Crazy Canton Cuts

Kenny Easley

2009-11-22T16:37:00.000-08:00

Ken Easley
6'3" 206
Strong Safety
Seattle Seahawks
1981 - 1987
7 Seasons
32 Interceptions
5 Pro Bowls
1981 AFC Defensive Rookie Of The Year
1984 NFL Defensive Player Of The Year

Kenneth Mason Easley Jr. was the first round draft pick of the Seattle Seahawks in 1981, and was the fourth player chosen overall. He went to college at the University of California in Los Angeles, where he is a legend. His jersey number is one of just eight to have been retired by the school. He owns the school record for career interceptions with 19, and his 374 tackles still ranks fourth overall. He also ranks eighth on punt returns. While also having returned kickoffs in his collegiate career, UCLA even asked him to punt several times.. Blessed with great speed and a 32-inch vertical jump, the Chicago Bulls drafted him in the tenth round of the 1981 NBA Draft as well.

Easley is the only player ever to be named First Team All-PAC 10 in all four years at college. He was also named to All-American three years, and was the second Bruin to accomplish this. Easley is a member of the Bruins All-Century Football Team, the UCLA Athletic Hall Of Fame, the Virginia Sports Hall Of Fame, and the College Football Hall Of Fame.

Seattle started him immediately, and the move paid off handsomely. He started all 14 games he played, intercepting three passes for a career high 155 yards. One was returned for a career long 82 yard touchdown. He also recovered a career high four fumbles. United Press International named him AFC Defensive Rookie of the Year.

The 1982 season in the NFL is most remembered for being shortened due to a players strike. It is also the first season Easley was named to the Pro Bowl after he had four interceptions and the first two sacks of his career. He would be named to the Pro Bowl for the next three seasons as well.

Not only was he awarded Pro Bowl honors over these three years, he was also named First Team All-Pro in each year. No other Seahawk defensive back has done this, and it ranks as the second most in franchise history still today. His four consecutive Pro Bowls was also a team record at the time.

The 1983 season saw Seattle hire Chuck Knox as their head coach. Knox believed in winning games in the trenches, and his offensive philosophy has been dubbed "Ground Chuck" for his propensity to run the ball often. Easley intercepted the ball seven times and had a career best three sacks that season as the Seahawks made the playoffs for the first time ever.

The Seahawks won their first ever playoff game by walloping the Denver Broncos 31-7. Easley contributed a sack and helped stifle the Broncos all game. Seattle rode that momentum into the next week, and came from behind to beat the Miami Dolphins 27-20. Their season ended the next week by losing in the AFC Championship to the Los Angeles Raiders, who eventually won the Super Bowl that year.

Easly had the best season of his career in 1984. He has a career high ten interceptions and two touchdowns, both of which led the NFL. Seattle also asked him to return punts that year, and he had a career high 18 returns for 194 yards. He was named the NFL Defensive Player of the Year for his efforts.

The Seahawks won 12 games that year. It was the highest win total for them until their 2006 team won 13 and reached the Super Bowl. They got revenge on the Raiders in the first round of the playoffs by winning 13-7. Easley provided a key interception that was returned 26 yards to help the team. Seattle would lose the next week to the Dolphins.

He missed three games the next year, yet had two interceptions and two sacks. Though he missed six games in 1986 because of an ankle injury, he still managed two interceptions and a sack. However, the ankle injury would come back to haunt him later on in his career.

He returned to the Pro Bowl in 1987 after getting four interceptions. The ankle was still bothering him, and he missed four games. He was also held out of the starting lineup for a game for the first time since his first game in college. Seattle made the playoffs,but lost. It was the last game he ever played again.

Seattle then traded him to the Phoenix Cardinals for the rights to quarterback Kelly Stouffer. Stouffer had been the sixth player overall drafted the season before, but sat out the entire season because he and the Cardinals were unable to agree to terms of a contact.

When Easley arrived for his physical in Phoenix, the Cardinals doctors found that he had a kidney disease. It was later determined his disease stemmed from taking too many Advils when he was attempting to play on his injured ankle, which was what the Seahawks medical staff had been advising him to do over that time.

Easley was forced to retire as a player. He later settled with the team out of court over the Advil fiasco that robbed him of his kidney and playing career. He would undergo a successful kidney transplant in 1990. He was jogging within four months of the surgery, then won a golf tournament within six months.

His 32 interceptions are the fourth most in team history, and his 538 yards returned off interceptions is the third most. The three touchdowns he scored off of interceptions is the second most, and his 11 fumble recoveries is the fifth most by any Seahawks defender. No other defensive back in Seahawks history has gone to the Pro Bowl more than him, and only three other players in team history have more appearances.

Kenny Easley is a member of the Seahawks Ring Of Honor, and is a member of the NFL 1980's All-Decade First Team. He is the only member of the unit to yet be inducted into Canton.

Critics of his induction point to the seven years as not being long enough to be considered worthy. These are critics who truly do not understand the history of the game of football. The Pro Football Hall Of Fame is filled with players who played less seasons. One prime example for the modern day warriors who are oblivious to history is Gale Sayers of the Chicago Bears. Sayers lasted seven years as well, yet his final two seasons saw him play just four games total.

Easley, on the other hand, finished his career at Pro Bowl level. He was the not only the best strong safety of the 1980's, but he was the best safety period. The other safety on the 1980's All-Decade First Team is Hall Of Famer Ronnie Lott, who played cornerback from 1981 to 1985 before moving to free safety. Hall Of Fame coach Bill Walsh thought the fact Easley's career was cut short has kept him from his deserved induction and said, "He'd be a Hall of Fame player (had he played longer). Maybe he still is. He was that good."

Well it is easy to see that Kenny Easley easily belongs in Canton. He really was that good.

Notable Players Drafted In 1981 ( * Denotes Hall Of Fame Inductee )

1. George Rogers, RB, New Orleans Saints
2. Lawrence Taylor, OLB, New York Giants *
3. Freeman McNeil, RB, New York Jets
5. E.J. Junior, OLB, Saint Louis Cardinals
7. Hugh Green, OLB, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
8. Ronnie Lott, DB, San Francisco 49ers *
11. Keith Van Horne, OT, Chicago Bears
15. Dennis Smith, SS, Denver Broncos
18. Donnell Thompson, DE, Baltimore Colts
19. Brian Holloway, OT, New England Patriots
20. Mark May, OG, Washington Redskins
22. Hanford Dixon, CB, Cleveland Browns
24. James Brooks, RB, San Diego Chargers
25. Bobby Butler, CB, Atlanta Falcons
33. Neil Lomax, QB, Cardinals
34. James Wilder, RB, Buccaneers
37. Chris Collinsworth, WR, Cincinnati Bengals
38. Mike Singletary, MLB, Chicago Bears *
40. Eric Wright, CB, 49ers
41. Joe Delaney, RB, Kansas City Chiefs
47. Tony Collins, RB, Patriots
48. Howie Long, DE, Oakland Raiders *
51. Ricky Jackson, OLB, Saints
56. Andra Franklin, FB, Miami Dolphins
57. Frank Warren, DE, Saints
63. Greg Meisner, NT, Los Angeles Rams
65. Carlton Williamson, SS, 49ers
69. Russ Grimm, OG, Redskins
71. Hoby Brenner, TE, Saints
74. Tim Irwin, OT, Minnesota Vikings
78. Lloyd Burruss, SS, Chiefs
95. Todd Bell, SS, Bears
107. Eric Sievers, TE, Chargers
114. Edwin Bailey, OG, Seattle Seahawks
119. Dexter Manley, DE, Redskins
125. Ken Lanier, OT, Broncos
129. Larry Lee, OG, Detroit Lions
131. Keith Ferguson, DE, Chargers
154. Fulton Walker, DB, Dolphins
156. Bryan Hinkle, OLB, Pittsburgh Steelers
173. Ron Fellows, DB, Dallas Cowboys
177. Jeff Fisher, DB, Bears ( Notable NFL Coach )
183. David Little, MLB, Steelers
187. Eddie Johnson, MLB, Browns
189. Pete Holohan, TE, Chargers
201. Charlie Brown, WR, Redskins
208. William Judson, CB, Dolphins
210. Wade Wilson, QB, Vikings
212. Lin Dawson, TE, Patriots
221. Billy Ard, OG, Giants
226. Stump Mitchell, RB, Cardinals
231. Darryl Grant, DT, Redskins
241. Robb Riddick, RB, Buffalo Bills
265. Mike Mayock, DB, Steelers ( Notable Football Announcer )
291. Jim C. Jensen, WR, Dolphins
305. Jim Wilks, DE, Saints
314. Clint Didier, TE, Redskins
331. Ray Ellis, SS, Philadelphia Eagles

Ed Meador

2009-11-08T10:53:00.000-08:00

Ed Meador
5'11" 193
Safety
Los Angeles Rams
1959 - 1970
12 Seasons
163 Games Played
46 Interceptions
18 Fumble Recoveries
10 Kicks Blocked
6 Touchdowns
6 Pro Bowls

Eddie Doyle Meador was drafted in the seventh round of the 1959 draft by the Los Angeles Rams. He was the 80th player chosen overall.

Meador went to college at Arkansas Tech University, mainly because one of his high school football coaches had went there for a job and championed Meador's cause. He had previously been told been told by Bear Bryant of Texas A&M that he was too small to play college football.

He ended up being co-captain and played running back, defensive back, and returned kicks for the Wonder Boys. He scored 272 career points and rushing for 3,358 yards, which is still second-best in school history. He was on the Associated Press Little All-American team in 1958, and was named the Outstanding Back in the All-Star College Football Game. He was named Arkansas Amateur Athlete of the Year in 1958. Meador is a member of the Arkansas Tech Hall Of Fame, Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame, Helms Athletic Foundation Sports Hall of Fame, and NAIA Collegiate Hall of Fame.

Earning a starting job right away as a cornerback, the rookie picked off three passes for a Rams team that struggled to just two wins under Hall Of Fame coach Sid Gillman. The Associated Press placed him on their All-NFL Second Team for his efforts. The Rams then replaced Gillman at coach with Hall Of Famer Bob Waterfield. Meador made his first Pro Bowl squad after getting four interceptions, one which was returned for a touchdown.

He has one interception the next season, and was named First Team All-NFL by The Sporting News. After a solo interception the following season, he had six in 1963. It was his last season as a cornerback, and he was named Second Team All-NFL by the New York Daily News and the National Enterprises Association. The Rams then moved him to the free safety position.

Though he had already established himself as one of the top defensive backs in the league, Meador quickly became a superior safety. He went to the Pro Bowl in 1964, after swiping three balls, and returning six kickoffs for 148 yards. He returned to the Pro Bowl the next year after getting two interceptions. He also ran the ball twice for 35 yards, including scampering 24 yards for a touchdown.

The Rams then hired George Allen in 1966, making it the third Hall Of Famer that coached Meador in his career. Allen soon named him co-captain of the Rams defense. Meador responded with his third straight Pro Bowl season after he had five interceptions.

In the third game of the 1967 season versus the Dallas Cowboys, he intercepted two passes attempts from Don Meredith. He took one ball 30 yards for a score and was named NFL Defensive Player of the Week. He finished the season with a career best eight interceptions for 103 yards and two touchdowns. Meador also completed the only passing attempt of his career for an 18 yard touchdown, and returned a career high 21 punts. He was named to the Pro Bowl for a fourth straight season.

He went to his last Pro Bowl in 1968 after getting six interceptions, and he was named First Team All-Pro. He also returned 17 punts for a career high 136 yards, and returned a kickoff 20 yards. The 1969 season was another year that he was named First Team All-Pro. He scored two touchdowns off of five interceptions that season. He also was named the NFL Players Association President that year. He was honored with the NFLPA Byron 'Whizzer' White Award and was named NFL Father of the Year. After getting two interceptions in 1970, he retired.

Ed Meador is a member of the 1960's All-Decade Team, and the Rams All-Time Team. He was known by several of his teammates as the "Rams Little Assassin" because of his fierce play on the field. He was also a multi-dimensional athlete who was the holder of place kicks for the Rams. Often he would run or pass on fake field goal attempts.

He still owns five records with the Rams. He has the most interceptions with 46, fumble recoveries with 18, and kicks blocked with ten. He blocked four kicks in one year, and recovered five fumbles in one season. To say he had a nose for the football would be a huge understatement.

It is astonishing that Meador has yet to be inducted into Canton. He has gone to the same amount of Pro Bowls as 15 other defensive backs that are already inducted. He was named the Rams Defensive Back of the Year seven times in his career, which is just another example of his impact. Tackles were not a recorded statistic in his era, but he exceeded 100 tackles in several seasons. He once had 126 tackles in a 14 game season, which is an impressive rate for a free safety. He was fast, quick, tough, and smart.

For all he did on the field, he did even more off the field. He was very active in charities, especially with the Special Olympics. His leadership abilities were seen from his days in college up until the day he retired from the NFL. He had the respect of everyone who encountered him both on and off the field during his playing days. He overcame huge obstacles of being told he couldn't play, then coming from a small college, to start in every game he played in his career. He was a iron man who missed just one game in 12 seasons.

It is time to get Eddie Meador his well deserved respect. You can do your part by visiting his website at : http://www.edmeador21.com/how%20to%20nominate.html

Notable Players Drafted In 1959 (None are a Canton Inductee Yet)

2. Dick Bass, FB, Los Angelos Rams
3. Bill Stacy, DB, Chicago Cardinals
5. Dave Baker, DB, San Francisco
6. Nick Pietrosante, FB, Detroit
15. J.D. Smith, OT, Philadelphia
17. Bob L. Harrison, LB, San Francisco
19. Mike Rabold, G, Detroit
21. Rich Petitbon, DB, Chicago Bears
22. Buddy Dial, WR, NY Giants
23. Dick Shafrath, OT, Cleveland
25. Bowd Dowler, WR, Green Bay
26. Wray Carlton, RB, Philadelphia
28. Emil Karas, LB, Washington
29. Eddie Dove, DB, San Francisco
34. Joe Morrison, RB, NY Giants
35. Fran O'Brien, OT, Cleveland
41. Monte Clark, DT, San Francisco
44. John Tracey, LB, LA Rams
47. Dave Lloyd, LB, Cleveland
49. Bob Wetoska, OT, Washington
53. John Wooten, G, Cleveland
58. Dick LeBeau, DB, Cleveland Browns
102. Bobby Joe Green, P, San Francisco
119. Bob Zeman, DB, Cleveland
123. Art Powell, WR, Philadelphia
125. Harry Jacobs, LB, Detroit
141. Mike Connelly, C, LA Rams
164. Joe Robb, DE, Chicago Bears
167. Elbert Dubenion, WR, Cleveland
173. Bruce Maher, DB, Detroit
177. Roger LeClerc, LB, Chicago Bears
209. Joe Kapp, QB, Washington
219. Alan Miller, FB, Philadelphia
223. Dave Kocourek, TE, Pittsburgh
242. Dale Memmelaar, G, Chicago Cardinals
249. Donnie Stone, RB, Chicago Bears
250. Jim Fraser, LB, Cleveland
266. Fred Glick, DB, Chicago Cardinals
313. Timmy Brown, RB, Green Bay
319. Charley Tolar, FB, Pittsburgh
331. Ron Hall, DB, Pittsburgh
353. Jim Colclough, WR, Washington

Bob Talamini

2009-10-14T17:25:00.000-07:00

Bob Talamini
6'1" 255
Offensive Guard
Houston Oilers
1960 - 1968
Nine Seasons
126 Games
6 Pro Bowls

Robert Guy Talamini was drafted in the 24th round by the expansion Houston Oilers in the fledgling American Football League before the 1960 season. He was a territorial draft selection, and was the third from last player chosen overall.

