Hall of Fame Semifinalists (2013) (1 Viewer)

[Jason Wood]

2013 Pro Football Hall of Fame Semifinalists

Finalist Capacity Yrs. Active Teams Yrs. Eligible

Curley Culp DL 1968-81 Chiefs, Oilers, Lions 34th (sr.)

Dave Robinson LB 1963-74 Packers, Redskins 27th (sr.)

Kevin Greene OLB/DE 1985-97 Rams, Steelers, Panthers, 49ers 9th

Charles Haley OLB/DE 1986-96 49ers, Cowboys 9th

Andre Reed WR 1985-00 Bills, Redskins 8th

Cris Carter WR 1987-02 Eagles, Vikings, Dolphins 6th

Tim Brown WR/RET 1988-04 Raiders, Buccaneers 4th

Aeneas Williams CB/S 1991-00 Cardinals, Rams 4th

Jerome Bettis RB 1993-05 Rams, Steelers 3rd

Bill Parcells Coach 1983-06 Giants, Patriots, Cowboys 2nd

Will Shields G 1993-06 Chiefs 2nd

Warren Sapp DT 1995-07 Buccaneers, Raiders 1st

Jonathan Ogden T 1996-07 Ravens 1st

Michael Strahan DE 1993-07 Giants 1st

Larry Allen G/T 1994-07 Cowboys, 49ers 1st

Eddie DeBartolo Jr. Owner 1977-00 49ers --

Art Modell Owner 1961-11 Browns, Ravens --

Source: Pro Football Hall of Fame

 

[Jason Wood]

Have to figure Sapp and Strahan get in immediately, and both Ogden and Allen deserve entry too but I wonder if they have to wait a year or two. I think this is the year CC gets in, too.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Strahan,Sapp, parcells and Modell

 

[meyerj31]

Strahan, Ogden, and Modell.OL never gets any no love. Ogden was as dominate as you can be... 9x all-pro and barely missed a game.Cris Carter is going to be a casualty of the passing era. I don't see him getting in ever, nor do I think he's worthy. He's not on the same level as an impact player and face of the game as a Strahan or Modell. If they start letting in every WR with 13,000+ yards you're going to have a lot of great players who happened to play with good QBs. But great player doesn't equal HOF to me. HOF to me is transcending the game. Look at TO ... 16,000 yards. He's not a HOF guy to me at all. What else does he bring to the table besides stats? If CC went on to be a coach or players representative, or an analyst for the next 20 years, then maybe the senior committee will vote him in later.I'd love to see Kevin Greene get in with all he's done not only during his playing time, but the ridiculously good coaching jobs he has done with various teams. Love what he has done on the Packers. I've heard the players regard him as one of the better coaches on the staff, and I wouldn't be surprised to see him get a DEF co-ordinator position down the road.

 

[Mentos]

CulpStrahanSappAllenOgdenParcells

 

[The_Man]

I think Allen and Ogden are first ballot locks. Ogden was first-team all-decade at Tackle, Allen was second team at Guard. Ogden made 11 straight Pro Bowls and was All-NFL 4 times. Allen also made 11 Pro Bowls.I think Sapp should make it too. One-time Defensive MVP, all-decade first-team, 7 Pro Bowls, and All-NFL 4 times.

 

[tdmills]

Am I crazy to think Charles Haley gets in at some point?

 

[Jason Wood]

Am I crazy to think Charles Haley gets in at some point?

I think he gets in as a veterans' committee choice if not before. I also vehemently disagree with the OP who suggested Cris Carter won't get in. He will eventually. Reed on the other hand...

