitchell (also RB), Steve Tasker (also WR)

Coaches - Bill Arnsparger, Don Coryell, Bill Cowher, Tom Flores, Jimmy Johnson, Chuck Knox, Buddy Parker, Richie Petitbon, Dan Reeves, Lou Saban, Marty Schottenheimer, Clark Shaughnessy, **** Vermeil

Contributors - K. S. (Bud) Adams, Jr., Bobby Beathard, Gil Brandt, Leo Carlin, Red Cashion, Jack Kent Cooke, Otho Davis, *Edward DeBartolo, Jr., Ron Gibbs, Jerry Jones, Eddie Kotal, Robert Kraft, Elmer Layden, Art McNally, *Art Modell, Bill Polian, Steve Sabol, Paul Tagliabue, Jim Tunney, Ron Wolf, George Young

*-On 2013 finalists list

Why're you making unsure eyes at Trent Green? He's never making it into the hall, but he's richly deserving of a spot on the 90-man cutdown list for a year or two. Triggered one of the best offenses in history, had phenomenal numbers, and for a 4 year stretch was one of the top 3 quarterbacks in the league. Let him enjoy being a semi-finalist for a bit before he fades into history. I think he fits on the list a lot better than, say, Keenan McCardell

If we're playing the "should" game instead of the "will" game, then I say give me Marvin Harrison, Walter Jones, Derrick Brooks, Michael Strahan, Terrell Davis, and Tim Brown and I'll call it a night.

 

[Raider Nation]

^^^ Very capable quarterback, nice TD-INT ratio, losing record as a starting QB, absolutely nothing special about him.

http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GreeTr00.htm

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Strahan and Brown are likely, Haley perhaps if they choose to put two D Linemen in.

He might be waiting a bit. He has some very bad behind the scenes stuff that is gonna turn some writers off completely. I heard he took a dump on a NFL coach's desk, that was verified and there are many other bizarre stories like him exposing himself.

 

[Penguin]

First-time nominees are in RED.

Quarterback - Trent Green

Running Backs - Shaun Alexander, Warrick Dunn

Wide Receiver - Marvin Harrison

Offensive Linemen - Willie Anderson (T), Walter Jones (T)

Linebackers - Derrick Brooks, Tedy Bruschi, Willie McGinest (also DE), Zach Thomas

Defensive Backs - Rodney Harrison (S), Sam Madison (CB), Patrick Surtain (CB)

Coaches - Tony Dungy, Jon Gruden, Mike Holmgren

===========

Quarterbacks - Drew Bledsoe, Randall Cunningham, Doug Flutie, Steve McNair, Phil Simms

Running Backs - Ottis Anderson, Tiki Barber, *Jerome Bettis, Larry Centers, Roger Craig, Stephen Davis, Terrell Davis, Eddie George, Priest Holmes, Dave Meggett (also PR/KR), Eric Metcalf (also WR/PR/KR), Herschel Walker, Ricky Watters

Wide Receivers - *Tim Brown (also KR), Gary Clark, Mark Clayton, Henry Ellard (also PR), Keyshawn Johnson, Keenan McCardell, *Andre Reed, Sterling Sharpe, Jimmy Smith, Rod Smith

Tight End - Mark Bavaro

Offensive Linemen - Tony Boselli (T), Lomas Brown (T), Jim Covert (T), Jay Hilgenberg ©, Chris Hinton (G/T), Kent Hull ©, Joe Jacoby (T), Mike Kenn (T), Jim Lachey (T), Don Mosebar ©, Tom Nalen ©, Nate Newton (G), *Will Shields (G), Steve Wisniewski (G)

Defensive Linemen - Jerome Brown (DT), *Charles Haley (DE/LB), Ed "Too Tall" Jones (DE), Dexter Manley (DE), Charles Mann (DE), Steve McMichael (DT/NT), Fred Smerlas (NT), *Michael Strahan (DE), Ted Washington (DT/NT), Bryant Young (DE)

Linebackers - Cornelius Bennett, *Kevin Greene (LB/DE), Ken Harvey, Clay Matthews, Karl Mecklenburg, Sam Mills, Darryl Talley

Defensive Backs - Eric Allen (CB), Steve Atwater (S), Joey Browner (S), LeRoy Butler (S), Albert Lewis (CB), John Lynch (S), Troy Vincent (S), Everson Walls (CB), *Aeneas Williams (CB/S), Darren Woodson (S)

Kickers/Punter - Morten Andersen (K), Gary Anderson (K), Sean Landeta (P), Nick Lowery (K)