He had attended college at Kentucky University, where he had been a starter under coach Blanton Collier for three years. Talamini played 60 minutes as both an offensive guard and middle linebacker, and was named Honorable All-American his senior year. He also was named to the All-SEC Third Team at the conclusion of the year, yet was not invited to any of the post season games to put his skills on display.

Talamini had no thoughts of playing professional football, and had already started planning on life after college. Things changed one day after Adrian Burk called him in a conversation that lasted less than two minutes. Burk, who holds the NFL record for throwing seven touchdown passes in a single game, was working in the Oilers front office for owner Bud Adams. Burk asked him if he would have any interest trying out for the team in a league Talamini had heard nothing about. After a moment of thought, he remained non-committal.

A contract soon arrived in the mail to Talamini, who then had his law professor look over it. It stated that he would make $7,000 only if he made the team, and nothing if he did not. Talamini then called Burk back and asked for a bonus. The Oilers sent him $500, so he decided then to try out for the team.

Houston had just made a big splash in the news by signing Billy Cannon to their roster. Cannon was an All-American running back who had just won the 1959 Heisman Trophy Award. He was the first draft choice of both the NFL and AFL Draft, which had both leagues go to court over the right to sign him.

When he arrived in Houston, the Oilers had already been in training camp for over a week. Over 300 players were at the camp, yet the league rules stipulated that only 35 players could make each roster. After standing out immediately, Talamini was soon told by head coach Lou Rymkus that he would start.

The Oilers started 17 rookies in their inaugural season, nine alone just on offense. They were led by quarterback George Blanda, a wash out in the NFL who would revitalize his career in Houston and end up in the Pro Football Hall Of Fame. The only only other veteran on offense was seventh year tight end John Carson. Carson had been a Pro Bowl player in 1957 with the Washington Redskins, and would retire from the game after his lone season in the AFL.

Houston was a well balanced team that was equally adept in all facets of the game. They went 10-4 in their first season, then beat the Los Angeles Chargers to capture the first ever AFL Championship. They repeated as champions the next year by defeating the Chargers again in the championship game. Talamini was named to the All-AFL Second Team by both the UPI and the league in 1961.

Houston went to a third consecutive championship game after the 1962 season, but lost in double overtime to the Dallas Texans 20-17. Lasting just six seconds short of 78 minutes, it is still the longest championship game ever played. The Texans would relocate to Kansas City after the game, and rename themselves the Chiefs.

Talamini was named to the All-AFL First Team after that season, and would garner this award every year that followed up until 1967.

Though the Oilers failed to achieve their previous successes, they were a high scoring team over the next several seasons. One of the teams strengths was their rushing attack, which was led by Talamini's blocking prowess. He was excellent versus the pass rush, and was special when it came to pulling out and leading on sweeps.

After the 1967 concluded, he approached Adams for a pay raise. Despite coming off of six consecutive Pro Bowl seasons, at the young age of 28, he was denied his request. Talamini then asked for his immediate release from his contract.

Joe Spencer was an assistant coach on the New York Jets in 1968. He had worked with the Oilers a few years earlier, and was familiar with Talamini. Spencer called him and asked if he would be interested in joining the Jets. Talamini agreed to after being promised a pay raise, so the Jets gave Houston cash for his contract.

The 1968 season was a magical season for the New York Jets. This was a franchise who had struggled to stay in existence just a few years earlier due to poor attendance and play on the field. Things changed when they drafted Joe Namath in 1965. Namath, a future Hall Of Fame quarterback, brought the team a lot of publicity and credit as the Jets slowly built a winning team.

The Jets won their last four games of the year, and finished 11-3. They then faced the Oakland Raiders, a team that handed them their last loss, in the AFL Championship Game. New York won 27-23 on a late fourth quarter touchdown pass from Namath to Hall Of Fame wide receiver Don Maynard. The victory propelled the Jets into Super Bowl III, where they faced the heavily favored Baltimore Colts.

New York won the game 16-7, and became the first AFL team to be declared world champions. They won by creating five turnovers on defense, and controlling the ball on offense. The offensive line was led by Talamini and Winston Hill. They paved the way for running back Matt Snell to gain 121 yards on 30 rushing attempts, as well as helping Snell score the teams only touchdown off of a four yard run.

Though he was just 30 years old, and had been on three championship teams in his nine years, Talamini decided to retire from the game. He was slightly worn out from a difficult season. Making $17,000 that season, he had to spend over $2,000 to commute from New York City to his family throughout the entire year. He decided to get on with his life after football, and to be with his family.

Bob Talamini is a member of the American Football League All-Time Team, and is on the second unit.

He is a player who deserves his induction into Canton when you try and measure his career in several ways. Many men are in the Pro Football Hall Of Fame now based on the fact they played on winning teams. Talamini obviously played on winners, beginning and ending his career collecting championship rings.

Many other players are inducted because they were Pro Bowl players several times throughout their careers. Being honored with a Pro Bowl invitation indicates that player is amongst the very best at his position that season. Talamini was given this accolade in six of his nine years playing. There are several inducted players who appeared in an equal or lesser amount of Pro Bowls than Talamini. There are also several inductees who played in fewer seasons over the duration of their careers.

It is quite clear that he was one of the best to ever play his position in the history of professional football. The fact that the AFL still continues to be disrespected today can be the only fathomable reason for his exclusion.

Jim Otto, Ron Mix, and Billy Shaw are the only three offensive linemen from the AFL that are in Canton today. Shaw is the only one who spent his entire career just in the AFL. Of the 48 players listed on the American Football League All-Time Team, only 12 are in Canton. This is obviously still a resonant of sour grapes that the NFL had for the upstart AFL, and the prejudice still continues.

The AFL was the league that showed scoring could bring in fans, as opposed to the grinding style the NFL was using in those days. Much of those AFL philosophies are still in play today, after the NFL saw the possibilities and expanded on it by castrating defenses.

The Professional Football Hall Of Fame is NOT the NFL Hall Of Fame! If it were, then many legends from other leagues would not be inducted and it would be even more of a empty facility than it currently is. It is very clear that the only reason Bob Talamini is not in Canton is because of more than just time forgetting him or his impact. It is because the NFL still does not respect the AFL.

Notable 1960 NFL Draftees * Denotes Hall of Fame Inductee

1. Billy Cannon, RB, Los Angeles Rams
2. Richard Bass, RB, LA Rams
3. Johnny Robinson, DB, Detroit
8. Jim Houston, LB, Cleveland
10. Ron Mix, OT, Baltimore Colts *
20. Maxie Baughan, LB, Philadelphia
32. Don Meredith, QB, Chicago
42. Roger Brown, DT, Detroit
44. Jim Marshall, DE, Cleveland
55. Abner Haynes, RB, Pittsburgh
74. Larry Wilson, S, St. Louis Cardinals *
109. Charley Johnson, QB, St. Louis
110. Curtis McClinton, RB, LA Rams
119. Bobby Boyd, DB, Baltimore

Notable Players Drafted By The AFL In 1960 :

Jim Otto, C, Oakland Raiders *
Austin "Goose" Gonsoulin, DB, Dallas Texans
Larry Grantham, LB, New York Titans
Pat Dye, OT, Boston Patriots (Noted College Coach)
Jim Norton, DB, Dallas
Mel Branch, DE, Denver Broncos
Pail Maguire, P, Los Angeles Chargers (Noted Broadcaster)
Ed "Wahoo" McDaniels, LB, LA Chargers (Noted Wrestler)
Wayne Hawkins, G, Oakland
Tom Day, DE, Buffalo Bills

Don Coryell

2009-10-01T23:05:00.000-07:00

Don Coryell
Head Coach
Saint Louis Cardinals
San Diego Chargers
1973 - 1986
14 Seasons
111 Wins
First Coach With 100 Wins In Pro And College Football
Only Coach To Lead NFL In Passing 6 Straight Years
5 Division Titles

Donald David Coryell played college football at the University of Washington from 1949 to 1951 as a defensive back. He then went into coaching, and became a head coach at Whittier College in 1957, succeeding George Allen, who became a NFL Hall Of Fame coach.

He spent three years as the head coach of the Poets. While there, he led the team to win the Southern California Intercollegiate Athletic Conference title in each of his three seasons. He had a record of 21 - 5 - 1 and is a member of the school's Hall Of Fame.

Coryell left Whittier after the 1959 season and was not a head coach in 1960. He then became the head coach of San Diego State in 1961, where his teams would make a significant impact on the college football universe.

Coryell stayed with San Diego State for 12 seasons until 1972. In his 125 games there, the Aztecs won 104 of them. Attendance jumped from 8,000 spectators per game to over 41,000 per game during his tenure.

Three of his teams finished their seasons undefeated, and seven of them won both the California Collegiate Athletic Conference and later the Pacific Coast Athletic Association title.

His offensive genius also garnered nationwide attention while at San Diego State. His 1969 team led the NCAA in total offense (532.2 yards per game), passing (374.2 yards per game), and scoring (46.4 points per game) in their undefeated season.

He also showed his innate ability to develop players, especially on offense. He had 54 players go to the NFL from his teams, including five players drafted in the first round. Nine of his players were First Team All-Americans. In 1967, he had eight players drafted, and five went in the first two rounds.

The list of players he coached with the Aztecs included Haven Moses, Dennis Shaw, Brian Sipe, Willie Buchanon, Isaac Curtis, Don Horn, Fred Dryer, Joe Lavender, Don Shy, Claudie Minor, Tom Reynolds, Gary Garrison, Ralph Wenzel, Henry Allison, and noted actor Carl Weathers known best as Apollo Creed in the movie "Rocky". Dryer also became an actor after his NFL career, starring in the television series "Hunter".

Shaw led the NCAA in total offense in 1969, and would go on to become the first quarterback to win the NFL Offensive Rookie Of The Year Award in 1970. Only three other quarterbacks have won that award since.

Buchanon won the 1972 NFL Defensive Rookie Of The Year Award and is a member of the Green Bay Packers Hall Of Fame and their All-Time Team.

Sipe led the NCAA in passing in 1971, while Reynolds led the NCAA in receiving. Sipe's successor was Jesse Freitas, who was also recruited by Coryell. Freitas would lead the NCAA in passing in 1973. Sipe would later be named the MVP of the NFL in 1980.

The Coryell coaching tree from his Aztec era is very impressive as well.

Joe Gibbs was a player on Coryell's team at first and won the team's Most Inspirational Player Award in 1963. Gibbs later became a graduate assistant, then assistant coach at San Diego State.

He also was an assistant under Coryell with both the Cardinals and Chargers before becoming head coach of the Washington Redskins. Gibbs is a member of the Pro Football Hall Of Fame.

Another Pro Football Hall Of Fame coach who coached under Coryell at San Diego State was John Madden. Madden would join the Oakland Raiders in 1967, and then become the youngest head coach of the league the next season at 32 years old.

After a very successful stint with the Raiders, Madden became a popular NFL analyst on television and video game mogul.

Joe Gibbs' coaching career was almost cut short by Madden.

Gibbs was working under Madden, who was the defensive coordinator for Coryell. There was an annual spring football game approaching, and Coryell had Gibbs coach the team that would face Madden's team in the game.

Madden approached Gibbs and asked him what plays would be run, so Madden could prepare his team. Gibbs refused to disclose the plays, so Madden asked Coryell to mediate the situation.

Coryell told both Gibbs and Madden to treat it as real game, without the disclosure of plays to either side.

Gibbs team won that game. As the final gun sounded, both young coaches met at mid-field to shake hands. Madden fired Gibbs right there on the spot instead. Seeing a distraught Gibbs, Coryell then brought him over to the offensive side of the coaching staff.

The rest truly is history.

Jim Hanifan, Ernie Zampese, and Rod Dowhower also coached under Coryell at San Diego State.

Zampese was a noted offensive genius who was the offensive coordinator on the 1995 World Champion Dallas Cowboys team, and is a mentor to current San Diego Chargers head coach Norv Turner and former head coach and offensive coordinator Mike Martz.

Dowhower went on to succeed Pro Football Hall Of Fame coach Bill Walsh as head coach at Stanford University in 1979. He later became the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts from 1985 to 1986.

He was successful as an offensive coordinator with several teams in the NFL, including two consecutive NFC Championship appearances with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2000 and 2001.

Hanifan was a head coach with both the Saint Louis Cardinals and Atlanta Falcons. He was also a top assistant coach for many years, and won the NFL's Assistant Coach of the Year Award in 1977.

He was one of the best offensive line coaches to ever roam a sideline, and helped develop countless All-Pro's. He helped coach the Washington Redskins to a World Championship in 1992, and later the Saint Louis Rams to a win in Super Bowl XXXIV in 1999.

Coryell's teams went to three bowl games in his tenure with San Diego State. His 104 victories and .840 winning percentage are the best in school history, and he is a member of the College Football Hall Of Fame, the San Diego Hall of Champions, the University of Washington Husky Hall Of Fame, and San Diego State Aztec's Hall Of Fame.

The Saint Louis Cardinals were coming off a horrid year in 1972 that saw them score just 22 touchdowns, have 68 rushing first downs, and 2,038 passing yards. They were the third worst scoring team in the NFL.

A change was needed, so they hired Coryell to be their head coach for the 1973 season.

Coryell matched the previous seasons record of 4-9-1 that year, but improved the team's scoring to eleventh overall in the league. It became evident that the Cardinals were improved under Coryell's leadership, and that was highlighted even more the following year.

The Cardinals finished the 1974 season with a record of 10-4, which was good enough to capture the NFC East crown. It was the team's first divisional title since 1948.

Though the Cardinals lost in the first round of the playoffs to the Minnesota Vikings, they sent five players to the Pro Bowl. Four of those players came from the offense.

The Cardinal improved on that the next year and went 11-3. They won the NFC East again, and are the one of only two Cardinals teams to win two consecutive division titles.

The 1947 and 1948 Chicago Cardinals team is the other, and the 1947 team is the franchise's lone squad that earned a NFL Championship win.

The 1925 team was handed the championship by the league, due to a controversy with the Pottsville Maroons, but did not publicly claim to be that seasons champion until 1933.

Nine Cardinals went to the Pro Bowl in that 1975 season, the most in franchise history. Seven of them were offensive players. The team lost in the first round of the playoffs again, this time to the Los Angeles Rams.

Coryell's 1976 team sent seven players, five on offense, to the Pro Bowl. The team finished 10-4, which was good enough for second place in the NFC East, but not enough to reach the playoffs.

The Cardinals stumbled to 7-7, yet still sent seven players to the Pro Bowl. Six of the players played on the offense. It was not deemed good enough by the Cardinals ownership, so they fired Coryell.

Don Coryell's 42 wins are the most by any coach in the Cardinals franchise's history, and his five years as head coach with the team is the second most ever.

The San Diego Chargers started their 1978 season with one win in four games under head coach Tommy Protho. Not happy with these results, the Chargers then fired Protho and replaced him with Coryell.

The team went 8-4 under him the rest of the way, including winning seven of their last eight games.

This was when "Air Coryell" was born as a common term, though Coryell's years in Saint Louis also featured high-powered offenses running under much of the same schemes used in San Diego.

The team improved to lead the NFL with a 12-4 record the next year, the most wins in Coryell's career, as seven Chargers went to the Pro Bowl. Five of them were offensive players.

They would would win the AFC West, their first divisional title since 1965, but ultimately lose in the first round to the Houston Oilers.

The Chargers would win the AFC West four straight years, the only time in franchise history that has been accomplished.