 

[Art Vandalay]

Strahan, Ogden, and Modell.OL never gets any no love. Ogden was as dominate as you can be... 9x all-pro and barely missed a game.Cris Carter is going to be a casualty of the passing era. I don't see him getting in ever, nor do I think he's worthy. He's not on the same level as an impact player and face of the game as a Strahan or Modell. If they start letting in every WR with 13,000+ yards you're going to have a lot of great players who happened to play with good QBs. But great player doesn't equal HOF to me. HOF to me is transcending the game. Look at TO ... 16,000 yards. He's not a HOF guy to me at all. What else does he bring to the table besides stats? If CC went on to be a coach or players representative, or an analyst for the next 20 years, then maybe the senior committee will vote him in later.I'd love to see Kevin Greene get in with all he's done not only during his playing time, but the ridiculously good coaching jobs he has done with various teams. Love what he has done on the Packers. I've heard the players regard him as one of the better coaches on the staff, and I wouldn't be surprised to see him get a DEF co-ordinator position down the road.

I don't post often here anymore but this rant or opinon is supremly idiotic. Chris Carter is a top 5 WR to ever play the game. Hes regarded to have had and from watching him play I agreed the Best Hands of all time. Pretty important for a WR. He ranks Top 5 in catches and td's and was part of some of the best offenses in NFL History. Then you mention TO shouldn't be in either.One of two players to record 120+ receptions in a season twice, 1994 and 1995. (Wes Welker)Most touchdown receptions on Thursday games (9)Most 12+ reception games in a single season (4) in 1995One of 3 players (Clarke Gaines and Jerry Rice) to record 12+ receptions in back to back gamesMost 1-yard touchdown receptions in NFL history (9)Most touchdown receptions 2 yards or less in NFL history (16) – tied with Jerry RiceMost touchdown receptions 4 yards or less in NFL history (28)Most touchdown receptions 5 yards or less in NFL history (36) – tied with Jerry RiceMost touchdown receptions 6 yards or less in NFL history (44)Most touchdown receptions 7 yards or less in NFL history (48)Most consecutive games with 2 touchdown receptions (4) – tied with Calvin JohnsonMost consecutive seasons with 5+ touchdown receptions (11) – Terrell Owens, Jerry Rice, Marvin Harrison, Don Hutson, Tim BrownFirst player to record a 150 yard receiving game in 3 different decades (Jerry Rice is the only other player to do so)

 

[meyerj31]

Strahan, Ogden, and Modell.

OL never gets any no love. Ogden was as dominate as you can be... 9x all-pro and barely missed a game.

Cris Carter is going to be a casualty of the passing era. I don't see him getting in ever, nor do I think he's worthy. He's not on the same level as an impact player and face of the game as a Strahan or Modell. If they start letting in every WR with 13,000+ yards you're going to have a lot of great players who happened to play with good QBs. But great player doesn't equal HOF to me. HOF to me is transcending the game. Look at TO ... 16,000 yards. He's not a HOF guy to me at all. What else does he bring to the table besides stats? If CC went on to be a coach or players representative, or an analyst for the next 20 years, then maybe the senior committee will vote him in later.

I'd love to see Kevin Greene get in with all he's done not only during his playing time, but the ridiculously good coaching jobs he has done with various teams. Love what he has done on the Packers. I've heard the players regard him as one of the better coaches on the staff, and I wouldn't be surprised to see him get a DEF co-ordinator position down the road.

I don't post often here anymore but this rant or opinon is supremly idiotic. Chris Carter is a top 5 WR to ever play the game. Hes regarded to have had and from watching him play I agreed the Best Hands of all time. Pretty important for a WR. He ranks Top 5 in catches and td's and was part of some of the best offenses in NFL History. Then you mention TO shouldn't be in either.One of two players to record 120+ receptions in a season twice, 1994 and 1995. (Wes Welker)

Most touchdown receptions on Thursday games (9)

Most 12+ reception games in a single season (4) in 1995

One of 3 players (Clarke Gaines and Jerry Rice) to record 12+ receptions in back to back games

Most 1-yard touchdown receptions in NFL history (9)

Most touchdown receptions 2 yards or less in NFL history (16) – tied with Jerry Rice

Most touchdown receptions 4 yards or less in NFL history (28)

Most touchdown receptions 5 yards or less in NFL history (36) – tied with Jerry Rice

Most touchdown receptions 6 yards or less in NFL history (44)

Most touchdown receptions 7 yards or less in NFL history (48)

Most consecutive games with 2 touchdown receptions (4) – tied with Calvin Johnson

Most consecutive seasons with 5+ touchdown receptions (11) – Terrell Owens, Jerry Rice, Marvin Harrison, Don Hutson, Tim Brown

First player to record a 150 yard receiving game in 3 different decades (Jerry Rice is the only other player to do so)

You're missing the bolded point. Everyone nowadays is obsessed with stats.Cris Carter absolutely had great hands. That's not the point, nor are the plethora of stats you described.