Special Teams/Position Player - Brian Mitchell (also RB), Steve Tasker (also WR)

Coaches - Bill Arnsparger, Don Coryell, Bill Cowher, Tom Flores, Jimmy Johnson, Chuck Knox, Buddy Parker, Richie Petitbon, Dan Reeves, Lou Saban, Marty Schottenheimer, Clark Shaughnessy, **** Vermeil

Contributors - K. S. (Bud) Adams, Jr., Bobby Beathard, Gil Brandt, Leo Carlin, Red Cashion, Jack Kent Cooke, Otho Davis, *Edward DeBartolo, Jr., Ron Gibbs, Jerry Jones, Eddie Kotal, Robert Kraft, Elmer Layden, Art McNally, *Art Modell, Bill Polian, Steve Sabol, Paul Tagliabue, Jim Tunney, Ron Wolf, George Young

*-On 2013 finalists list

Why're you making unsure eyes at Trent Green? He's never making it into the hall, but he's richly deserving of a spot on the 90-man cutdown list for a year or two. Triggered one of the best offenses in history, had phenomenal numbers, and for a 4 year stretch was one of the top 3 quarterbacks in the league. Let him enjoy being a semi-finalist for a bit before he fades into history. I think he fits on the list a lot better than, say, Keenan McCardell

If we're playing the "should" game instead of the "will" game, then I say give me Marvin Harrison, Walter Jones, Derrick Brooks, Michael Strahan, Terrell Davis, and Tim Brown and I'll call it a night.

I gotta side with RN here, Trent Green shouldn't be allowed within 100 yards of Canton

 

[Max Power]

Derrick Brooks and Tony Dungy go in 1st ballot. Brooks has 11ProBowl-5All-Pro-Super Bowl TD and victory

Why do you think Dungy is a first Ballot?

 

[MoveToSkypager]

If Dungy gets in before Coryell I'm going to puke.

 

[BigSteelThrill]

If Dungy gets in before Coryell I'm going to puke.

I have to agree here.

 

[Deranged Hermit]

I know this will probably be far off of what the actual list will be, but if I were a voter, this would be mine:

Terrell Davis

Tony Boeslli

Charles Haley

Michael Strahan

Derrick Brooks

I thought long and hard about Marvin Harrison, but he'll have to wait though, all WR not named Rice seem to have too.

 

[BigSteelThrill]

"Smashmouth football baby, Pittsburgh style."

~Jerome Bettis~

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Don Coryell - needs to be in the HOF

 

[Tau837]

Here's how I would vote:

Michael Strahan

Derrick Brooks

Aeneas Williams

Will Shields

Marvin Harrison

I also think first timers Rodney Harrison, Walter Jones, and Zach Thomas are deserving, but they don't make my cut this year.


Here's how I expect the vote to end up:

Michael Strahan

Derrick Brooks

Walter Jones

Jerome Bettis

Tony Dungy

 

[MoveToSkypager]

There's no reason anyone to argue about this initial list. It has no subjective filter. If you played in the NFL for 5 years, been retired for 5 years, and made an All Pro team, you are eligible.

Don Coryell

Tim Brown

Marvin Harrison

Walter Jones

Derrick Brooks

Kevin Greene

Can't decide who to boot from my list. :(

 

[karmarooster]

What makes Tony Dungy a HOFer other than the fact that he won a Superbowl and people generally like/respect him and think he's humble?

I can pitch some knocks on him... he couldn't get TB over the hump but Gruden could, and he only took Peyton Manning to the SB once. Even that bumbling coach after him was able to ride Manning to the SB against the Saints...

Is he generally credited with the design of the Tampa-2? What am I missing?

 

[massraider]

Don Coryell - needs to be in the HOF

Agree

 

[MoveToSkypager]

Is he generally credited with the design of the Tampa-2? What am I missing?

I think that's it.

 

[Don Quixote]

Here's my top 5... don't think the bottom two will get in, but think they at least deserve a bit more consideration than they have been getting.

Michael Strahan

Derrick Brooks

Walter Jones

Morten Andersen

Herschel Walker ("pro football HOF" -- so, including his USFL play)

 

[BobbyLayne]

My top pick from that entire list would be Walter Jones.

 

[Ghost Rider]

What makes Tony Dungy a HOFer other than the fact that he won a Superbowl and people generally like/respect him and think he's humble?