The 1980 Chargers went 11-5, but lost in the AFC Championship Game to the eventual champion Oakland Raiders by seven points. This team sent eight players to the Pro Bowl, including five on offense. It was also the first team in NFL history to have three receivers gain over 1,000 receiving yards in the same season.

The Chargers went 10-6 the next year, and also led the league in scoring. Five players went to the Pro Bowl, four of which played offense.

They then played perhaps the greatest playoff game in NFL history against the Miami Dolphins in the first round.

The game ended up being a 41-38 overtime victory for San Diego, but it was much more than just that. It was named "The Epic In Miami", which was played in very humid weather reaching 29.4° Celsius.

Both teams smashed into each other all game, trading scores. Both teams combined to gain 1,036 yards that day, including 856 passing yards and 804 net passing yards. All are NFL records for a playoff game, as are the 79 total points.

There were seven turnovers, a special teams touchdown, and five different receivers gained over 100 yards on receptions that day.

Hall Of Fame tight end Kellen Winslow was the hero for the Chargers on that day.

Despite being stricken with dehydration, cramps, a pinched nerve in his shoulder, and needing stitches for a cut to his bottom lip, Winslow blocked a game-winning field goal attempt at the end of regulation. He also caught a NFL Playoffs record 13 balls that day.

The Chargers then stumbled into Cincinnati to play the Bengals. On a day where freezing weather easily was below -57° Celsius, thanks to winds of 27 miles per hour, it was dubbed the "Freezer Bowl". The Bengals, led by 1981 NFL MVP Ken Anderson, won handily 27-7.

The 1982 season is known as the strike shortened year of the NFL. San Diego finished second in their division with a 6-3 record. Six players, including five on offense, went to the Pro Bowl. The Dolphins got revenge on the Chargers by beating them in the second round of the playoffs.

That year saw Hall Of Fame quarterback Dan Fouts and wide receiver Wes Chandler set NFL records that still stand today.

Fouts averaged 320 yards passing per game, and Chandler averaged 129 receiving yards per game.

The Chargers also paid back the Bengals for their loss the year before by gaining a team record 661 yards in their 50-34 victory over Cincinnati in week seven.

The next three years saw an aging Chargers team win 21 games. Though the team was still extremely explosive on offense, the defense would let them down.

A big part of that factor was an ownership that refused to pay their players well, which led to the departure of many key players. Hall Of Fame defensive end Fred Dean noted that his brother, a truck driver, was making much more cash than he was.

After the Chargers began the 1986 season at 1-7, Coryell was fired and replaced by protege Al Saunders. Saunders would be replaced in 1991 by Coryell disciple Dan Henning.

Coryell's 69 wins are the second most in Chargers history behind Hall Of Fame coach Sid Gillman, and his nine seasons with the team are also the second most behind Gillman.

Don Coryell then retired from coaching, at the age of 62 years old, with 111 wins in 195 games overall. He is the first Coach With 100 Wins In pro And college football.

To try and sum up this man's career or impact on football is nearly impossible. Virtually every offense today on all levels is a variation of his system.

Bill Walsh and Coryell also have several ties in football. Walsh used to rely on Isaac Curtis, a player Coryell coached in college, while Walsh was an assistant coach with the Bengals.

He also coached under Protho for one year with the Chargers, the man Coryell would replace as head coach.

While Walsh is credited with the "West Coast Offense", he started out as a student of Hall Of Fame coaches Sid Gillman, Al Davis, and Paul Brown's downfield passing philosophies.

It was Coryell who really started this offense, and refined it as each year passed during his coaching career.

Coryell turned around every team he coached from college to the pros immediately. Though most remember his days in San Diego, his time in Saint Louis also must be hailed.

He took a perennial loser, and made them a serious contender in an NFC East that was mostly dominated by the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins throughout the 1970's. He made quarterback Jim Hart a much better player and surrounded Hart with many weapons.

Wide receivers Mel Gray and Pat Tilley were wide receivers who excelled along with Hall Of Fame tight end Jackie Smith in Coryell's system. Gray holds a franchise record for having at least one catch in 121 consecutive games, and is tenth in franchise history with 351 receptions.

He is fourth in Cardinals history with 45 touchdown receptions, fifth in receiving yards, and averaged an outstanding 18.9 yards per reception.

Smith is still second in career receiving yards with the team, fifth in receptions and touchdowns, and averaged an excellent 16.5 yards per catch. Tilley was a fourth-round find by Coryell in 1976, and ended up sixth in career receptions with the Cardinals, and third in receiving yards.

One other thing Coryell brought to the NFL was the use of the multi-purpose running back. Terry Metcalf was his first of many backs who did everything well.

Metcalf led the NFL in total yards with 2,462 yards, which is still the best in team history. Metcalf is currently ranked fourth in total yards in Cardinals history.

Coryell also resurrected the career of fullback Jim Otis. Otis joined the Cardinals in Coryell's first season after spending his first three years as a back up with the New Orleans Saints and Kansas City Chiefs.

Coryell turned Otis into a Pro Bowl player in 1975, after gaining a career best 1,076 rushing yards.

Factor in such other weapons like Ike Harris, J.V. Cain, Wayne Morris, Steve Jones, Donny Anderson, Ahmad Rashad, and Earl Thomas, and one can see all the fantastic players Coryell used to make Saint Louis a winner.

He also worked with Hanifan in making the Cardinals perhaps the best offensive line in the league during Coryell's tenure. The line consisted of Hall Of Fame tackle Dan Dierdorf and Pro Bowl players like Tom Banks, Conrad Dobler, Ernie McMillan, and Bob Young most of the time.

They gave up just 55 sacks from 1974 to 1977, including only eight in 1975. This was the fewest allowed in NFL history, until it was surpassed by the Miami Dolphins in 1988 by one.

Though the Cardinals were an explosive offense, their defense let them down. This would be a theme throughout most of Coryell's coaching career in the NFL.

In his 14 seasons as a coach, his offenses led the NFL in net yards gained per passing attempt five times. They finished in the top five of the NFL six more times.

His teams led the NFL in passing yards seven times, and none of his teams finished lower than seventh. They led the NFL in passing touchdowns three times, and finished in the top ten nine other times.

His teams led the league in passing attempts two times, finished second five times, and was in the top ten another five times.

But Coryell also ran a balanced attack where the run was important. Twice his teams led the NFL in rushing touchdowns, and they finished in the top ten eight more times.

His teams finished in the top five in yards per carry three times, twice in the top ten in rushing attempts and yards.

His teams led the NFL in total offense yards five times, and in the top ten another six times. Twice his teams led the NFL in yardage differential, which is the number of yards they outgained their opponents that year.

His teams finished in the top ten an additional five times. Coryell's teams led the league in points differential once, and finished in the top ten another six times.

Yet his defenses often finished in the middle-to-lower end in all categories each year. His 1979 was the best defense he ever had statistically. That defense led the NFL in defensive touchdowns and allowing the fewest rushing attempts.

They also finished in the top ten in interceptions, net yards gained per pass attempt, passing yards allowed, rushing yards allowed, total yards allowed, and touchdowns allowed. In 1980, the Chargers led the NFL with 60 sacks.

Many Hall Of Fame players and Pro Bowlers were coached by Coryell in the NFL. The list of players inducted into Canton includes Dan Fouts, Kellen Winslow, Charlie Joiner, Dan Dierdorf, Jackie Smith, Fred Dean, and Roger Wehrli.

When Coryell hit San Diego, the spotlight on his genius was shining. He took wide receiver John Jefferson in the first round in 1978 and had him become the first player in NFL history to gain over 1,000 receiving yards in each of his first three seasons.

He transformed Dan Fouts into a spectacular quarterback, and saw Fouts become the second player in pro football history, and the first in NFL history, to have over 4,000 yards passing in a season. Fouts then would go on to pass for even more yards the next two seasons.

Besides his Chargers teams becoming the first to have three 1,000 yard receivers, their 1981 team had a 1,000 yard rusher in Chuck Muncie and two 1,000 yard receivers in Winslow and Joiner. Wes Chandler finished 43 yards short from joining them in the thousand yards club that year,which would have given them three receivers and a running back with 1,000 yards in one season. This is an accomplishment never duplicated in league history.

After his success with Metcalf, Coryell found other versatile backs to use in San Diego. Men like Muncie, James Brooks, Earnest Jackson, Gary Anderson, Mike Thomas, Lydell Mitchell, Don Woods, Clarence Williams, and the diminutive Lionel James all excelled in his offense.

Brooks led the NFL in all purpose yards in his first two years with San Diego, and James did it once.

James also had 1,027 yards receiving, which set an NFL record for yards receiving by a running back then, on 81 receptions in 1985. His 2,535 all purpose yards that year was an NFL record for fifteen seasons.

While Coryell's critics wrongly point to his lack of championship wins, the stinginess of the owners he was employed by was a huge reason why his teams never went past a conference championship game.

In San Diego, they lost Jefferson and Dean because on contract disputes. Dean left the Chargers mid-season to go to the San Francisco 49ers because of this reason. Dean was a key reason the 49ers won Super Bowl XVI that year, and was named UPI Defensive Player Of The Year.

With Dean gone, it hurt the Chargers defense immensely. The Chargers had the best defensive line in the NFL up until then, featuring Dean and Pro Bowl defensive tackles Louie Kelcher and Gary "Big Hands" Johnson.

All three were drafted together in 1975, and had a strong bond that had the fans nickname them "The Bruise Brothers".

Don Coryell changed the way football was played. It is still being played the way Coryell invented to this very day.

The now all to common sight on multiple receiver sets was first started by Coryell, as are many versions of offenses being run these days.

They are all spawns of his genius.

The Redskins three Super Bowls winning teams and Saint Louis Rams two Super Bowl winning teams ran offenses that were invented by Coryell. His impact on the game will reverberate for generations to come.

Winslow stated it best when he said, "For Don Coryell to not be in the Hall of Fame is a lack of knowledge of the voters. That's the nicest way that I can put that. A lack of understanding of the legacy of the game."

This is a despicable crime still perpetrated by the voters to this very day. It also shows that Canton MUST change their induction system.

Rumors of getting retired players involved, especially those already in Canton, has been circulated for years. These are the people who truly know who belong.

I have long told you about voters not even knowing what positions legends played in this series.

It, as Winslow stated, truly shows a lack of knowledge. It also shows the corrupt political process involved in the Pro Football Hall Of Fame.

A process that has wrongly kept Don Coryell from taking his rightful place.

THIS Sunday The Philadelpia Eagles Find Respect For History!

2009-09-25T19:06:00.000-07:00

FINALLY! RESPECT IS BORN!

Give The Philadelphia Eagles credit today!

They recognize their tradition now.

FINALLY!

Al Wistert is being inducted into the Eagles Ring Of Honor on 9/ 27/ 09.

It will occur during a halftime ceremony when the Eagles host the Kansas City Chiefs.

BUT, the job is not done for Al.

He SHOULD be in Canton!

Here is his story again.

Consider getting on board.

Al Wistert
6'1" 214
Tackle
Philadelphia Eagles
1943 - 1951
9 Seasons
95 Games Played
8 Time All Pro

Albert Alexander Wistert was drafted in the fifth round by the Philadelphia / Pittsburgh Steagles in 1943, the 32nd player chosen overall. The Steagles were a team that was comprised of Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers into one team because of World War II.

Al had played college football at the University of Michigan . He was a legendary two way player there. He had two brothers, Alvin and Francis, also play for the Wolverines. They all played the same position, Tackle on both sides of the ball, and wore the same number 11 jersey.

Francis was the first, Albert was the second, then Alvin was last. Their number 11 jersey has been retired by Michigan University , and is one of only seven to have achieved that honor. Albert played on Wolverine teams that lost only five games in his three years there. He was an All American and was named the MVP of the team in 1942.

One famous moment in Michigan University football history came against Notre Dame in South Bend , Indiana . Going in the locker room trailing at halftime, the Notre Dame fans told Michigan to go home because it was over. Wistert would have none of that and inspired his team mates with a pep talk that had the Wolverines fired up. Michigan rattled off 21 straight unanswered points in the third quarter and dominated Notre Dame to a 32 - 20 victory.

After playing in the 1943 East-West Shrine Game, Al was team captain of the College All Stars who played against the NFL World Champion Washington Redskins. Al's team stomped the Redskins, led by Hall Of Fame Quarterback Sammy Baugh, 27 - 7.

Al Wistert is a member of the Michigan University Hall Of Honor, and a member of the College Football Hall Of Fame, as are both of his brothers.

Al went to his first Steagles practice knowing no one. He saw Hall Of Fame Defensive End Bill Hewitt sitting on some rocks smoking a cigarette. Al approached Hewitt to introduce himself to the fellow Wolverine Alumni who had played alongside his brother Francis in college. Hewitt had just come out of a three year retirement to play for $4,000. It was the most Hewitt had ever made in the NFL. Al had just signed with the Steagles for $4,500. Al extended his hand and introduced himself, but Hewitt did not say a word or offer his hand. Al then decided to run laps around the field by himself. Pretty soon, the entire Steagles team was following Al and running around the field.

The Steagles disbanded the following season, and the Steelers and Eagles went back to being separate teams. Wistert stayed in Philadelphia . Al would make his first All-Pro Team that year in 1944, and would garner this achievement for every year of the rest of his NFL career. In 1946, he was named team captain. An honor he served until 1950.

The Eagles went to their first championship game in 1947, but lost to the Chicago Cardinals 28 - 21. The 1948 season saw the Eagles win their very first championship during a blizzard in a rematch against the Chicago Cardinals 7 - 0. The Eagles then went back to the NFL Championship the next year and beat the Los Angeles Rams 14 - 0 in heavy rain.

The Eagles are the only team in NFL history to win back to back championships and not allow their opponents to score. Al announced he would retire after the 1951 season. The Eagles held an AL WISTERT DAY in the fourth from last home game that year. The team gave Al a brand new car, and many other gifts. One gift was a hand crafted dining room table that Al still uses this day to eat his meals off of.

The Eagles then retired his #70 jersey in 1952, the first Eagle to ever have had this done. Al Wistert is a member of the NFL 1940's All Decade Team.

I find it utterly amazing that Al Wistert has yet to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall Of Fame! This man truly embodies what Canton is supposed to represent. Not only was he an eight time All-Pro in his nine year career, but he was a very important member of an Eagles team that dominated the NFL in the late 1940's.

He introduced the NFL to the stand up style of blocking you all see today, instead of the rolling type of blocks that were employed then, which allowed Wistert to use his speed and agility to keep on blocking more defenders downfield and making him better than all the rest.

Al was a true leader on and off the field. He captained a powerhouse squad full of Hall Of Fame players like Steve Van Buren, Pete Pihos, Alex Wojciechowicz, and Chuck Bednarik. His coach was Hall Of Famer Earle "Greasy" Neale. Al also gave back to the community by coaching a high school team in New Jersey over 50 miles away, even though he did not own a car. Neale liked and respected Wistert so much that he would lend his personal car daily to Wistert so Al could go teach kids how to play football. This says alot, because Neale was a noted task master.

One game, Al came to the sideline to tell the coach he thought he had just broken his leg. Neale replied, " Well, get back in there until you are sure that it is." Al never missed a game in his career. He started every game of his career except the first five of his rookie season. He would soon supplant veteran Ted Doyle after the fifth game. The only other time he missed a start was in 1950 season opener against the Cleveland Browns. Wistert had a severely sprained ankle and could hardly walk, but he ended up playing most of the game anyways.