Cris Carter definitely passes the "one of the great players at his position" test ... but does he pass the "transcending the game" piece necessary to belong in the HOF?

I think too many guys are inducted and it should be limited to 2-3 every year. Guys like Strahan to me are automatic. Not only were they one of the best at their position, but they have been a face of the game and part of many charitable organizations and hold a clean image.

To me being inducted to the HOF is more than just possessing a slew of stats... lots of guys have crazy stats. The members should be drivers of the game or so impactful that neglecting to mention them would remove a significant portion of NFL history. If someone is that famous, they should be in the hall. For example, if you removed Brady from NFL history, not only would you remove some of the best individual stats from NFL annals, but you would remove 5 super bowl appearances, 3 wins, and some of the most winning teams of time. He's a Hall of Fame guy and a huge part of NFL history. I just don't see that from Cris Carter.

 

[shadyridr]

My 5:Cris Carter- enough is enough, he deserves to be in Warren Sapp- lockJonathan Ogden- lockMichael Strahan- lockArt Modell- did so much for the gameJust missing:Larry Allen- might have to wait a year or two

 

[BroncoFreak_2K3]

Culp - so dominant in his timeModellOgdenStrahanSappL. Allen just misses the cut this year.

 

[FlapJacks]

StrahanOgdenSappTim Brown

 

[FlapJacks]

I'd love to see Kevin Greene get in with all he's done not only during his playing time, but the ridiculously good coaching jobs he has done with various teams. Love what he has done on the Packers. I've heard the players regard him as one of the better coaches on the staff, and I wouldn't be surprised to see him get a DEF co-ordinator position down the road.

I hope he never sniffs the HoF

 

[Black&Gold]

#6 on the all-time rushing list doesn't get in after 3 tries? Crazy.

 

[az_prof]

Strahan,Sapp, parcells and Modell

I hate that coaches and owners and commissioners get in as much as they do. Very few deserve it and I don't think these guys do.If Chris Carter doesn't get in, the Hall is quickly appearing to be a sham.

 

[az_prof]

Dave Robinson, just because there has to be on Senior and he was on those GB Superbowl teams.Cris Carter Best WR of his era after Jerry Rice, and Jerry Rice is the best of all time.Warren Sapp This guy was a crappy human being, but a great DT.Michael Strahan Great DE and set single season sack record.One of the following, but I am not sure which is most deserving. I remember them both being good and they both blocked for some great backs.Larry Allen G/T 1994-07 Cowboys, 49ers 1stWill Shields G 1993-06 Chiefs 2ndJonathan Ogden T 1996-07 Ravens 1st

 

[CalBear]

#6 on the all-time rushing list doesn't get in after 3 tries? Crazy.

Vinny Testaverde (#7 on the all-time passing list) and Drew Bledsoe (#10) won't get in. It's very possible that #4 and #5 on the all-time receiving list don't get in (Bruce and T.Brown). Bettis might make it, but he's one of the more marginal candidates.

 

[Csonka4life]

Dave Krieg was in the top 10 when he retired too. The hall of fame voters don't consider stats, like the other big 4 halls. Maybe because the sport has changed so much over the years. I think John Brodie retired number 3 in passing yards and he has never been a serious candidate.

 

[Tau837]

I posted this in the previous thread:

Larry AllenWarren SappMichael StrahanAeneas WilliamsBill ParcellsVery strong group IMO.

That is the class I would vote for, ignoring senior nominees since I don't know enough about them to judge their worthiness.

 

[Tau837]

Chris Carter is a top 5 WR to ever play the game.