I can pitch some knocks on him... he couldn't get TB over the hump but Gruden could, and he only took Peyton Manning to the SB once. Even that bumbling coach after him was able to ride Manning to the SB against the Saints...

Is he generally credited with the design of the Tampa-2? What am I missing?

I think being the first black head coach to win a Super Bowl will help get him in, too. Had the rest of his coaching career been average or whatever, then no, but with his overall resume looking very good, that significant achievement will put him over the top, IMO.

 

[Ramblin Wreck]

I know he's not going to make it but if Curtis Martin is a HOF, then Shaun Alexander (and Terrell Davis) are HOF backs too. They just lack longetivity but both were dominant for a multiple year stretch.

 

[Anarchy99]

What makes Tony Dungy a HOFer other than the fact that he won a Superbowl and people generally like/respect him and think he's humble?

I can pitch some knocks on him... he couldn't get TB over the hump but Gruden could, and he only took Peyton Manning to the SB once. Even that bumbling coach after him was able to ride Manning to the SB against the Saints...

Is he generally credited with the design of the Tampa-2? What am I missing?

139 wins (21st all time)

.668 winning % (12th best all time)

11 playoff appearances (T-8th most all time)

I'm not saying he is or is not HOF worthy, but those are his base coaching numbers.

 

[Anarchy99]

I know he's not going to make it but if Curtis Martin is a HOF, then Shaun Alexander (and Terrell Davis) are HOF backs too. They just lack longetivity but both were dominant for a multiple year stretch.

But Priest Holmes wasn't? How about Tiki Barber? (Not taking sides, just throwing out other players that were also very good but may not have the longevity.)

 

[biju]

I know he's not going to make it but if Curtis Martin is a HOF, then Shaun Alexander (and Terrell Davis) are HOF backs too. They just lack longetivity but both were dominant for a multiple year stretch.

But Priest Holmes wasn't? How about Tiki Barber? (Not taking sides, just throwing out other players that were also very good but may not have the longevity.)

As a Seahawks fan I would say Shaun Alexander does NOT belong in the HoF. My grandmother could have run for 1,000 yards when Walter Jones and Steve Hutchinson were on the line. It's a shame Hutch left for Minnesota on the poison pill (which was our fault for not franchising him).

 

[Joe Summer]

I know he's not going to make it but if Curtis Martin is a HOF, then Shaun Alexander (and Terrell Davis) are HOF backs too. They just lack longetivity but both were dominant for a multiple year stretch.

But Priest Holmes wasn't? How about Tiki Barber? (Not taking sides, just throwing out other players that were also very good but may not have the longevity.)

Curtis Martin is in the HOF because he was able to be highly productive through multiple systems, with a wide variety teammates. Shaun Alexander was only elite when he had Walter Jones and Steve Hutchinson blocking for him.

 

[MoveToSkypager]

Herschel Walker ("pro football HOF" -- so, including his USFL play)

Good point. I wasn't alive for that so I didn't see it first hand, but he was pretty dominant there.

 

[Ramblin Wreck]

I know he's not going to make it but if Curtis Martin is a HOF, then Shaun Alexander (and Terrell Davis) are HOF backs too. They just lack longetivity but both were dominant for a multiple year stretch.

But Priest Holmes wasn't? How about Tiki Barber? (Not taking sides, just throwing out other players that were also very good but may not have the longevity.)

Curtis Martin is in the HOF because he was able to be highly productive through multiple systems, with a wide variety teammates. Shaun Alexander was only elite when he had Walter Jones and Steve Hutchinson blocking for him.

But Alexander (and Davis and Holmes) were elite players. Martin was never an elite player.

 

[Ramblin Wreck]

I know he's not going to make it but if Curtis Martin is a HOF, then Shaun Alexander (and Terrell Davis) are HOF backs too. They just lack longetivity but both were dominant for a multiple year stretch.

But Priest Holmes wasn't? How about Tiki Barber? (Not taking sides, just throwing out other players that were also very good but may not have the longevity.)

Good point on Holmes. I don't consider Barber an elite player but he was good enough to deserve consideration.

 

[Anarchy99]

I know he's not going to make it but if Curtis Martin is a HOF, then Shaun Alexander (and Terrell Davis) are HOF backs too. They just lack longetivity but both were dominant for a multiple year stretch.

But Priest Holmes wasn't? How about Tiki Barber? (Not taking sides, just throwing out other players that were also very good but may not have the longevity.)

Curtis Martin is in the HOF because he was able to be highly productive through multiple systems, with a wide variety teammates. Shaun Alexander was only elite when he had Walter Jones and Steve Hutchinson blocking for him.