A 60 minute man, he never left the field at any time. Whether it was opening up holes for runners on offense or closing them on defense, Wistert was an amazing athlete durable, strong, and cerebral. Al was the smallest Tackle in the NFL, weighing 214 pounds, but he was a master technician who would out think, outwit, out gut, and dominate his opponents on both sides of the ball for every minute of every game.

Al said, "I never gave then the same thing twice. I always confounded them with a new plan of attack." His team mates dubbed him "Ox", because he was incredibly strong and dependable.

The game was much different then. A rougher and more violent game with less rules and padding for self preservation. They played games in all sorts of poor weather, unlike the climate controlled stadiums so many players enjoy today. They would spend days travelling to cities by train, instead of a few hours on an airplane like today.

Just to get a taste of these times, the Eagles took a train from Philadelphia to Los Angeles after beating the Giants. Despite only having a few days in L.A. , they shut out the Rams in monsoon like conditions to win an NFL Championship. To say these men were tough is an understatement. They did this for the love of the game, not the love for the money.

Many great football players eschewed the NFL in those days because they could earn more money outside of sports, and in other sports. Francis Wistert was given $100 by Cardinals owner Charles Bidwell just to sign a contract, even though he had no intention of ever playing in the NFL. Francis chose to pitch for the Cincinnati Reds in Major League Baseball instead of playing football.

Albert Wistert decided to play professional football and was great at it. He was a 60 minute man who stayed on the field at all times. After he retired, he became successful in the life insurance business and made million dollar deals. But he chose to play football first, and he is one of the path pavers who made the NFL the multi-billion dollar empire what it is today.

The fact the Eagles retired his number first, and only one year after his retirement, shows how special a football player he was. Al Wistert is also a member of the Philadelphia Sports Hall Of Fame.

As the years go on, the more we tend to forget great gridiron stars like Al Wistert. The veterans committee for the Pro Football Hall Of Fame MUST be blamed for not doing the jobs they were given to do. It is plainly evident to see, with all of the accolades, that a grave injustice has been perpetrated in regards to Al. It was not lost on his fellow players. After he retired, over 23 players and NFL'ers have written to the Hall Of Fame asking that Wistert be put in. Greats ranging from Chuck Bednarik to even former Eagles owner Norm Braman. Why the voters have chosen to ignore such a rich, diverse cast of NFL Alumni requests is bewildering. There is NO QUESTION that Albert Wistert belongs in Canton .

YOU can help by signing this petition:

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/AlOxWistertHOF/

LES RICHTER

2009-09-11T12:48:00.000-07:00

Les Richter
6'3" 238
Linebacker
Los Angeles Rams
1954 - 1962
Nine Seasons
112 Games Played
16 Interceptions
193 Points Scored
8 Pro Bowls

Leslie Allen Richter was a first round draft choice of the expansion Dallas Texans in the 1952 NFL Draft. He was the second player chosen overall. Richter attended college at the University of California, where he starred as linebacker, offensive guard, and place kicker. He then served two years in the armed forces after graduating from college because of the Korean Conflict. Les Richter is a member of the College Football Hall Of Fame.

Richter never got a chance to suit up for the Texans, because he was traded for eleven players shortly after the draft to the Los Angeles Rams. This is the largest trade for one player in the history of the NFL.

The Texans, who were a product of the New York Yanks that went defunct in 1951, would fold after their lone season in 1952. Though many of the players would join the expansion Baltimore Colts the next year when owner Carroll Rosenbloom bought the rights to the Texans franchise, the NFL does not officially recognize this lineage.

Richter joined the Rams in 1954, and was used by the Rams as a linebacker and place kicker. He responded with an interception, eight field goals, and a career best 38 extra points made as a rookie. He was given his first Pro Bowl honor, something he would achieve every year of his career except for the 1962 season.

He attempted an NFL leading 24 field goals the next year, making a career high 13. He also made 30 extra point attempts, and picked off two passes in his second season. It was also his last season as a outside linebacker.

The Rams would make it to the NFL Championship in 1955, but lose to the Cleveland Browns. It would be the teams last postseason appearance until 1967.

Now manning the middle linebacker position, he would also line up as a middle guard as well in 1956 and be named First Team All-Pro that year. Richter spent his last season as a place kicker that season. He made 36 extra points and eight field goals. He would make the two extra points he attempted in 1960, and miss his lone field goal attempt in 1959, but would concentrate on defense for the most part.

During that time, Richter became known as one of the best middle linebackers in the NFL. He went to the Pro Bowl yearly on Rams teams that struggled. Other than their 8-4 record under Hall Of Fame coach Sid Gillman in 1958, the team had only one year they finished at least .500 during the years Richter was there.

In 1962, the Rams would win just one game. It was also the only year in Richter's career that he did not make the Pro Bowl. He retired after that season to concentrate on other business ventures. Since then, he has been heavily involved in auto racing and is a legend in that indusrty.

Les Richter is a perfect example of an excellent player somehow forgotten and passed over by the voters today. In fact, I question if any voter on the Hall Of Fame seniors committee even watched him play. It is obvious they know next to nothing about this man who lost two years of his career, due to military obligations for his country, yet still stood out head and shoulders above his peers.

It is not like he played with a team struggling in anonymity either. The Rams were considered a glamorous team by many. They won an NFL Championship in 1951, which was their fourth straight appearance in the title game. Though the team wasn't always a winner in the late 1950's, they still had a huge following.

This was helped by Pete Rozelle, the future NFL Commissioner. Rozelle was the Rams public relations specialist, then later on their general manager. He got the Rams on television, shining a spotlight on greats like Richter. The Rams filled seats, which was shown in a 1957 game versus the San Francisco 49ers. Over 102,000 people attended that game, which is still a record today. The Rams also housed over 100,000 people twice more during Richter's time there.

The fact that Les Richter went to the Pro Bowl so much in an era where the players and coaches, not the fans nor media, voted you in shows how good he was. Making the Pro Bowl then was an achieved honor due to your play on the field, unlike the popularity contest it has morphed into today.

There are several linebackers today in Canton with less credentials than Richter. You look at an Andre Tippett and his five Pro Bowls as an example. Tippett was a one dimensional player, where Richter was a complete and much more versatile player.

The Hall Of Fame truly misses out on the point for their reason for existence. It is supposed to house the best in the game, but it has become a political process where kickbacks get you in before success on the gridiron. There is nothing more than anyone could do more with their career than Richter. I just wish the voters would wake up, recognize that, and give him his long overdue deserved respect.

Players Drafted In 1952 ( * Denotes Canton Inductee )

1. Billy Wade, QB, LA Rams
3. Ollie Matson, RB, Chicago Cardinals *
4. Babe Parilli, QB, Green Bay Packers
9. Hugh McElhenny, HB, San Francisco 49ers *
10. Bert Rechichar, DB, Cleveland Browns
11. Frank Gifford, RB, NY Giants *
14. Gino Marchetti, DE, Dallas Texans *
15. Billy Howton, WR, Green Bay
17. Jim Weatherall, DT, Philadelphia Eagles
21. Pete Brewster, WR, Chicago Cardinals
22. Bob Toneff, DT, San Francisco
28. Bobby Dillon, DB, Green Bay
29. Lum Snyder, OT, Pittsburgh
31. Al Dorow, QB, Washington
34. Yale Lary, DB, Detroit *
45. Pat Summerall, DE, Detroit (Noted Broadcaster)
46. Marion Campbell, DE, San Francisco
48. Ray Renfro, RB, Cleveland
49. Skeets Quinlan, RB, LA Rams
52. Dave Hanner, DT, Green Bay
56. Fred Williams, DT, Chicago Bears
66. Duane Putnam, G, LA Rams
68. Ed Brown, QB, Chicago Bears
80. Joe Fortunado, LB, Chicago Bears
89. Wayne Robinson, LB, Philadelphia
90. Bill Bishop, DT, Chicago Bears
100. Deral Teteak, G, Green Bay
103. Dick Alban, DB, Washington
123. Leo Sugar, DE, Chicago Cardinals
133. Sam Baker, K, LA Rams
134. Jim Mutscheller, TE, Dallas
212. Tommy O'Connell, QB, Chicago Bears
261. Jim David, DB, Detroit
313. Frank Fuller, DT, LA Rams

HAROLD CARMICHAEL

2009-06-29T14:40:00.001-07:00

Harold Carmichael
6'8" 225
Wide Receiver
Philadelphia Eagles
1971 - 1984
14 Seasons
182 Games Played
590 Receptions
8,985 Receiving Yards
79 Touchdowns
4 Pro Bowls
1980 NFL Man Of The Year

Lee Harold Carmichael was a seventh round draft choice of the Philadelphia Eagles in the 1971 NFL Draft. He was the 161st player chosen overall.

Carmichael attended Southern University in his collegiate career. While starting all four years at wide receiver, he never led the Jaguars in receptions.

Allen Jubilee Dunbar led Southern in receptions for two of those seasons, and he would go on to be a third round draft choice by the San Francisco 49ers in the 1972 draft. Though he did not make the team, Dunbar averaged over 19 yards on 23 receptions for the New Orleans Saints the next year. He was out of the league the following season, after playing with the Cleveland Browns.

Carmichael was named All Conference and All American in his senior year, while also serving as the team captain.

Harold Carmichael is a member of the Southern Hall of Fame, the State of Louisiana Sports Hall of Fame, and the Jacksonville Sports Hall of Fame.

The Eagles decided to move Carmichael to tight end for his rookie campaign, starting in six of the nine games he played. He led all Eagles tight ends with 20 receptions, which was the fourth most on the team that year.

He was then permanently moved to wide receiver the following season, and he started in five of the 13 games he appeared in. He caught another 20 passes, and scored the first two touchdowns of his career.

The 1973 season saw Carmichael establish himself as one of the top receivers in the league. He led the NFL with 67 receptions for 1,116 yards. His 79.9 receiving yards per game also led the league, which are all career best marks. While scoring nine times, he also ran the ball a career high three times for 42 yards and was named to his first Pro Bowl team.

The Eagles struggled to find a steady quarterback over the next three seasons, and Carmichael suffered somewhat because of this. He caught 147 balls over that time, along with 20 touchdowns, but his yard per catch average never exceeded 13 yards over that time.

Ron Jaworski was named the starting quarterback for the 1977 season, and provided much needed stability for the team. Carmichael averaged 14.5 yards on 42 receptions, along with seven scores, while helping break in the young signal caller.

He averaged a career best 19.5 yards on 55 receptions the next season, gaining 1,072 yards and scoring eight times. He was named to his second Pro Bowl as well, an honor he would attain in each of the two following seasons.

Carmichael caught 100 passes over that time, averaging 17 yards a reception, and scored 20 times. His 11 touchdowns in the 1978 season was a career high.

The 1980 season was special to many Eagles and their fans. The team would win the NFC crown, and appear in Super Bowl XV. Carmichael was a key member of that team. Though Philadelphia lost to the Oakland Raiders in that game, he led led the team with six receptions for 91 yards.

He followed that year up by gaining 1,028 yards on 61 receptions, along with six scores, in the 1981 season. He also caught a pass for a career long 85 yards.

The NFL went on strike in the 1982 season, and this event cut into Carmichael's production. He was on his way to having another stellar year, catching 35 balls and scoring four times.

Now at 34 years old in 1983, Carmichael was nearing the end of his career. He snagged 38 passes, and scored the last three touchdowns of his career. He also tossed a 45 yard touchdown pass, the only one of his career.

The Eagles then released him after the season completed.

He joined the Dallas Cowboys the next year, and caught one pass for seven yards in the two games he suited up for. Carmichael then decided to retire from the game.

Harold Carmichael's name is all over the Philadelphia Eagles record books. His 180 games played with the club is the most ever. He is still on top of the teams list for most receptions, reception yards, and receiving touchdowns for a career. He is still ranked 12th in receiving yards for a season, and 18th for receptions in a season.

Carmichael once held an NFL record by catching a pass in 127 straight games, and ranked sixth all time in league history in career receptions at the time of his retirement.

His 590 receptions still rank as the 53rd most in league history, his 8,985 receiving yards is the 42nd most, and his 79 total touchdowns is the 48th most ever.

Harold is also well known for his off the field accomplishments in community work. He was named the 1980 NFL Man of the Year, the Jacksonville Pro Athlete of the Year, and the New Jersey General Assembly Man of the Year.

Carmichael is a member of the NFL 1970s All-Decade Team, and is a member of the Philadelphia Eagles Honor Roll.

I have wondered, through the years, why Carmichael has not been inducted into Canton yet. Looking at his statistics, one might consider him a fringe prospect. If you look beyond that, you can easily see he is worthy.

Carmichael was the target on every down the Eagles dropped back to pass. Not only because of his enormous size, but because of his sure and steady hands. His long strides often got him far into enemy territory, as one can see by his 15 yards per catch average over his career.

He was much more than a very dangerous red zone threat. He was tough, and an excellent blocker. His battles with Pat Fischer, another CCC profilee, are legendary. Those two men would spend several Sunday's putting welts on each others bodies.

Carmichael had to achieve his successes in an era where the ten yard chuck rule was in play, making it much more difficult to get open. Cornerbacks then were much more adept at man to man coverage than they are in these times. A receiver not only had to get open then, but he had to literally fight his way to the spot on the field where a ball was to be thrown.

Harold Carmichael has joined a long list of many of his contemporaries. This list is of forgotten players on a forgotten era by a society today that has little to no idea of the path paved to present time. Many of the Hall Of Fame voters never saw Carmichael play, nor the era he played in.

You will see inferior players inducted before Carmichael most likely. Men who benefited from the five yard chuck rule, the offensive linemens ability to hold, as well as the defenders inability to hit anyone like they used to.

It is more than a shame. It is a disgrace. Harold Carmichael certainly belongs in the Pro Football Hall Of Fame, but time and opportunity for his respect trudge onward into obscurity.

Notable Players Drafted In 1971 ( * Denotes Canton Inductee )

1. Jim Plunkett, QB, New England
2. Archie Manning, QB, New Orleans
3. Dan Pastorini, QB, Houston Oilers
4. J.D. Hill, WR, Buffalo
6. John Riggins, RB, NY Jets *
8. Frank Lewis, WR, Pittsburgh
9. John Brockington, RB, Green Bay
10. Isiah Robertson, LB, LA Rams
14. Clarence Scott, DB, Cleveland
19. Jack Tatum, DB, Oakland
20. Jack Youngblood, DE, LA Rams *
27. Julius Adams, DE, New England
34. Jack Ham, LB, Pittsburgh *
43. Dan Dierdorf, OT, St. Louis Cardinals *
45. Phil Villapiano, LB, Oakland
48. Charlie Weaver, LB, Detroit
56. Lynn Dickey, QB, Houston
57. Jim Braxton, FB, Buffalo
67. Ken Anderson, QB, Cincinnati
79. Lyle Alzado, DE, Denver
99. Joe Theismann, QB, Miami
104. Dwight White, DE, Pittsburgh
106. Larry Brown, OT, Pittsburgh
142. Doug Dieken, OT, Cleveland
147. Mel Gray, WR, Saint Louis
206. Ron Jessie, WR, Dallas
230. Vern Den Herder, DE, Miami
268. Mike Wagner, DB, Pittsburgh
272. George Starke, OT, Washington

GEORGE KUNZ

2009-05-16T12:11:00.000-07:00

George Kunz
6'5" 257
Offensive Tackle
Atlanta Falcons
1969 - 1980
11 Seasons
129 Games Played
8 Pro Bowls

George James Kunz was a first round pick of the Atlanta Falcons in the 1969 NFL draft. He was the second player chosen overall.