It's Cris, not Chris.While I think he deserves to make the HOF at some point, Carter is not a top 5 all time WR. Rice, Hutson, Moss, Harrison, Owens, Alworth, and Largent all clearly deserve to be ranked higher IMO, and that's just off the top of my head... I probably forgot a few.

 

[Balco]

My 4:Jonathan Ogden: One of the best at his position of all timeLarry Allen: You will be hard pressed to find a better run blocking guardMichael Strahan: A true two way end, rare in this eraWarren Sapp: Have yet to see a quicker first step from a DT

 

[pecorino]

#6 on the all-time rushing list doesn't get in after 3 tries? Crazy.

Vinny Testaverde (#7 on the all-time passing list) and Drew Bledsoe (#10) won't get in. It's very possible that #4 and #5 on the all-time receiving list don't get in (Bruce and T.Brown). Bettis might make it, but he's one of the more marginal candidates.

i think it benefits Bettis that he is not up against any other RBs this year (unlike last) but i don't think he will make the cut. imo, he should someday get in as the most prolific "big back" in history.and like a prior poster, even coming from a steelers homer, kevin greene should not get in.

 

[ninerfanatic492000]

How have some mentioned Larry Allen not making it in when he is the best player on the list.........and I'm a niners fan. Many have warren sapp as a 1st ballot and warren has mentioned numerous times that Larry was the best OL he ever faced and was ultimately smoked by Larry. Warren mentioned he just tried to limit the embarrassing moments for film study.

 

[Insein]

2013 Pro Football Hall of Fame Semifinalists

Finalist Capacity Yrs. Active Teams Yrs. Eligible

Curley Culp DL 1968-81 Chiefs, Oilers, Lions 34th (sr.)

Dave Robinson LB 1963-74 Packers, Redskins 27th (sr.)

Kevin Greene OLB/DE 1985-97 Rams, Steelers, Panthers, 49ers 9th

Charles Haley OLB/DE 1986-96 49ers, Cowboys 9th

Andre Reed WR 1985-00 Bills, Redskins 8th

Cris Carter WR 1987-02 Eagles, Vikings, Dolphins 6th

Tim Brown WR/RET 1988-04 Raiders, Buccaneers 4th

Aeneas Williams CB/S 1991-00 Cardinals, Rams 4th

Jerome Bettis RB 1993-05 Rams, Steelers 3rd

Bill Parcells Coach 1983-06 Giants, Patriots, Cowboys 2nd

Will Shields G 1993-06 Chiefs 2nd

Warren Sapp DT 1995-07 Buccaneers, Raiders 1st

Jonathan Ogden T 1996-07 Ravens 1st

Michael Strahan DE 1993-07 Giants 1st

Larry Allen G/T 1994-07 Cowboys, 49ers 1st

Eddie DeBartolo Jr. Owner 1977-00 49ers --

Art Modell Owner 1961-11 Browns, Ravens --

Source: Pro Football Hall of Fame

Not knowing the old timers, here's who I think should go. Haley, Carter, Brown, Parcells, Shields, Modell and Allen. Can't remember if there's a limit on how many.

Greene: Long time in a down year maybe.

Williams: Some day

Reed: Maybe Someday

Bettis: Next year

Sapp: Eventually but too soon.

Ogden: Next year

Strahan: Same as Greene.

 

[Manster]

How have some mentioned Larry Allen not making it in when he is the best player on the list.........and I'm a niners fan. Many have warren sapp as a 1st ballot and warren has mentioned numerous times that Larry was the best OL he ever faced and was ultimately smoked by Larry. Warren mentioned he just tried to limit the embarrassing moments for film study.

What better endorsement is there? Larry was a beast! 1st ballot HOF'er or its a joke!

