On Saturday, January 31st, 2009, the NFL Hall of Fame selection committee will meet to select the 2009 NFL Hall of fame class. There are 17 finalists now, but only candidates who receive 80% of votes will be allowed to enter. At the meeting, two senior candidates and five “modern-era” candidates (candidates who played in the last 25 years, but have not played in the last 5 years) will be selected. Of these candidates, no more than 7 and no less than 4 will be elected.
Two of these candidates are candidates for their roles as NFL contributers. Paul Tagliabue was the commissioner from 1989 until 2006. He took an NFL that was only mildly profitable and made it the biggest game in America. “Tag” as he is affectionately known by many in the NFL was responsible for a lot of the prosperity of the NFL and will almost undoubtedly be going to Canton this year. The other non-player candidate is Buffalo Bills founder and owner Ralph Wilson, who is entering his 49th year of ownership. He has been a finalist before, but don’t expect him to get in unless the voters feel this class is weak. The following are the candidates in the order of likelihood that they will be finalists and if they will reach that coveted 80% mark.
Bruce Smith – DE – (1985-2003)
Bruce Smith is a name that struck fear into many offensive players in the late 80s and early 90s. A staple of the Bills 4 time Super Bowl team, he was a monster pass rusher who recorded 10 or more sacks in 13 of his 19 seasons, with 19 in 1990. He was the first player selected in the 1985 draft and recorded 200 sacks in his 279 career games. This two time defensive player of the year was an 11 time All-Pro and was selected to 11 Pro Bowls. Smith should make the Hall on his first ballot. Chance of entry: 99%
Shannon Sharpe – TE – (1990-2003)
When teams faced off against the Broncos of the 1990s, they faced something that was very uncommon in the league – a tight end who not only could block with the best, but could burn a defense and make amazing catches. A 7th round pick in the 1990 NFL draft, he held the records for career receptions (815), yards (10,060), and touchdowns (62). He was a 1,000 yard receiver in three of his 14 seasons and helped the Broncos win back to back Super Bowls before going to Baltimore and helping them win Super Bowl XXXV. Shannon single-handedly redefined the position of tight end and led to the position we see today. Possibly the best tight end to ever play the game, expect him to be a first ballot Hall of Famer. Chance of entry: 99%
Rod Woodson – CB/S – 1987-2003)
In 17 seasons, with four different teams, the 10th player selected in the 1987 NFL Draft became one of the best ball-hawkers in NFL history. A member of the NFL’s 75th Anniversary team, he holds the record for number of interceptions returned for a touchdown (12). His 71 interceptions ranks him third all time and he holds the record for interception return yardage (1,438). This opposing defensive back was also a great kick returner, and will definitely be a finalist, and will be elected into the Hall of Fame, if not this year, then in the very near future. Chance of entry: 90%
Derrick Thomas – LB – (1989-1999)
In 11 seasons, this Defensive Rookie of the Year recorded 20 sacks in just his second NFL season, setting the NFL record with 7 in a single game. After being selected 4th overall in the 1989 draft, he amassed 126.5 sacks which is fourth most by a linebacker in NFL history. He forced 45 fumbles, recovered 19, and scored on four of those. Thomas would have rewritten the record books, had not a car accident ended his career and eventually his life at the young age of 33. One of the best to play the game, a shortened career will be the biggest hit against this NFL great. He should make the final 7, but his posthumous entry will be a year or two delayed. Chance of entry: 75%
Chris Carter – WR – (1987-2002)
One of the two modern era receivers in this class, Carter had a successful career. He was the second player to reach 1,000 receptions and recorded 1,000 yards receiving 8 straight time with 42 one hundred yard games. He was second in receptions (1,101) and receiving touchdowns (130) when he retired in 2002. His lack of a Super Bowl ring is the biggest detriment to his entry into the hall. He will probably follow the path of fellow receiver Art Monk, who waited 8 years after he was eligible before getting his bust in Canton, and be enshrined in a few years, but he may one of the final seven this year. Chance of entry: 70%
Richard Dent – DE – (1983-1997)
In his 15 seasons, this eighth round pick from the 1983 NFL Draft played 15 seasons. He was one of the best pass rushing ends of his time. Recorded 137.5 sacks which was 3rd best of all time when he retired. He was selected as the MVP of Super Bowl XX for one of the best defenses ever compiled. While he was unstoppable at the time, he might not make it this year with the talent ahead of him. Chance of entry: 60%
Bob Hayes – WR – (1965-1975) (Senior Candidate)
Bob won the title of “World’s Fastest Human” by winning two Gold medals in the 1964 Olympics before playing 11 seasons for the Cowboys. His speed was his best weapon and led defenses to develop the bump and run defense trying to slow him down when even double coverage failed to work. He accumulated 7,414 yards and had 71 career touchdowns which are still a Cowboy’s team record. He died in 2002 at the age of 59. Expect him to make the final 7 as a senior candidate, and… Chance of entry: 70%