Kunz attended Notre Dame in college, and is one of the best blockers in the schools history. During his era, George was called the most dominant offensive lineman in college football by many.

He was a starter, at right offensive tackle, on the 1966 National Championship Team. In 1967, Notre Dame took advantage of his excellent athleticism by also lining him up at tight end several times during the year. He ended up with seven receptions for just over a hundred yards.

George was named team co-captain in 1968, and ended up being named consensus All-American. Kunz was also an Academic All-American and was recipient of a National Scholar-Athlete Award from the National Football Foundation and an NCAA Post-Graduate Scholarship. He achieved Cum laude honors as well.

George started right away for the Falcons, and made an immediate impact on the NFL. He was named to the All Pro Team, despite playing on a young Falcons offensive line that started two more rookies. Atlanta also struggled to a 6-8 record under their coach Norm Van Brocklin, a Hall Of Fame Quarterback.

Kunz was injured the following year, but was able to start in all of the nine games he played in. Atlanta had the youngest offensive line in the league, featuring four players with one years experience and a rookie, and finished 4-8-2.

George came back strong in 1971, and was named an All Pro again. He would be named an All Pro every year until 1977. He also would not miss a game until 1975.

Atlanta had quite a few excellent players on their team during this time, including Tommy Nobis, Claude Humphrey, and Jeff Van Note. Unfortunately, the team lost more than they won. Their best record, during Kunz's time there, was 9-5 in 1973.

Kunz was traded to the Baltimore Colts before the 1975 season. The Colts stumbled out of the blocks 1-4, but then caught fire. They won nine straight games, before losing to the Pittsburgh Steelers in the division playoffs. The Colts relied on All Pro running back Lydell Mitchell, who often would run behind Kunz for huge chunks of yardage.

The Colts, featuring All Pro players like Kunz, Mitchell, Bert Jones, Roger Carr, Toni Linhart, and John Dutton, would go 11-3 in 1976. Again, they lost to the Steelers in the playoffs.

George's last year as an All Pro was 1977, and the Colts would win their division for the third straight season. This time the Colts faced the Oakland Raiders in the playoffs. They would lose a heart breaker, and Oakland scored as time expired.

Kunz would suffer an injury in the first game of the 1978 season. It was so severe that he would not play again until 1980. That year he started in six of the nine games he played, then retired after the season completed.

When you look at the NFL career of George Kunz, you see supreme excellence. In the eight fully healthy seasons he played in, he was an All Pro each of those times. He was explosive off the snap off the ball, had great mobility, and was exceedingly smart and technically sound.

He dominated his opponents. Point blank. There is no other way to describe his career. There were very few better than him in the history of the game. He did not always play on great teams, but he did play for many excellent Colts teams.

I long have stated that Canton DOES NOT house the best players. The only logical reason a voter can try to come up with is that Kunz played with an Atlanta team that was mediocre. This might be the reason why Nobis, Van Note, and Humphrey still await the call as well.

No other Falcon offensive lineman has been named an All Pro more than George Kunz. In fact, his five nods are the second most in franchise history behind Humphrey. Despite the fact he only played three healthy seasons as a Colt, his three Pro Bowls are the third most by any offensive tackle in that franchises illustrious history.

The 1969 NFL Draft is one of the greatest in the leagues history, and features five Hall Of Famers as well as many players close to being elected. George's 8 Pro Bowls are the second most in this draft class.

There is ABSOLUTELY NO QUESTION that George Kunz belongs in the Pro Football Hall Of Fame!

Notable Players Drafted In 1969 (* Denotes Hall Of Famer)

1. O.J. Simpson, RB, Buffalo *
4. Joe Greene, DT, Pittsburgh *
7. Ted Kwalick, TE, San Francisco
11. Bill Stanfill, DE, Miami
13. Fred Dryer, DE, NY Giants
16. Gene Washington, WR, San Francisco
19. Roger Wehrli, CB, Saint Louis Cardinals
20. Ron Johnson, RB, Cleveland
23. Jim Marsalis, CB, Kansas City
24. Calvin Hill, RB, Dallas
26. Dave Foley, OT, NY Jets
31. Bill Bergey, MLB, Cincinnati
33. Ted Hendricks, OLB, Baltimore Colts *
39. Ed White, OG, Minnesota
40. Jerry LeVias, WR, Houston Oilers
41. Bobby Douglass, QB, Chicago
48. Ed Podolak, RB, Kansas City
50. George Buehler, OG, Oakland
56. Jon Kolb, OT, Pittsburgh
58. Carl Garrett, RB, Boston Patriots
61. Bill Thompson, CB, Denver
63. Mercury Morris, RB, Miami
69. Bill Bradley, S, Philadelphia
80. Bob Kuechenberg, OG, Philadelphia
81. Jim Mitchell, TE, Atlanta
93. Charlie Joiner, WR, Houston *
96. Roy Gerela, K, Houston
99. Jon Zook, DE, Los Angeles Rams
101. Jack Rudnay, C, Kansas City
120. Earl Edwards, DT, San Francisco
124. Fair Hooker, WR, Cleveland
135. Ken Riley, CB, Cincinnati
139. Harold McLinton, MLB, Washington
164. Ted Cottrell, LB, Atlanta (Notable Coach)
191. Larry Brown, RB, Washington
192. James Harris, QB, Buffalo
238. L.C. Greenwood, DE, Pittsburgh
262. Jeff Van Note, C, Atlanta
273. John Fuqua, RB, NY Giants
314. Wade Key, OG, Philadelphia
337. Carl Mauck, C, Baltimore
338. Steve O'Neal, P, NY Jets
364. Roger Finnie, OT, NY Jets
379. Don Herrmann, WR, NY Giants
401. Lloyd Mumphord, CB, Miami

MAXIE BAUGHAN

2009-04-05T11:02:00.000-07:00

Maxie Baughan
6'1" 227
Linebacker
Philadelphia Eagles
1960 - 1970, 1974
12 Seasons
147 Games Played
18 Interceptions
9 Pro Bowls

Maxie Calloway Baughan was a second round draft pick of the Philadelphia Eagles in 1960, the 20th player chosen overall. Maxie went to college at Georgia Tech, where he is a legend. He started, and played, both ways at Linebacker and Center for the Rambling Wreck. Baughan set a record that still stands today, when he had 124 tackles during his senior year. He was named the Southeastern Conference Player Of The Year that season, as well as All American. He was then named the MVP of the Gator Bowl, when he led his team to victory. Maxie Baughan is in the Georgia Tech, Georgia Sports, Alabama, Gator Bowl Hall Of Fame's, as well as the College Football Hall Of Fame.

After playing in both the Hula Bowl and College All Star game, Baughan joined the Eagles and was inserted into Outside Linebacker on the right side of the defense. He played alongside future Canton inductees like Chuck Bednarik, Norm Van Brocklin, Sonny Jurgensen, and Tommy McDonald, as well as Eagles Legends like Pete Retzlaff, Bobby Walston, Tom Brookshier, Timmy Brown, Don Burroughs, and future Eagles head coaches Marion Campbell and Ed Khayat that year. The Eagles would go on to win the NFL Championship, the last the franchise has seen since.

Maxie would be named to the Pro Bowl that year, after picking off 3 passes and returning them for 50 yards. He went back to the Pro Bowl the next year after intercepting a ball and returning it 22 yards. The Eagles had a strong season, going 10 - 4, but were unable to repeat as champions. The team started to get rid of their players, in hopes of rebuilding. Philadelphia won five games over the next two years, and Maxie went back to the Pro Bowl in 1963.

The teams roster turnover continued, as did the coaching staff, in 1964. Maxie went back to the Pro Bowl in each of the next two seasons, including helping make another memorable Philadelphia moment in 1965. In the second from last game that year, the Eagles trounced the Pittsburgh Steelers 47 - 13. What is most notable about that game is that the Eagles intercepted the ball an NFL record 9 times that day. Maxie got his hands on one of those balls, and rumbled 33 yards for the only touchdown of his career.

Baughan was 27 years old, and had been to the Pro Bowl in 5 of his 6 years, but Maxie felt that the Eagles wanted to keep cleaning house, and he was part of the guys they wanted out. He asked to be traded close to home, or to New York. Little did he realize that Hall Of Famer George Allen was beginning his first year as a head coach of the Los Angeles Rams. Allen had just left the Chicago Bears position as defensive coordinator, which caught the ire of NFL founding father, and Bears owner, George Halas. Halas sued Allen for breach of contract and won, but let Allen leave anyways.

Allen had his eye on Maxie, and traded 3 players to the Eagles for his services. The Eagles would also trade All Pro Cornerback Irv Cross to the Rams in a separate deal. Baughan and Allen formed an immediate bond. The two would spend hours dissecting opponents game plans and films. Baughan is on record to have said he learned more about football from Allen than anyone he had ever met in his life.

The trade paid off handsomely for the Rams, as Baughan would go to the Pro Bowl in each of his first 4 years with the team. He set a career high of 4 interceptions in 1967, and matched that total the next season. In 1970, Baughan was injured. He was only able to play in 10 games, and did not start in two of the games. They were the first two games that Maxie did not start in his entire career. Maxie then retired from the NFL.

About this same time, Allen had taken over as head coach of the Washington Redskins. He wanted certain players on his team, and many were still employed by the Rams. Allen then engineered a trade that sent All Pro Linebacker Marlin McKeever (a one time teammate of Baughan's in Los Angeles), a first, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and two third round draft picks to the Rams in exchange for Baughan, LB Jack Pardee, LB Myron Pottios, RB Jeff Jordan, G John Wilbur, DT Diron Talbert, and a fifth-round choice. This was the beginnings of the famous "Over The Hill Gang" in Washington.

His time with Allen had inspired him to go into coaching, so Maxie returned to Georgia Tech to be an assistant coach and defensive coordinator instead of playing. Allen, however, persuaded Maxie to return to the NFL in 1974. He made Baughan a player-coach, and Maxie got in on two games that year. He then retired permanently as a player, but his coaching career was just beginning to blossom.

He served as a defensive coordinator with the Baltimore Colts and Detroit Lions between 1975 to 1982. He then took over as head coach at Cornell University, a storied program that has seen such legends like Pop Warner and George Siefert coach the team. Baughan led the Big Red to an Ivy League Championship, their first in 17 seasons. After Cornell, he coached with the Minnesota Vikings, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Baltimore Ravens before retiring from the game for good.

Maxie was as solid and consistent a player as they come. He only missed five games in his first ten years in the league, and started every game he was able to play in during that time. He was equally adept at playing the strong side linebacker as he was on the weak side. He played on the right side his whole career, and was a tackling machine. Statistics for tackles were not kept in those days, so his true impact escapes the younger fans, and voters, of these days.

It is simply disrespectful that the voters in the Pro Football Hall Of Fame have not put Maxie into Canton yet. He went to 9 Pro Bowls in his first ten years in the league, which is utterly amazing. You MUST realize that players EARNED their Pro Bowl bids back then, much more than they do today. It wasn't a popularity contest then, where fans would vote you in based on shenanigans perpetrated on and off the field, like it is these days. Players and coaches did the voting, and they would only vote in the best of the best. Maxie's amazing run of Pro Bowls certainly shows he was one of the best ever in any era of NFL history.

I have long stated, if you have followed this series, that the selection process in Canton is flawed. It is also too political. The induction classes are way too small, and there are too many superior players not yet in. Seeing inferior players like Andre Tippett and Derrick Thomas inducted makes a real football fan even more sickened by this process. Tippett and Thomas are deserving, but they were pass rushers only. Tippett was a Pro Bowler only FIVE times in his 12 seasons, and Thomas intercepted just one pass in his entire career. Seeing better, and more complete, linebackers like Baughan, Chris Hanburger, Tommy Nobis, Robert Brazile, and others not inducted shows the Pro Football Hall Of Fame is a fraudulent sham. The best are NOT in that building in Canton.

The fact that Maxie Baughan is not in only proves my point. Maxie, and many of his peers, are not the type to politic or kiss any of the butts of these phony know nothing voters. Baughan himself is content with all the other Halls he has been inducted into, but he has no idea as to why he isn't in Canton. He isn't alone in that thought. It is quite clear that Maxie Baughan should have been inducted into the Professional Football Hall Of Fame decades ago.

Notable 1960 Draftees (* Denotes Hall of Fame Inductee)

1. Billy Cannon, RB, LA Rams
3. Johnny Robinson, DB, Detroit
8. Jim Houston, LB, Cleveland
10. Ron Mix, OT, Baltimore *
32. Don Meredith, QB, Chicago
42. Roger Brown, DT, Detroit
44. Jim Marshall, DT, Cleveland
55. Abner Haynes, RB, Pittsburgh
74. Larry Wilson, S, St. Louis Cardinals *
109. Charley Johnson, QB, St. Louis Cardinals
110. Curtis McClinton, RB, LA Rams

Crazy Canton Cuts Asks For YOUR HELP

2009-03-24T20:33:00.000-07:00

Those who may follow this blog know that it pays tribute to Professional Football Legends yet to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall Of Fame.

You also may be aware my first entry into this blogs series is of CHRIS HANBURGER.

It is my personal mission to get Hanburger into Canton, and this has been spotlighted in the Washington Times.

I have decided to ratchet up my efforts.

I am PLEADING for YOU ALL to sign my petition:

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/ChrisHanburgerHOF

Your e-mail will NOT be displayed, and you can check off a box to not be bothered further.

PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD TO YOUR FRIENDS ALSO AND GET THEM TO SIGN AS WELL!

I would TRULY APPRECIATE it.

Chris Hanburger
Washington Redskins
Linebacker
6'2" 220
1965 - 1978
14 Seasons
187 Games Played
19 Interceptions
5 Touchdowns
9 Pro Bowls

Christian G. Hanburger was an 18th! Round draft choice of the Redskins in 1965. He was the 245TH! player chosen that year. He was a 25 year old rookie, due to his service in the Army before going to the University of North Carolina. At UNC, he was a 2 way player who was named All ACC at Center his junior and senior years. In 1963, his team won the ACC Championship.

Hanburger played right away and was in the Pro Bowl by his second year in the league. He would then begin a string of Pro Bowl appearances until 1969. He then resumed that string in 1972 until 1976. Sacks and tackles were not recorded in those days, but Hanburger was a play maker. He is considered one of the best of his era. He was known for his blitzing ability and pass coverage. Ever the complete player, he returned 3 fumbles for touchdowns in his career to go with 2 on interceptions. In 1972, Hanburger captained the Over The Hill gangs defense to a Super Bowl appearance. Hanburger was known not only for good speed, but his exceptional quickness. He had the innate ability to diagnose a play before the ball was hiked. He often would cover the other teams tight end and peel off to knock passes down meant for wide receivers. Coach George Allen liked to have a safety first defense, leaving the rest to Hanburger and his fellow linebackers.

Chris Hanburger's nine Pro Bowl appearances are still the most by any player in the entire history of the Washington Redskins.

The game was played different for the most part in his era. The running game was most teams primary weapon. Tackling with sound fundamentals was a must then. Few players lead with their heads for "kill shots" because they would be injured much faster than today with innovations of modern technology on equipment nowadays. It also should be remembered that players then did not command the same level of salaries that they do today. Most players would work a second job in the off season, compared to the luxury players have today to train whenever they choose to.

As a kid, I once heard a long time local media type say that he figured Hanburger had over 50 quarterback sacks in his career. This, coupled by the facts that are allowed in the record book truly says that there is NO DOUBT that Chris Hanburger SHOULD BE in the NFL Hall of Fame.