 

[SacramentoBob]

2013 Pro Football Hall of Fame Semifinalists

Finalist Capacity Yrs. Active Teams Yrs. Eligible

Charles Haley OLB/DE 1986-96 49ers, Cowboys 9th

Cris Carter WR 1987-02 Eagles, Vikings, Dolphins 6th

Bill Parcells Coach 1983-06 Giants, Patriots, Cowboys 2nd

Will Shields G 1993-06 Chiefs 2nd

Warren Sapp DT 1995-07 Buccaneers, Raiders 1st

Jonathan Ogden T 1996-07 Ravens 1st

Michael Strahan DE 1993-07 Giants 1st

Larry Allen G/T 1994-07 Cowboys, 49ers 1st

Eddie DeBartolo Jr. Owner 1977-00 49ers --

Art Modell Owner 1961-11 Browns, Ravens --

Source: Pro Football Hall of Fame

Great class.

 

[SacramentoBob]

Jerome Bettis is not a HoFer, sorry.

 

[SacramentoBob]

parcells

I hate that coaches and owners and commissioners get in as much as they do. Very few deserve it and I don't think these guys do.

What?

 

[Tau837]

Not knowing the old timers, here's who I think should go. Haley, Carter, Brown, Parcells, Shields, Modell and Allen. Can't remember if there's a limit on how many.

There is a maximum of 5 non-senior nominated inductees. You named 7.

 

[Insein]

Not knowing the old timers, here's who I think should go. Haley, Carter, Brown, Parcells, Shields, Modell and Allen. Can't remember if there's a limit on how many.

There is a maximum of 5 non-senior nominated inductees. You named 7.

Then Haley, Carter, Parcells, Shields and Allen.And I'm an Eagles fan.

 

[moondog]

Not knowing the old timers, here's who I think should go. Haley, Carter, Brown, Parcells, Shields, Modell and Allen. Can't remember if there's a limit on how many.

There is a maximum of 5 non-senior nominated inductees. You named 7.

Then Haley, Carter, Parcells, Shields and Allen.And I'm an Eagles fan.

Haley had 100.5 career sacks - tied William Fuller in 27th place all time. Jim Jeffcoat is in 26th place with 102.5Kevin Greene had 160 sacks - 3rd all time. Chris Doleman is 4th with 150.5I don't think Haley makes the HoF anytime soon if ever.

 

[Ghost Rider]

Chris Carter is a top 5 WR to ever play the game.

It's Cris, not Chris.While I think he deserves to make the HOF at some point, Carter is not a top 5 all time WR. Rice, Hutson, Moss, Harrison, Owens, Alworth, and Largent all clearly deserve to be ranked higher IMO, and that's just off the top of my head... I probably forgot a few.

No way in hell is Carter a top 5 all-time WR.

 

[by_the_sea_wannabe]

Cris CarterBill ParcellsJonathan OgdenMichael Strahan Larry Allen

 

[wodahSShadow]

Chris Carter is a top 5 WR to ever play the game.

It's Cris, not Chris.While I think he deserves to make the HOF at some point, Carter is not a top 5 all time WR. Rice, Hutson, Moss, Harrison, Owens, Alworth, and Largent all clearly deserve to be ranked higher IMO, and that's just off the top of my head... I probably forgot a few.

No way in hell is Carter a top 5 all-time WR.

This. If you had the choice (assuming everyone is the same age/in their prime), would you choose Carter over any of these current players (much less all time)?-Moss

Fitzgerald

Calvin

(AJ Green/Julio Jones, in time, have a great shot to be a part of this group)

You could even make an argument that these players are as good as Carter:

Andre Johnson

Reggie Wayne

Brandon Marshall

 

[Ghost Rider]

It's still to early to say that guys like Green and Julio are in his class, but from the last 20 years, I'd take Rice, Harrison, Moss, Owens, Fitzgerald, Megatron, Bruce and Holt all over Carter.

 

[lod01]

Chris Carter is a top 5 WR to ever play the game.

It's Cris, not Chris.While I think he deserves to make the HOF at some point, Carter is not a top 5 all time WR. Rice, Hutson, Moss, Harrison, Owens, Alworth, and Largent all clearly deserve to be ranked higher IMO, and that's just off the top of my head... I probably forgot a few.

No way in hell is Carter a top 5 all-time WR.