Claude Humphrey – DE – (1968-1981) (Senior Candidate)
Claude burst onto the scene after being the third player taken in the 1968 draft. He recorded 11.5 sacks as a rookie earning Defensive Rookie of the year, and 122 in his 14 seasons. After being traded from the Falcons to the Eagles, he led the Eagles defense the title in Super Bowl XV. Chance of entry: 65%
Andre Reed – WR – (1985-2000)
Throughout the early 1990s, the Bills were dominant in the AFC, largely due to the steady offensive production of Andre Reed. He holds team records for career receptions, career yardage, 100+ receiving games, and most catches in a game. At his retirement, he ranked 3rd all time in receptions (951). He played in seven pro bowls while becoming known for his toughness, often going up for passes in the unforgiving middle of the field. Reed amassed 13,198 yards in his career, which puts him over 700 yards short of fellow candidate Chris Carter, however his 4 Super Bowl appearances help his cause. Had he won a Super Bowl, his election would be much more certain, but given the circumstances, he is not one of the top 5 modern era players and will probably have to wait for his chance at Canton. Chance of entry: 50%
Russ Grimm – G – (1981-1991)
Russ was selected in the third round of the 1981 draft and became an anchor on a line nicknamed “The Hogs”. The left side of the line was so dominant that in the run to a Super Bowl XVII title, they averaged 152 yards rushing. Before knee injuries eventually ended his career, he helped his team to 4 Super Bowls, winning three of them. One of the best guards in NFL history, Grimm may reach the Hall someday, but this season, his chances look slim. Chance of entry: 40%
John Randle – DT – (1990-2003)
In his first year of eligibility for the Hall of Fame, Randle, who played for 14 seasons after making the Vikings as an undrafted free agent, will vie to secure a spot among legends like Joe Greene and Reggie White as defensive tackles who have made the Hall. A six time All-Pro and seven time Pro Bowler, he recorded 137.5 sacks in his career including 9 seasons with 10 or more sacks. While his numbers are good, first year eligibility usually only allows the very top players in and while John was good, he will probably wait a couple years to enter Canton. Chance of entry: 35%
Bob Kuechenberg – G – (1970-1984)
After being selected in the fourth round of the 1969 NFL Draft, he played 15 seasons for the Dolphins. A versatile player, he managed to make the Pro Bowl as a guard and earn All-AFC honors at tackle in the same season. He was selected to six Pro Bowls and was a part of 4 Super Bowl teams, winning back to back titles in Super Bowls VII and VIII. While he was great in his time, he will most likely miss the boat again this season meaning he will have to hope to make it via the “Senior” selection in the future. Chance of entry: 30%
Randall McDaniel – G – (1988-2001)
In 14 seasons, mostly with the Vikings, Randall managed to start 202 consecutive games. He was the 19th player selected in the 1988 NFL Draft and was plugged in immediately as a rookie. His blocking ability allowed him to overpower opponents or use technique to keep them off the ball. He had 12 selections to the Pro Bowl, but never made it to the Super Bowl before retiring. His superior blocking helped the Vikings to have a dominant offense through much of the 90s, but he will probably be an afterthought in this year’s Hall of Fame voting. Chance of entry: 30%
Cortez Kennedy – DT – (1990-2000)
This first time finalist was the 3rd pick in the 1990 NFL Draft. Cortez started 100 straight games for the Seahawks and only missed 9 games in 11 years. His 8 pro bowl selections are the most in team history. In all he accounted for 58 sacks and is one of the most famous players in Seahawks history. However, until his career statistics will probably not hold up against other candidates this year. Chance of entry: 30%
Dermontti Dawson – C – (1988-2000)
Dermontti is a first time finalist who played in 170 straight games for the Steelers. He was known for his speed and strength, a combination which made him one of the best linemen in the NFL in this period. A seven time Pro Bowl selection, this second round pick in the 1988 draft went on to lead the Steelers to the Super Bowl and until his retirement in 2000, he was the anchor of their dominant offensive line. However, linemen sometimes do not receive consideration as easily as position players making his odds of entry in his first time as a finalist relatively low. Chance of entry: 25%
This year like most will see men who are deserving of a place in the Hall of Fame wait another year for their shot at football immortality. However, at least 4 will make it. My prediction is that these four will include Bruce Smith, Shannon Sharpe, Rod Woodson, and Derrick Thomas. Senior selection Bob Hayes will also warrant consideration while former commissioner Paul Tagliabue should enter as well. For those who don’t make the cut, better luck next year, but with the current limits on the number of inductees, someone has to be left back every year.