IF you agree with me, then help me wake up the Senior Committee members by e-mailing them along with me and DEMANDING that CHRIS HANBURGER be put into the Hall of Fame. If we all do it, maybe they will stop ignoring the facts!

imiller@sportsxchange.com
john.mcclain@chron.com
epope@herald.com
dgoldberg@ap.org
rgosselin@dallasnews.com
jerry.magee@uniontrib.com
len.shapiro@washingtonpost.com

AL WISTERT

2009-03-05T20:17:00.000-08:00

Al Wistert
6'1" 214
Tackle
Philadelphia Eagles
1943 - 1951
9 Seasons
95 Games Played
8 Time All Pro

Albert Alexander Wistert was drafted in the fifth round by the Philadelphia/ Pittsburgh Steagles in 1943, the 32nd player chosen overall. The Steagles were a team that was comprised of Philadelphia Eagles and Pittsburgh Steelers into one team because of World War II.

Al had played college football at the University of Michigan. He was a legendary two way player there. He had two brothers, Alvin and Francis, also play for the Wolverines. They all played the same position, Tackle on both sides of the ball, and wore the same number 11 jersey. Francis was the first, Albert was the second, then Alvin was last. Their number 11 jersey has been retired by Michigan University, and is one of only seven to have achieved that honor. Albert played on Wolverine teams that lost only 5 games in his three years there. He was an All American and was named the MVP of the team in 1942. One famous moment in Michigan University football history came against Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana. Going in the locker room trailing at halftime, the Notre Dame fans told Michigan to go home because it was over. Wistert would have none of that and inspired his team mates with a pep talk that had the Wolverines fired up. Michigan rattled off 21 straight unanswered points in the third quarter and dominated Notre Dame to a 32 - 20 victory. After playing in the 1943 East West Shrine Game, Al was team captain of the College All Stars who played against the NFL World Champion Washington Redskins. Al's team stomped the Redskins, led by Hall Of Fame Quarterback Sammy Baugh, 27 - 7. Al Wistert is a member of the Michigan University Hall Of Honor, and a member of the College Football Hall Of Fame, as are both of his brothers.

Al went to his first Steagles practice knowing no one. He saw Hall Of Fame Defensive End Bill Hewitt sitting on some rocks smoking a cigarette. Al approached Hewitt to introduce himself to the fellow Wolverine Alumni who had played alongside his brother Francis in college. Hewitt had just come out of a three year retirement to play for $4,000. It was the most Hewitt had ever made in the NFL. Al had just signed with the Steagles for $4,500. Al extended his hand and introduced himself, but Hewitt did not say a word or offer his hand. Al then decided to run laps around the field by himself. Pretty soon, the entire Steagles team was following Al and running around the field. The Steagles disbanded the following season, and the Steelers and Eagles went back to being separate teams. Wistert stayed in Philadelphia. Al would make his first All Pro Team that year in 1944, and would garner this achievement for every year of the rest of his NFL career. In 1946, he was named team captain. An honor he served until 1950. The Eagles went to their first championship game in 1947, but lost to the Chicago Cardinals 28 - 21. The 1948 season saw the Eagles win their very first championship in a blizzard in a rematch against the Chicago Cardinals 7 - 0. The Eagles then went back to the NFL Championship the next year and beat the Los Angeles Rams 14 - 0 in heavy rain. The Eagles are the only team in NFL history to win back to back championships and not allow their opponents to score. Al announced he would retire after the 1951 season. The Eagles held an AL WISTERT DAY in the fourth from last home game that year. The team gave Al a brand new car, and many other gifts. One gift was a hand crafted dining room table that Al still uses this day to eat his meals off of. The Eagles then retired his #70 jersey in 1952, the first Eagle to ever have had this done. Al Wistert is a member of the NFL 1940's All Decade Team.

I find it utterly amazing that Al Wistert has yet to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall Of Fame! This man truly embodies what Canton is supposed to represent. Not only was he an eight time All Pro in his nine year career, but he was a very important member of an Eagles team that dominated the NFL in the late 1940's. He introduced the NFL to the stand up style of blocking you all see today, instead of the rolling type of blocks that were employed then, which allowed Wistert to use his speed and agility to keep on blocking more defenders downfield and making him better than all the rest. Al was a true leader on and off the field. He captained a powerhouse squad full of Hall Of Fame players like Steve Van Buren, Pete Pihos, Alex Wojciechowicz, and Chuck Bednarik. His coach was Hall Of Famer Earle "Greasy" Neale. Al also gave back to the community by coaching a high school team in New Jersey over 50 miles away, even though he did not own a car. Neale liked and respected Wistert so much that he would lend his personal car daily to Wistert so Al could go teach kids how to play football. This says alot, because Neale was a noted task master. One game, Al came to the sideline to tell the coach he thought he had just broken his leg. Neale replied, " Well, get back in there until you are sure that it is." Al never missed a game in his career. He started every game of his career except the first five of his rookie season. He would soon supplant veteran Ted Doyle after the fifth game. The only other time he missed a start was in 1950 season opener against the Cleveland Browns. Wistert had a severely sprained ankle and could hardly walk, but he ended up playing most of the game anyways. A 60 minute man, he never left the field at any time. Whether it was opening up holes for runners on offense or closing them on defense, Wistert was an amazing athlete durable, strong, and cerebral. Al was the smallest Tackle in the NFL, weighing 214 pounds, but he was a master technician who would out think, outwit, out gut, and dominate his opponents on both sides of the ball for every minute of every game. Al said, "I never gave then the same thing twice. I always confounded them with a new plan of attack." His team mates dubbed him "Ox", because he was incredibly strong and dependable.

The game was much different then. A rougher and more violent game with less rules and padding for self preservation. They played games in all sorts of poor weather, unlike the climate controlled stadiums so many players enjoy today. They would spend days travelling to cities by train, instead of a few hours on an airplane like today. Just to get a taste of these times, the Eagles took a train from Philadelphia to Los Angeles after beating the Giants. Despite only having a few days in L.A., they shut out the Rams in monsoon like conditions. To say these men were tough is an understatement. They did this for the love of the game, not the love for the money. Many great football players eschewed the NFL in those days because they could earn more money outside of sports, and in other sports. Francis Wistert was given $100 by Cardinals owner Charles Bidwell just to sign a contract, even though he had no intention of ever playing in the NFL. Francis chose to pitch for the Cincinnati Reds in Major League Baseball instead of playing football. Albert Wistert decided to play professional football and was great at it. He was a 60 minute man who stayed on the field at all times. After he retired, he became successful in the life insurance business and made million dollar deals. But he chose to play football first, and he is one of the path pavers who made the NFL the multi-billion dollar empire what it is today. The fact the Eagles retired his number first, and only one year after his retirement, shows how special a football player he was. Al Wistert is also a member of the Philadelphia Sports Hall Of Fame.

As the years go on, the more we tend to forget great gridiron stars like Al Wistert. The veterans committee for the Pro Football Hall Of Fame MUST be blamed for not doing the jobs they were given to do. It is plainly evident to see, with all of the accolades, that a grave injustice has been perpetrated in regards to Al. It was not lost on his fellow players. After he retired, over 23 players and NFL'ers have written to the Hall Of Fame asking that Wistert be put in. Greats ranging from Chuck Bednarik to even former Eagles owner Norm Braman. Why the voters have chosen to ignore such a rich, diverse cast of NFL Alumni requests is bewildering. There is NO QUESTION that Albert Wistert belongs in Canton.

YOU can help by signing this petition:

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/AlOxWistertHOF/

Notable Players Drafted In 1943

( No Player From This Draft Has Yet Been Inducted Into Canton)

1. Frank Sinkwitch, QB, Detroit
3. Glenn Dobbs, RB, Chicago Cardinals
8. Dick Wildung, T, Green Bay
20. Fred Naumetz, C, Los Angeles Rams
40. Bob Dove, DE, Washington
42. Bruno Banducci, G, Philadelphia
62. Bruce Alford, E, Philadelphia
124. Buster Ramsey, G, Chicago Cardinals
132. Russ Craft, DB, Philadelphia
182. Chet Mutryn, RB, Philadelphia
224. Weldon Humble, G, Chicago Cardinals

LEE ROY JORDAN

2009-02-26T13:06:00.000-08:00

Lee Roy Jordan
6'1" 215
Linebacker
Dallas Cowboys
1963 - 1976
14 Seasons
186 Games Played
32 Interceptions
18 Fumble Recoveries
3 Touchdowns
1 Safety
5 Pro Bowls

Lee Roy Jordan was the Dallas Cowboys first draft pick of the 1963 draft. He was the sixth player chosen overall. Jordan was already a gridiron legend in college, after a spectacular career at Alabama University. He started as soon as he was eligible as a sophomore (freshmen were not allowed to play varsity sports during that time), and was the MVP of the 1960 Bluebonnet Bowl. The Crimson Tide won the national championship behind Jordan's leadership, then went 10 - 1 in his senior year. In his last game with Alabama in the Orange Bowl against Oklahoma University, Lee Roy piled up a whopping 30 tackles and was named the games MVP. Lee Roy Jordan is a member of the Alabama Hall Of Fame and the College Football Hall Of Fame.

Lee Roy only suited up for seven games in his rookie year, but started each game at Outside Linebacker on the left side. He ended up swiping three interceptions and recovering a fumble. Jordan would pick off one pass the next year, then none the following season. He was moved to Middle Linebacker in 1966 and would stay there the rest of his career. This was the time the famous "Doomsday Defense" was at its beginnings, and Lee Roy was the leader. He picked off one pass that year and returned it 49 yards for a score. Lee Roy had 3 interceptions the next year for a career best 85 yards, while scoring another touchdown and recording a safety. The Cowboys would end up making it to the 1967 NFL Championship Game before losing to the Green Bay Packers in the famous "Ice Bowl". Lee Roy was named to the first of three consecutive Pro Bowls that season. Jordan had 3 picks in 1968, then 2 the following year. After getting an interception in 1970, Jordan ended up playing in Super Bowl V, the first Super Bowl after the NFL/ AFL merger. The Cowboys ended up losing in the waning seconds to the Baltimore Colts in a game dubbed "The Blunder Bowl" because it was a game that featured 11 turnovers by both teams and 10 penalties against Dallas. Lee Roy had 2 interceptions in 1971, and a career best 3 fumble recoveries. The Cowboys would go on to beat the Miami Dolphins 24 - 3 in Super Bowl VI. It is the only Super Bowl where a team was prevented from scoring a touchdown. Jordan had 2 more swipes in 1972, then had a career high 6 interceptions in 1973. In one game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Texas Stadium, Jordan picked off 3 passes in a five minute span. He took one ball for a 31 yard touchdown, and was named to the Pro Bowl after the season. Lee Roy made his final All Pro Team in 1974, after having 2 interceptions. 1975 saw Jordan tie his career high of 6 interceptions, while leading the Cowboys to Super Bowl X. The Cowboys ended up losing a close game to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Jordan again started every game in 1976, but did not record any turnovers for only the second time of his career. He then retired after that season as the franchises all time leader in tackles, and his 32 interceptions are still tied for the third most ever by a linebacker in NFL history. Lee Roy Jordan is a member of the Cowboys Ring Of Fame.

There are a few theories as to why Jordan still awaits his call to Canton. One is that he was a member of a fantastic defense that featured Hall Of Fame Defensive Tackle Bob Lilly, along with such greats as George Andrie, Chuck Howrey, Jethro Pugh, Charlie Waters, Cornell Green, and Cliff Harris. Then there is some that say is was because of the genius diagramming of Hall Of Fame Coach Tom Landry that the "Doomsday Defense" was so effective. Others believe that the voters have some anti-Cowboys bias from that era as well. Maybe all those points have some validity, but you cannot ignore the facts that Jordan has placed in front of all to see through his play on the field. He was a true leader who always gave it everything he had on every play without fail. Not only was he a tackling machine, but the man helped get the ball back for his teams offense over 50 times in his career. Jordan gathered a turnover in every 3.72 games he played in his career, an outstanding percentage. His three interception game was named one of the ten most memorable moments in the history of in Texas Stadium in 2008. Not a big man in size or stature, Jordan's heart was immeasurable, and he was one of the top linebackers in the NFL almost every year that he played. When you see the late Derrick Thomas of the Kansas City Chiefs inducted, though deservedly so, it can make one wonder. Thomas was known for just rushing the passer, and was not the complete player that Jordan was. Lee Roy Jordan certainly is deserving of being inducted into the Pro Football Hall Of Fame.

Notable Players Drafted In 1963 ( * Denotes Hall Of Famer )

2. Jerry Stovall, DB, St. Louis Cardinals
5. Bob Vogel, OT, Baltimore Colts
7. Pat Richter, WR/ P, Washington
13. Don Brumm, DE, St. Louis
14. Dave Robinson, LB, Green Bay
16. Bobby Bell, T, Minnesota *
17. Bob Reynolds, OT, St. Louis
18. Ray Mansfeild, OT, Philadelphia
19. John Mackey, TE, Baltimore *
21. Walter Rock, OT, San Francisco
23. Jim Kanicki, DT, Cleveland
28. Tom Brown, DB, Green Bay
35. Ron Snidow, DE, Washington
44. Paul Flatley, WR, Minnesota
47. Jerry Logan, DB, Baltimore
55. Chuck Walton, G, Detroit
88. Lee Roy Caffey, LB, Philadelphia
89. Willie Richardson, WR, Baltimore
102. Tom Woodeshick, RB, Philadelphia
114. Willis Crenshaw, RB, St. Louis
129. Jackie Smith, TE, St. Louis *
136. Bill Nelsen, QB, Pittsburgh
144. Ralph Heck, LB, Philadelphia
145. Winston Hill, OT, Baltimore
146. Ray Schoenke, G, Dallas
152. Karl Kassulke, DB, Detroit
154. Marv Fleming, TE, Green Bay
157. Chuck Walker, G, Saint Louis
186. Nate Ramsey, DB, Philadelphia
220. Andy Russell, LB, Pittsburgh
241. Larry Stallings, LB, Saint Louis
259. Jim Turner, K, Washington
265. Buck Buchanan, DT, NY Giants *
278. Homer Jones, WR, NY Giants

MICK TINGELHOFF

2009-02-16T16:45:00.000-08:00

Mick Tingelhoff
6' 2" 237 lbs
Center
Minnesota Vikings
1962 - 1978
17 Seasons
240 Games Played (Consecutive)
6 Pro Bowls

Henry Michael Tingelhoff was an undrafted rookie signed by the Vikings before the 1962 season. Mick earned three letters during his collegiate football career at Nebraska University, but did not start until his senior year in 1961. Mick was a co-caption on that team, which had its biggest offensive output in over five seasons. Tingelhoff participated in the Senior Bowl in Mobile , Ala. , and in the All-American Bowl after the season was over. Mick Tingelhoff is a member of the Nebraska Football Hall of Fame.

Mick earned the starting job at Center in the second preseason game of his rookie year. It was a role he would not relinquish until he retired after 1978. He made his first All Pro team in 1964, and would attain that honor every year until 1969. 1969 was the year the Vikings were crowned NFL Champions, and went on to play the AFL Champion Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl IV and lose. He was named to the 1,000-Yard Club in 1969, honoring the NFL’s top blocker. In 1970, he was named to the First Team All NFL by both the Pro Football Writers and Pro Football Weekly. He was named First Team All Conference by the Associated Press and Pro Football Weekly. He was named Second Team All NFL by Newspaper Ent. Association and Second Team All Conference by the UPI. The Vikings went back to the Super Bowl in 1973, before losing to the Miami Dolphins. The Vikings returned to the Super Bowl the following season, but lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Vikings continued to be an NFL powerhouse throughout the decade and returned to Super Bowl XI in 1976, but lost to the Oakland Raiders. Mick returned after the 1978 season having started every game the Vikings played his entire career. His 240 consecutive starts were then the second most in NFL history, thirty starts behind his Vikings team mate Jim Marshall. The only player in Nebraska University history to enjoy a longer NFL career was Tingelhoff's Husker teammate, Ron McDole, who spent 18 years in the league from 1961 to 1978. Mick has been inducted into the Vikings Ring of Honor and has had his #53 jersey retired by the franchise.