If we keep discussing these guys it will serve to derail this thread, but Martin was good to very good for a long time in terms of numbers, but his individual seasons were usually so so. Basically, he had probably 4 HOF worthy seasons and a half dozen decent or above average ones.

 

[Raider Nation]

Is he generally credited with the design of the Tampa-2? What am I missing?

I think that's it.

Popular misconception. He added a wrinkle or two, but he learned the system playing DB under Chuck Noll

The roots of the Tampa 2 system actually are in the Steel Curtain days of Pittsburgh football. "My philosophy is really out of the 1975 Pittsburgh Steelers playbook,” said Dungy during media interviews while at Super Bowl XLI. “That is why I have to laugh when I hear 'Tampa 2'. Chuck Noll and Bud Carson — that is where it came from, I changed very little.

 

[5Rings]

Wide Receiver - Marvin Harrison

Offensive Linemen - Walter Jones (T)

Linebackers - Derrick Brooks,

Running Backs - Roger Craig, Terrell Davis,

Wide Receivers - *Tim Brown, *Andre Reed,

Offensive Linemen - Jay Hilgenberg ©, Chris Hinton (G/T), Kent Hull ©, Joe Jacoby (T), Mike Kenn (T), Jim Lachey (T), Don Mosebar ©, *Will Shields (G), Steve Wisniewski (G)

Defensive Linemen - *Michael Strahan (DE), Bryant Young (DE)

Linebackers - Karl Mecklenburg,

Coaches - Don Coryell, Tom Flores, Jimmy Johnson,

Contributors - *Edward DeBartolo, Jr., , Steve Sabol,

This would be my first cut list, I put the 8 I thought would get in in bold. Really a strong group of OL. Hope they get their due.

With guys like Curtis Martin and Art Monk (yes, I went there again this year ) getting in, it really makes me think an NFL MVP like Roger Craig deserves a legitimate look.

3 big uglies getting in would be sweet. Love to see Coryell and Flores get in too.

 

[shadyridr]

Harrison

Jones

Brooks

Strahan

Modell

 

[Anarchy99]

Wide Receiver - Marvin Harrison

Offensive Linemen - Walter Jones (T)

Linebackers - Derrick Brooks,

Running Backs - Roger Craig, Terrell Davis,

Wide Receivers - *Tim Brown, *Andre Reed,

Offensive Linemen - Jay Hilgenberg ©, Chris Hinton (G/T), Kent Hull ©, Joe Jacoby (T), Mike Kenn (T), Jim Lachey (T), Don Mosebar ©, *Will Shields (G), Steve Wisniewski (G)

Defensive Linemen - *Michael Strahan (DE), Bryant Young (DE)

Linebackers - Karl Mecklenburg,

Coaches - Don Coryell, Tom Flores, Jimmy Johnson,

Contributors - *Edward DeBartolo, Jr., , Steve Sabol,

This would be my first cut list, I put the 8 I thought would get in in bold. Really a strong group of OL. Hope they get their due.

With guys like Curtis Martin and Art Monk (yes, I went there again this year ) getting in, it really makes me think an NFL MVP like Roger Craig deserves a legitimate look.

5 big uglies getting in would be sweet. Love to see Coryell and Flores get in too.

IIRC, the NFL limits players voted in to a max of 5 modern era and 2 veterans per year.

 

[5Rings]

Wide Receiver - Marvin Harrison

Offensive Linemen - Walter Jones (T)

Linebackers - Derrick Brooks,

Running Backs - Roger Craig, Terrell Davis,

Wide Receivers - *Tim Brown, *Andre Reed,

Offensive Linemen - Jay Hilgenberg ©, Chris Hinton (G/T), Kent Hull ©, Joe Jacoby (T), Mike Kenn (T), Jim Lachey (T), Don Mosebar ©, *Will Shields (G), Steve Wisniewski (G)

Defensive Linemen - *Michael Strahan (DE), Bryant Young (DE)

Linebackers - Karl Mecklenburg,

Coaches - Don Coryell, Tom Flores, Jimmy Johnson,

Contributors - *Edward DeBartolo, Jr., , Steve Sabol,

This would be my first cut list, I put the 8 I thought would get in in bold. Really a strong group of OL. Hope they get their due.

With guys like Curtis Martin and Art Monk (yes, I went there again this year ) getting in, it really makes me think an NFL MVP like Roger Craig deserves a legitimate look.