Neither is Michael Irvin, he just had the luck of being on a team that made the Herchel Walker trade. Switch places with Irvin, and put Carter on the Cowboys. Does Irvin deserve to be in the HOF?. Fact is, Carter deserves it more than Irvin. He's better.I'll add that Charles Haley has 5 SB rings before the 'Irvin has 3 SB rings' reason. Irvin should not be in the HOF if Carter is not there.

 

[BassNBrew]

Carter is enough of a media darling that he'll make it.

 

[CalBear]

Neither is Michael Irvin, he just had the luck of being on a team that made the Herchel Walker trade. Switch places with Irvin, and put Carter on the Cowboys. Does Irvin deserve to be in the HOF?. Fact is, Carter deserves it more than Irvin. He's better.

Carter may deserve it more than Irvin, but we can't measure new HOF candidates against the worst current HOF members; we have to measure them against their peers. (And Irvin isn't the worst current HOF member at WR; it's either Lynn Swann, Art Monk, or Charlie Joiner). That said, Carter deserves it and he'll get in. But he's nothing close to a top-5 WR of all time.

 

[Funkley]

Carter is 8th all time in td's. Last time I checked td's still matter in the NFL. For those saying he's no where near top 5 all time how do you explain his ability to score? By the sound of it in this thread there should be many wr's ahead of him on the td list......and yet.....there arent.

 

[Aaron Rudnicki]

I think these would be my 4, but this looks like a very strong group with a lot of people that deserve to get in eventually:Cris Carter WR 1987-02 Eagles, Vikings, Dolphins 6thAeneas Williams CB/S 1991-00 Cardinals, Rams 4thMichael Strahan DE 1993-07 Giants 1stEddie DeBartolo Jr. Owner 1977-00 49ers --Carter is long overdue. Doesn't seem like a coach or owner should take a spot from a player, but I think Eddie D should get in for that 49ers dynasty in the 90s.

 

[CalBear]

Carter is 8th all time in td's. Last time I checked td's still matter in the NFL. For those saying he's no where near top 5 all time how do you explain his ability to score? By the sound of it in this thread there should be many wr's ahead of him on the td list......and yet.....there arent.

Vinny Testaverde is 10th all-time in passing TDs. He was seventh when he retired. Is he on your ballot?Receiving yards still matter in the NFL, and Carter never finished top-5 in receiving yards. He ended up about 100 yards ahead of Henry Ellard for his career.

 

[SSOG]

Jerome Bettis is not a HoFer, sorry.

I'll go one further. If Bettis makes the Hall, he immediately becomes the second most undeserving member. He was 4 years of Stephen Jackson, surrounded by 9 years of Mike Tolbert.

I think these would be my 4, but this looks like a very strong group with a lot of people that deserve to get in eventually:Cris Carter WR 1987-02 Eagles, Vikings, Dolphins 6thAeneas Williams CB/S 1991-00 Cardinals, Rams 4thMichael Strahan DE 1993-07 Giants 1stEddie DeBartolo Jr. Owner 1977-00 49ers --Carter is long overdue. Doesn't seem like a coach or owner should take a spot from a player, but I think Eddie D should get in for that 49ers dynasty in the 90s.

DeBartolo's HoF credentials are that he was rich enough to buy a team and lucky enough to hire Bill Walsh. The architect of the Niners' dynasty is already in. The players responsible for the Niners' dynasty are already in. Let's not waste a spot that could be used on real players so we can elect the guy that paid their salaries.

 

[Insein]

Not knowing the old timers, here's who I think should go. Haley, Carter, Brown, Parcells, Shields, Modell and Allen. Can't remember if there's a limit on how many.

There is a maximum of 5 non-senior nominated inductees. You named 7.

Then Haley, Carter, Parcells, Shields and Allen.And I'm an Eagles fan.

Haley had 100.5 career sacks - tied William Fuller in 27th place all time. Jim Jeffcoat is in 26th place with 102.5Kevin Greene had 160 sacks - 3rd all time. Chris Doleman is 4th with 150.5I don't think Haley makes the HoF anytime soon if ever.