Mick's omission from Canton is one of the most confusing in all of my CCC profilees. The numbers are obvious. Mick was one of the most dominant Center's of his era, and defined the true definition of an iron horse. You can easily note his consecutive starts streak, the fact he was a Pro Bowler six straight seasons, and was part of the most dominant team in the NFC during the 1970's. The Vikings were a well balanced offense that scored points off the ground and via the air. Tingelhoff snapped the ball to such great NFL QB'S like Hall Of Famer Fran Tarkenton and Joe Kapp. He also helped pave the way for Vikings great Chuck Foreman, and others, to gain huge chunks of yardage. Much of the yardage Tarkenton acquired thru the air to set a then NFL record in passing yards and passing touchdowns were helped along by Mick's protection. He was a sound technical blocker who used his intelligence, grit, and determination to get the job done better than most Centers who ever played the game. The fact that the voters have passed on him over these years truly shows many hardly pay attention to the battles in the trenches. There is absolutely no question that Mick Tingelhoff belongs in the NFL Hall Of Fame.

Notable Players Noted in 1962 (* Denotes Hall Of Famer)

1. Ernie Davis, RB, Washington
2. Roman Gabriel, QB, Los Angeles Rams
3. Merlin Olsen, DT, LA Rams *
4. Gary Collins, WR, Cleveland
8. Lance Alworth, WR, San Francisco *
10. John Hadl, QB, Detroit
12. Irv Goode, G, Saint Louis Cardinals
16. Joe Carollo, G, LA Rams
40. Pat Holmes, DE, Philadelphia
43. Billy Neighbors, G, Washington
66. Dan Birdwell, DT, Detroit
82. George Andrie, DE, Dallas
88. Jim Bakken, K, LA Rams
93. Fred Miller, DT, Baltimore Colts
104. Gary Ballman, WR, Pittsburgh
115. Ike Lassiter, DE, LA Rams
151. Clifton McNeil, WR, Cleveland
163. Bake Turner, WR, Baltimore
211. Tommy Brooker, DE, Washington
220. Tom Sestak, DT, Detroit
249. Sonny Bishop, G, Cleveland

LIONEL TAYLOR

2009-02-06T12:40:00.000-08:00

Lionel Taylor
6'2" 215
Wide Receiver
1959 - 1968
10 Seasons
Denver Broncos
567 Receptions
7,195 Yards
45 Touchdowns
4 Pro Bowls

Lionel Thomas Taylor was an undrafted rookie signed by the Chicago Bears for the 1959 season. Lionel went to college initially at West Virginia University before quickly transferring to New Mexico Highlands University. The Highlands has produced 21 pro football players, including two Rookie Of The Years (Don Woods and Carl Garrett). Taylor was a two way player who also starred on the schools basketball and track teams. He played Defensive End and Wide Receiver. The team ran a single wing formation, so the team rarely passed the ball. One season the team played with just 25 healthy players, and 4 of those men were banged up. So the healthy guys played all 60 minutes of every game. Taylor was still able to make All Conference in 2 seasons as a WR, as well as making the Little All American team one year. Lionel Taylor is a member of the New Mexico Highlands Hall Of Fame.

Lionel only got in on 8 games as a rookie with the Bears. He only played special teams and accumulated no statistics. Not happy with his role with the Bears, Lionel joined the expansion Denver Broncos of the fledgling American Football League in 1960. He started out as a fourth string receiver on the roster. He was playing catch with Frank Tripuka, an assistant coach on the Broncos. The quarterbacks the Broncos had in camp were not acceptable, so Tripuka was asked to suit up. He told the Denver staff how impressed he was with Taylor's ability to catch anything thrown his way, so the Broncos promoted Taylor to the starters job at Split End. He started producing immediately. He had 92 receptions, which led the AFL. Taylor also had career highs of 1,235 yards and 12 touchdowns. He took one pass for a career long 80 yards as well. Taylor was named to his first All Pro team that year for his efforts. 1961 would be the year that Lionel Taylor would be most remembered for. He became the first player in the history of professional football to have 100 receptions in one season. He had 1,176 yards and 4 touchdowns also, and was named to his second All Pro squad. Lionel was named to his third straight All Pro team the next year, when he had 77 receptions for 908 yards and 4 scores. 1963 saw Lionel lead the AFL in receptions for a fourth straight season, when he snagged 78 balls for 1,101 yards and 10 touchdowns. He was named to the UPI AFL Second Team for his efforts. He followed that up with 76 receptions for 873 yards and 7 scores the next season. Taylor made his last All Pro team in 1965, when he led the AFL with 85 receptions. He also gained 1,131 yards and scored six times. 1966 was a rough season for the Denver Broncos. They were last in the AFL in passing, running, and total offense. They played 5 quarterbacks and won only 4 games. Taylor was third on the team with 35 receptions for 448 yards and scored once. Lionel then joined the Houston Oilers in 1967. He played in just 8 games and caught 18 balls for 233 yards and a scored once. Lionel's last year in professional football was in 1968. He appeared in 9 games and caught a career low 6 passes for 90 yards without scoring. He retired after that season.

I really am confused to as why Lionel Taylor has not yet been inducted into Canton. You look at recent inductee "Bullet" Bob Hayes and can make a case that Taylor is much more deserving. Taylor had almost 200 more career receptions than Hayes, despite being the Broncos only option in the passing game. Taylor frequently was covered by two or more defenders on each passing down. He caught his 100 balls in a 14 game season which also included the 10 yard chuck rule, thus making it even harder for a pass catcher to do his job. Taylor was an intelligent and crafty player not blessed with great speed, but often faked defenders out of position with a wide variety of moves. He also had incredible hands and caught seemingly every pass caught his way. He did not play on any good teams that had other options to go to like Hayes. He was all Denver had pretty much. He led the AFL in receptions in five of his first six seasons, and averaged over 84 yards per reception over that span. It was then a record as the highest total over a six year span. Taylor is still first in Broncos history with his 6,872 receptions yardage, and is second with 543 receptions. Lionel Taylor is a member of the Denver Broncos Ring Of Fame and the Colorado Sports Hall Of Fame. Some may argue that Taylor did not have long enough of a career of excellence to be inducted, but then I point out Gale Sayers. Taylor, like Sayers, stood out on some teams that did not win much. Both were the primary weapons of their teams as well. I tend to think the real reason is because Taylor played in the AFL. I always say that this is the PRO Football Hall Of Fame, NOT the NFL Hall Of Fame! Many great AFL players, as you may have read in some other CCC selections, are still awaiting the call unjustly. I think it is quite evident that when you look at Lionel Taylor's numbers and impact on the game, he belongs in Canton.

Notable Players Drafted In 1959 (None are a Canton Inductee Yet)

2. Dick Bass, FB, Los Angelos Rams
3. Bill Stacy, DB, Chicago Cardinals
5. Dave Baker, DB, San Francisco
6. Nick Pietrosante, FB, Detroit
9. Paul Dickson, DT, LA Rams
12. Jackie Burnett, LB, Baltimore
15. J.D. Smith, OT, Philadelphia
17. Bob L. Harrison, LB, San Francisco
19. Mike Rabold, G, Detroit
21. Rich Petitbon, DB, Chicago Bears
22. Buddy Dial, WR, NY Giants
23. Dick Shafrath, OT, Cleveland
25. Bowd Dowler, WR, Green Bay
26. Wray Carlton, RB, Philadelphia
28. Emil Karas, LB, Washington
29. Eddie Dove, DB, San Francisco
34. Joe Morrison, RB, NY Giants
35. Fran O'Brien, OT, Cleveland
41. Monte Clark, DT, San Francisco
44. John Tracey, LB, LA Rams
47. Dave Lloyd, LB, Cleveland
49. Bob Wetoska, OT, Washington
53. John Wooten, G, Cleveland
58. Dick LeBeau, CB, Detroit
80. Eddie Meador, DB, LA Rams
102. Bobby Joe Green, P, San Francisco
119. Bob Zeman, DB, Cleveland
123. Art Powell, WR, Philadelphia
125. Harry Jacobs, LB, Detroit
141. Mike Connelly, C, LA Rams
164. Joe Robb, DE, Chicago Bears
167. Elbert Dubenion, WR, Cleveland
173. Bruce Maher, DB, Detroit
177. Roger LeClerc, LB, Chicago Bears
209. Joe Kapp, QB, Washington
219. Alan Miller, FB, Philadelphia
223. Dave Kocourek, TE, Pittsburgh
242. Dale Memmelaar, G, Chicago Cardinals
249. Donnie Stone, RB, Chicago Bears
250. Jim Fraser, LB, Cleveland
266. Fred Glick, DB, Chicago Cardinals
313. Timmy Brown, RB, Green Bay
319. Charley Tolar, FB, Pittsburgh
331. Ron Hall, DB, Pittsburgh
353. Jim Colclough, WR, Washington

BOBBY BOYD

2009-01-25T13:19:00.000-08:00

Bobby Boyd
5'11" 195
Cornerback
Baltimore Colts
1960 - 1968
9 Seasons
121 Games Played
57 Interceptions
994 Return Yards
5 Touchdowns
3 Pro Bowls

Robert Dean Boyd was a 10th round draft pick of the Baltimore Colts in the 1960 draft. He was the 119th player chosen overall. Boyd was a star at the University of Oklahoma. Playing both ways, Bobby excelled at quarterback and defensive back for the Sooners. His best season in college was 1959, when he was an All Big 8 selection that year. He led the team in interceptions with 3, took a punt return for a touchdown, and threw an 86 yard touchdown pass to Sooner and wrestling legend Wahoo McDaniel. It is still the second longest touchdown pass in Sooner history. Boyd was the quarterback at the helm when the Sooners legendary 74 conference game winning streak ended at the hands of Nebraska, when the Cornhuskers intercepted a pass from Bobby late in the game to secure the win. Boyd averaged an outstanding 19.43 yards per punt return in his career at Oklahoma.

Bobby joined a Colts team just coming off of back to back championships. He didn't play in 3 games in his rookie year, but he still managed to swipe 7 interceptions for 132 yards. He took one ball for a career long 74 yards that year. Bobby was a starter for the rest of his career in the NFL, and would only miss 2 games for the duration. 1961 saw Boyd have a career low 2 interceptions, but he also returned punts for the Colts. His 173 yards on 18 returns was the 3rd best in the NFL that year. He also got in on offense and threw the only pass of his career, which fell incomplete. Bobby had 7 interceptions the next year, and was second in the league with a career best 4 fumble recoveries. He also returned the last 3 punt returns of his career, and rushed the ball twice for 13 yards. Boyd scored the first touchdown of his career in 1963, when he took a fumble 34 yards to the end zone. Boyd also had 3 picks that year as well. 1964 was a memorable year in Baltimore for the Colts and Boyd. Bobby was named to his first All Pro team after accruing a career best 9 interceptions. He led the NFL with a career high 185 return yards, and took his last career rushing attempt for 25 yards. The Colts would reach the championship game before losing to the Cleveland Browns. Boyd led the NFL in interceptions with 9 the following season, and was named an All Pro again. He also scored a touchdown off of one of his thefts. Over the next two seasons, Bobby had 6 interceptions in each year for a total of 259 yards. He scored a touchdown in each season as well. 1968 would be the last year in the NFL for Bobby Boyd. He made the best of it by having 8 interceptions for 160 yards and a touchdown. He was named to his last All Pro team, as the Colts would win the NFL Championship before going on to lose Super Bowl III to the New York Jets of the American Football League. He retired after that season.

I find it amazing that Bobby Boyd has yet to be inducted into Canton. The numbers do not lie. He averaged over 6 interceptions a season for his career, which is outstanding. He also almost averaged an interception for every two games that he played, another astonishing rate. It is quite obvious the man created opportunities for his team to win by continuously getting the ball back for his team. He retired with the second most interceptions in NFL history and is still ranked 10th overall. Only 6 cornerbacks in NFL history have more interceptions than Bobby Boyd. As I have previously stated in past CCC profiles, the saddest part is that the voters of today's Hall Of Fame committee are filled with people who never saw Boyd play. Time keeps passing, and the memory of his exploits get more faded. Still, his raw statistics obviously tell any football fan that Bobby Boyd is definitely deserving of rightfully taking his place in Canton.

Notable 1960 Draftees (* Denotes Hall of Fame Inductee)

1. Billy Cannon, RB, LA Rams
3. Johnny Robinson, DB, Detroit
8. Jim Houston, LB, Cleveland
10. Ron Mix, OT, Baltimore *
20. Maxie Baughan, LB, Philadelphia
32. Don Meredith, QB, Chicago
42. Roger Brown, DT, Detroit
44. Jim Marshall, DT, Cleveland
55. Abner Haynes, RB, Pittsburgh
74. Larry Wilson, S, St. Louis Cardinals *
109. Charley Johnson, QB, St. Louis Cardinals
110. Curtis McClinton, RB, LA Rams

COY BACON

2008-12-31T10:54:00.000-08:00

Coy Bacon
6'4" 270
Defensive End
1968 - 1981
14 Seasons
180 Games Played
130 Sacks
2 Touchdowns
3 Pro Bowls

Leander McCoy Bacon was an undrafted rookie signed by the Los Angeles Rams right before the 1968 season. Bacon had just come from playing in the Continental Football League. Coy had signed with the Charleston Rockets in 1966, after leaving Jackson State University upon completion of his sophomore year. At JSU, Bacon played Linebacker and Defensive End. While playing with the Rockets, Coy was named an All Star as a Defensive End in 1966. Other NFL luminaries like Bill Walsh, Ken Stabler, and Garo Yepremian also were in the Continental Football League. Coy Bacon is a member of the JSU Hall Of Fame.

Coy joined a Rams team that had one of the best defensive lines in football, featuring Hall Of Famers Deacon Jones and Merlin Olsen. They were called "The Fearsome Foursome", and Bacon played just 7 games as a reserve in his rookie year. Coy cracked the starting lineup the next year, and started 13 games at Defensive Tackle. He was moved to Defensive End in 1970, recorded 20 sacks,and took a fumble 14 yards for a touchdown. Bacon then had 21 sacks and intercepted a pass the next year. Coy made his first Pro Bowl Team in 1972, and then was traded to the San Diego Chargers after that season as part of a blockbuster deal. He picked off a pass that year, and took it 80 yards for a touchdown. Bacon also led the Chargers in sacks in 2 of his 3 seasons with them. Right after the 1975 season, the Chargers traded Bacon to the Cincinnati Bengals for Hall Of Fame Wide Receiver Charlie Joiner. Coy responded with 21.5 sacks, 2 fumble recoveries for 48 yards and a safety. He was named to the Pro Bowl Team. Coy then made his last Pro Bowl Team the next year for the Bengals, despite missing 2 games. The Bengals then traded Bacon to the Washington Redskins right before 1978. Coy was the pass rusher the Redskins desperately needed, and he recorded double digits in sacks in each of his first 3 seasons with them. Coy was 39 years old in 1981, and started the 3 games he played before being injured for the rest of the season. The Redskins released him in the off season, but Coy was not done playing. He joined the Washington Federals of the USFL in 1983, and had a few good games. He then retired for good after that year.