5 big uglies getting in would be sweet. Love to see Coryell and Flores get in too.

IIRC, the NFL limits players voted in to a max of 5 modern era and 2 veterans per year.

Doh! Fixed, thanks.

 

[Don Quixote]

Is he generally credited with the design of the Tampa-2? What am I missing?

I think that's it.

Popular misconception. He added a wrinkle or two, but he learned the system playing DB under Chuck Noll

The roots of the Tampa 2 system actually are in the Steel Curtain days of Pittsburgh football. "My philosophy is really out of the 1975 Pittsburgh Steelers playbook,” said Dungy during media interviews while at Super Bowl XLI. “That is why I have to laugh when I hear 'Tampa 2'. Chuck Noll and Bud Carson — that is where it came from, I changed very little.

I think Dungy was being a bit modest with that quote. I recommend reading Chris Brown's Essential Smart Football -- has a chapter on it. It had its genesis with the Steelers, but had modifications to stop the WCO.

 

[zoonation]

How is Marvin Harrison not a first ballot HOFer? His numbers dwarf receivers that have gone in before him.

 

[Joe Summer]

How is Marvin Harrison not a first ballot HOFer

Maybe because he killed a guy?

 

[Raider Nation]

How is Marvin Harrison not a first ballot HOFer

Maybe because he killed a guy?

I would love to be in the room for that discussion.

 

[Adam Harstad]

^^^ Very capable quarterback, nice TD-INT ratio, losing record as a starting QB, absolutely nothing special about him.

http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GreeTr00.htm

Nothing special? Again, led one of the highest-scoring offenses in history. Led the league in passing yardage from 2003-2005 and was second in passing yardage from 2001-2005 despite having garbage at wide receiver (Eddie Kennison, Johnnie Morton, Marc Boerigter, Dante Hall, and Samie Parker were his top 5 WRs over that stretch). For about a half decade he was the best QB in the league not named Brady or Manning. None of that will get him anywhere near the hall, but he definitely deserves to at least be among the 90 semifinalists.

 

[Man of Zen]

I really only care about the slam-dunk, first ballot HOF'ers in any given year. I understand that there are numbers to keep up and all that, and will be perfectly content seeing all the really good players get in sooner or later. But as long as that guy or two who nobody on the planet would deny enshrinement to, if they knew the first thing about the game, gets in, all is well with the universe.

This year, it's Derrick Brooks. The rest makes for interesting discussion, but is ultimately secondary.

If you were picking the All-NFL, All-Pro, All-Time starting lineup, and you happened to run a 4-3 defense, Brooks would get lots of votes as the starting Willie LB. And would probably be the only guy since 1980 to get any.

Looking forward to his enshrinement, along with whatever supporting cast the voters see fit to shovel in there alongside him this year.

 

[Man of Zen]

Oh, and Patrick Surtain. I don't want any part of a universe where Patrick Surtain isn't a first ballot HOF'er.

 

[Raider Nation]

^^^ Very capable quarterback, nice TD-INT ratio, losing record as a starting QB, absolutely nothing special about him.

http://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/G/GreeTr00.htm

Nothing special? Again, led one of the highest-scoring offenses in history. Led the league in passing yardage from 2003-2005 and was second in passing yardage from 2001-2005 despite having garbage at wide receiver (Eddie Kennison, Johnnie Morton, Marc Boerigter, Dante Hall, and Samie Parker were his top 5 WRs over that stretch). For about a half decade he was the best QB in the league not named Brady or Manning. None of that will get him anywhere near the hall, but he definitely deserves to at least be among the 90 semifinalists.

And he made the same number of Pro Bowls as Vince Young.

ETA: I notice you forgot to mention Tony Gonzalez and Priest Holmes, who caught a boatload of passes.

 

[Yenrub]

What makes Tony Dungy a HOFer other than the fact that he won a Superbowl and people generally like/respect him and think he's humble?

I can pitch some knocks on him... he couldn't get TB over the hump but Gruden could, and he only took Peyton Manning to the SB once. Even that bumbling coach after him was able to ride Manning to the SB against the Saints...

Is he generally credited with the design of the Tampa-2? What am I missing?

139 wins (21st all time)

.668 winning % (12th best all time)

11 playoff appearances (T-8th most all time)

I'm not saying he is or is not HOF worthy, but those are his base coaching numbers.

Wasn’t Tampa Bay atrocious before Dungy got there? I recall something like a decade of double digit losses before Dungy took over

 

[Yenrub]

Damn! My man Carl Banks can't even make the final 89