Meh, Haley was also on 5 Super Bowl Champions. I know it's just an opinion but I just remember that dude dominating everytime I saw a niners or Cowboys game. Kevin Greene I remembered as one of the first sack specialists like a Babin of his day. But I was born in 81 so admittedly, I may not remember it well.

 

[AB in DC]

Ogden and Allen should be no-brainers.I would put Sapp and Strahan as the next-best, but Haley has been on the list for so long that he might get in before either or both of them.Aeneas Williams, Bill Parcells, and Will Shields are all deserving, too. Since there's a five-person limit, I'll guess Parcells this year, the other two within the next year or three.

 

[Insein]

Ogden and Allen should be no-brainers.I would put Sapp and Strahan as the next-best, but Haley has been on the list for so long that he might get in before either or both of them.Aeneas Williams, Bill Parcells, and Will Shields are all deserving, too. Since there's a five-person limit, I'll guess Parcells this year, the other two within the next year or three.

I like Shields over Ogden but tackle is the sexiest position of the offensive line. Both were great but I'd put Shields in first.

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

Ogden, Allen and Strahan are my top 3. I don't think Sapp gets in right now. Haley gets in eventually with 5 SBs but not now. If I had to guess, I'd add Parcells to make a very solid class.

 

[Stompin' Tom Connors]

Lot of compelling reasons for and against Bettis. He clearly has stellar stats in terms of total yards and TDs, and was definitely a Pro Bowl regular and a well liked player. The classic 3 yards and a cloud of dust back, he was the definition of dependable longevity at the position, but I can't say he was truly dominant in his era. At the very least, I don't think Bettis has any better case than Terrell Davis and Roger Craig, who didn't make the finalist cut this year.Strahan, Ogden, Carter, Allen, and either Haley or Tim Brown are my Top 5.

 

[drummer]

Jerome Bettis is not a HoFer, sorry.

I'll go one further. If Bettis makes the Hall, he immediately becomes the second most undeserving member. He was 4 years of Stephen Jackson, surrounded by 9 years of Mike Tolbert.

I think these would be my 4, but this looks like a very strong group with a lot of people that deserve to get in eventually:Cris Carter WR 1987-02 Eagles, Vikings, Dolphins 6thAeneas Williams CB/S 1991-00 Cardinals, Rams 4thMichael Strahan DE 1993-07 Giants 1stEddie DeBartolo Jr. Owner 1977-00 49ers --Carter is long overdue. Doesn't seem like a coach or owner should take a spot from a player, but I think Eddie D should get in for that 49ers dynasty in the 90s.

DeBartolo's HoF credentials are that he was rich enough to buy a team and lucky enough to hire Bill Walsh. The architect of the Niners' dynasty is already in. The players responsible for the Niners' dynasty are already in. Let's not waste a spot that could be used on real players so we can elect the guy that paid their salaries.

That's a bit harsh on Eddie D., and the players who were on his teams still love him. But post Walsh, his Front Offices were pretty horrid in drafts, and the Salary Cap issues along with the violations of it bring his legacy down quite a bit. Not to mention the non NFL perjury thing.

 

[Funkley]

Carter is 8th all time in td's. Last time I checked td's still matter in the NFL. For those saying he's no where near top 5 all time how do you explain his ability to score? By the sound of it in this thread there should be many wr's ahead of him on the td list......and yet.....there arent.

Vinny Testaverde is 10th all-time in passing TDs. He was seventh when he retired. Is he on your ballot?Receiving yards still matter in the NFL, and Carter never finished top-5 in receiving yards. He ended up about 100 yards ahead of Henry Ellard for his career.

No,Vinny just plaued a long time. No one is going to argue that averaging 13-14 td passes a year was good. Similar to Harold Baines getting 3,000 hits. Longevity is not enough. I fail to see what that has to do with Carter and his 130 td's scored. Are you claiming that yards matter more than td's? Ellard scored 65, Carter had twice that. And more everything than Largent.