Coy played in an era where sacks were not a recorded statistic. Some researchers have credited him with over 130 sacks in his career. If you discount the 3 games he played in 1981, you can easily see he averaged 10 sacks every year of his career. That includes his first 2 seasons as a Defensive Tackle. Bacon was one of the best pass rushers I have seen play the game. He was noted as a character who would not like to practice during the week of a game, reserving his energies for Sunday. He wasn't always stout against the run in the latter part of his career, but he made several spectacular plays when his team needed it most. Coy recently passed away, and I held off this post as a respect and waiting period. He is a fringe player for many as far as induction into Canton, but I look at a guy like Fred Dean get in and wonder why Coy is so. He was just as good a pass rusher, played on lesser defensive lines (meaning the primary focus was on him), and was better versus the run. Coy Bacon is a victim of times passing, as the newer voters don't probably know who he is. He never played on any teams that won anything, so he never got the press he probably deserved. But even if you look at the statistics, you can see Coy Bacon is worthy of induction into the Pro Football Hall Of Fame.

Notable Players Drafted In 1968 * Denotes Hall Of Fame

1. Ron Yary, OT, Minnesota *
2. Bob Johnson, C, Cincinnati
3. Claude Humphrey, DE, Atlanta
4. Russ Washington, DT/ OT, San Diego
8. Larry Csonka, FB, Miami *
9. Haven Moses, WR, Buffalo
11. Greg Landry, QB, Detroit
13. MacArthur Lane, RB, St. Louis Cardinals
14. Tim Rossovich, LB, Philadelphia
15. Forrest Blue, C, San Francisco
23. John Williams, OT, Baltimore Colts
26. Bill Lueck, G, Green Bay
31. Curley Culp, DT, Denver
33. Charlie West, DB, Minnesota
42. Bob Atkins, DB, St. Louis
43. Bill Lenkaitus, C, SanDiego
47. John Garlington, LB, Cleveland
48. Mike Livingston, QB, Kansas City
52. Ken Stabler, QB, Oakland
69. Skip Vanderbundt, LB, San Francisco
73. Dick Anderson, DB, Miami
74. Charlie Sanders, TE, Detroit *
77. Elvin Bethea, DE, Houston Oilers *
80. Art Shell, OT, Oakland *
81. Dick Himes, OT, Green Bay
82. Paul Robinson, RB, Cincinnati
84. Jess Phillips, RB, Cincinnati
98. Johnny Fuller, DB, San Francisco
105. Jim Beirne, WR, Houston
110. Charlie H. Smith, RB, Oakland
117. Mike Bragg, P, Washington
118. Jim Kiick, RB, Miami
124. Mark Nordquist, G, Philadelphia
127. Cecil Turner, WR, Chicago
130. Blaine Nye, G, Dallas
156. Essex Johnson, RB, Cincinnati
159. D.D. Lewis, LB, Dallas
167. Oscar Reed, RB, Minnesota
176. Bob Brunet, RB, Washington
181. Willie Holman, DE, Chicago
190. George Atkinson, DB, Oakland
222. Paul Smith, DT, Denver
249. John Outlaw, DB, Boston Patriots
261. Tommy Hart, DE, San Francisco
275. Greg Brezina, LB, Atlanta
277. Marv Hubbard, RB, Oakland
288. Henry Davis, LB, NY Giants
289. Rich Coady, C, Chicago
291. Dennis Partee, K, San Diego
297. John Pergine, LB, LA Rams
301. Bob Trumpy, TE, Cincinnati
305. Jim Cheyunski, LB, Boston
317. Jeff Queen, RB, San Diego
323. Harold Jackson, WR, Los Angeles Rams
330. Charlie Greer, DB, Denver
351. Dean Halverson, LB, LA Rams
357. Marlin Briscoe, WR, Denver
375. Robert Holmes, RB, Kansas City
417. Rocky Bleier, RB, Pittsburgh
428. Larry Cole, DE, Dallas
441. Bob Lee, QB, Minnesota

BOBBY DILLON

2008-12-16T09:18:00.000-08:00

Bobby Dillon
6'1" 180
Safety
Green Bay Packers
1952 - 1959
8 Seasons
94 Games Played
52 Interceptions
976 Return Yards
5 Touchdowns
5 Pro Bowls

Bobby Dan Dillon was drafted in the 3rd round of the 1952 draft by the Green Bay Packers. He was the 28th player chosen overall. Dillon attended college at Texas University, where he was a All Southwest Conference and All American selection in 1951 as a defensive back. Bobby Dillon is inducted into the Longhorn Hall of Honor, and to the Texas Sports Hall of Fame.

Bobby earned a starting job immediately for the Packers. He picked off 4 passes in his rookie year. Then he became even more of a nightmare to opposing teams in 1953, when he had 9 interceptions for 112 yards. He also scored the first touchdown of his career off of a 49 yard return of an interception. Dillon accomplished this despite playing in just 10 of the 12 games that year. 1954 saw Dillon snag 7 more balls for 11 yards, scoring another toudown as well. He was named to his first All Pro team that season. He was named to the All Pro team the next season after getting 9 interceptions for 153 yards. Dillon gained a career best 244 yards off of 7 interceptions in 1956, which also led the NFL. He scored another touchdown, and was named to the All Pro team. Bobby tied his career best mark of 9 interceptions in 1957. He scored a touchdown off of a 55 yard return in his 180 total yards, and was named to his fourth consecutive All Pro team. He earned his last All Pro honors in 1958, after picking off 6 balls for 134 yards. He also scored his fifth, and final, career touchdown. 1959 was the last year that Bobby Dillon played in the NFL. He had a lone interception that year, returning it 7 yards. He then retired at the end of the year. Bobby Dillon is still holds the Packers franchise record for career interceptions and interception return yardage. He is a member of the Green Bay Packers Hall Of Fame.

Bobby got a lot of early noteriety early in his career because he was blind in one eye. Since it is more than obvious this did not detract from his play, Dillon's exploits on the field are his real mark on the game. He averaged over 6 interceptions a year for his career. There are a few factors that may have kept Bobby from inducted into the Pro Football Hall Of Fame. One is that he played on some bad Packers teams. The only season that he played on a winning team was his last, which also happened to be Vince Lombardi's first year in Green Bay. Another reason may be that he played just 8 seasons. Those detractors would get some argument from me on these facts. There is the obvious fact of the impact Bobby had on the gridiron. His amazing nose for the ball is not matched by many to have ever played the game. When he retired, he ranked 2nd all time in NFL history with his 52 interceptions That mark was tied by Jack Bulter of the Pittsburgh Steelers (a recent CCC profilee whose link is below), who also retired in 1959. Both are now presently tied with Hall of Famers Larry Wilson, Mel Renfro, as well as Ty Law and Jimmy Patton (another CCC profilee), for 23rd all time. There are only 4 safeties in NFL history with more interceptions than Bobby Dillon (Ronnie Lott's first five seasons were spent at cornerback). If you add these facts up, it eradicates the arguments of his teams record or his amount of seasons played. Bobby Dillon deserves his inductions into Canton.

Notable Players Drafted In 1952 (* Denotes Hall of Fame Member)

1. Billy Wade, QB, Los Angeles Rams
2. Les Richter, LB, Dallas Texans
3. Ollie Matson, RB, Chicago Cardinals *
4. Babe Parilli, QB, Green Bay
9. Hugh McElhenny, RB, San Francisco *
10. Bert Rechichar, DB, Cleveland
11. Frank Gifford, RB, NY Giants *
14. Gino Marchetti, DE, Dallas *
15. Billy Howton, WR, Green Bay
17. Jim Weatherall, DT, Philadelphia
21. Pete Brewster, WR, Chicago Cardinals
22. Bob Toneff, DT, San Francisco
29. Lum Snyder, OT, Pittsburgh
31. Al Dorow, QB, Washington
34. Yale Lary, DB, Detroit *
45. Pat Summerall, DE, Detroit (Noted Broadcaster)
46. Marion Campbell, DE, San Francisco
48. Ray Renfro, RB, Cleveland
49. Skeets Quinlan, RB, LA Rams
52. Dave Hanner, DT, Green Bay
56. Fred Williams, DT, Chicago Bears
66. Duane Putnam, G, LA Rams
68. Ed Brown, QB, Chicago Bears
80. Joe Fortunado, LB, Chicago Bears
89. Wayne Robinson, LB, Philadelphia
90. Bill Bishop, DT, Chicago Bears
100. Deral Teteak, G, Green Bay
103. Dick Alban, DB, Washington
123. Leo Sugar, DE, Chicago Cardinals
133. Sam Baker, K, LA Rams
134. Jim Mutscheller, TE, Dallas
212. Tommy O'Connell, QB, Chicago Bears
261. Jim David, DB, Detroit
313. Frank Fuller, DT, LA Rams

GINO CAPPELLETTI

2008-12-11T12:01:00.000-08:00

Gino Cappelletti
6' 190
WR/ K
Boston Patriots
1960 - 1970
11 Seasons
153 Games Played
292 Receptions
42 Touchdowns
1,130 Points Scored
5 Pro Bowls
1964 AFL Player of the Year

Gino Raymond Michael Cappelletti went the long route to the Patriots as a free agent in 1960. He was a stand out player at the University of Minnesota. He played Quarterback, place kicked some, as well as playing defense. Gino was the Gopher Iron Man of 1953, averaging 50 minutes played per game, and is a member of the 2001 M Club Hall of Fame. After college, Gino went to Canada and played rugby in the Ontario Rugby Football Union until 1956. He was then drafted, and served, in the U.S. Army until 1958. Gino then joined the Canadian Football League and played for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Saskatchewan Roughriders. After being cut by the Roughriders, Gino rejoined the rugby league until 1960.

The Boston Patriots and American Football League were born in 1960, and Gino made the team as a 26 year old rookie. The Patriots made good use of Cappelletti's versatility. He played Cornerback and Placekicker mainly in his rookie season. He intercepted 4 passes for 68 yards, and scored 54 points kicking. He intercepted 3 passes in one game off of future NFL coach Tom Flores. Coaching great Lou Saban then moved Gino to Wide Receiver the next season. Cappelletti responded with his Pro Bowl season. He caught 45 receptions for 768 yards and 8 touchdowns. He also threw the only pass of his career, which went for a 27 yard touchdown. He led the AFL with 32 field goal attempts and 17 conversions, while making 48 of 50 extra points. He scored a total of 147 points that year. In 1962, Gino scored 98 points kicking, and snagged 34 balls for 5 scores. Gino's next season saw him snare 34 passes for 2 touchdowns, while accruing 101 points kicking. He led the AFL with the AFL with 38 field goal attempts and 22 makes, and made his second All Pro squad. He led the AFL with 39 field goal attempts and 25 makes in 1964, while scoring 116 points kicking. Gino also had a career best 49 receptions and 865 yards, while finding the end zone 7 times. His 155 total points was his career best, and Gino earned his third All Pro team award. Gino's 155 points were, at the time, the second most in Pro Football history, surpassing his 1961 total. Gino Cappelleti was named the 1964 AFL Player of the Year. In 1965, Gino scored a career high 9 touchdowns on 37 catches. His 18.7 yards per catch average was also a career best. He also led the AFL in field goal percentage, and made the All Pro team again. Gino made his last All Pro team in 1966. He caught 43 passes for 6 scores, while taking one pass for a career best 63 yards. 1967 was Gino's last year to be used a lot as a receiver. He caught 35 passes for 3 scores. He caught 13 balls the next season for last 2 touchdowns of his career. Gino did catch 1 pass for 21 yards in 1969, but mainly was used as a kicker. Cappelletti was 36 years old in 1970, as the Patriots joined the NFL. Used only as a kicker that year, he scored the last 40 points of his career. He retired after that season with 292 receptions for 4,489 yards and 42 touchdowns. He is still 3rd in Patriots history for career receptions and yards. His 1,130 points were a Patriots record until Adam Vinatieri surpassed it in 2005. His jersey was retired by the Patriots, and he is a member of the Patriots 1960's All Decade Team, and the Patriots Hall of Fame.

Gino Cappelletti is a symbol of determination, perseverance, and versatility. He is the only player to have averaged 7.5 points a game over an 11 year career. He once averaged 9.6 points a game over a six year period, which no other player has ever done either. His 1961 and 1964 seasons still rank in the top 10 for the most points scored in a season. The fact that Gino accomplished these feats in 14 game seasons make it even more impressive. Gino led the AFL in scoring 5 times, which is tied for the most times ever that a player has led a league in scoring. He led the AFL in scoring 4 consecutive seasons, which is the second best streak in pro football history. Gino is the only player in the history of professional football history to to run for a 2 point conversion, throw a pass for a 2 point conversion, catch a pass, intercept a pass, return a punt and a kickoff in the same season. He is tied with Hall of Famer Lance Alworth for the most career points scored in AFL All Star Games, and is 1 of only 2 AFL Kickers to kick at least 4 field goals in a game for 3 consecutive games. He is the second player in AFL history to have picked off 3 passes in a game, and set the AFL record by scoring 28 points in a game. He has attempted the most field goals in Patriots history, and is is amongst the AFL's all-time top ten receivers in yards and in receptions. He accomplished this during a ten year span where the Patriots played on 4 "home" fields throughout the New England area, making his accomplishments even more amazing. Nicknamed "The Duke" by his team mates, Gino often teamed up with Patriots legendary QB Babe Parilli. This connection was dubbed the "Grand Opera." Gino is one of only 3 players to have played in every game of their franchises games while a member of the AFL, and one of only 20 to have played in every game in AFL history. The fact that he has not yet been inducted into Canton reeks of NFL envy. As I have stated in past profilings of AFL greats, there is an obvious exclusion of AFL players by the NFL. I keep screaming that this is the PRO Football Hall Of Fame, NOT JUST the NFL Hall Of Fame! Gino Cappelletti should have been inducted into Canton years ago! It is up to us fans to remind the voters that the AFL counts, was important, and should never be forgotten. No matter how hard they seem to try.

Notable Players Drafted In 1960 (* Denotes Hall of Fame Member)

1. Billy Cannon, RB, LA Rams
3. Johnny Robinson, DB, Detroit
8. Jim Houston, LB, Cleveland
10. Ron Mix, OT, Baltimore *
13. Harold Olson, T, Saint Louis Cardinals
17. Bob Jeter, DB, Green Bay
20. Maxie Baughan, LB, Philadelphia
23. Don Floyd, DE, Baltimore Colts
24. Marvin Terrell, G, Baltimore Colts
32. Don Meredith, QB, Chicago
35. Rod Breedlove, LB, San Francisco
37. Willie West, DB, St. Louis
40. Ted Dean, FB, Philadelphia
41. Johnny Brewer, TE, Cleveland
42. Roger Brown, DT, Detroit
44. Jim Marshall, DT, Cleveland
48. Vince Promuto, G, Washington
55. Abner Haynes, RB, Pittsburgh
56. Don Norton, WR, Philadephia
59. Len Rohde, T, San Francisco
63. Glen Coqdill, WR, Detroit
69. Bob Khayat, G, Cleveland
72. George Blair, DB, NY Giants
74. Larry Wilson, S, St. Louis Cardinals *
86. Carroll Dale, WR, LA Rams
88. Bill Mathis, FB, San Francisco
105. Chris Burford, WR, Cleveland
106. Don Perkins, FB, Baltimore
109. Charley Johnson, QB, St. Louis Cardinals
110. Curtis McClinton, RB, LA Rams
111. Grady Alderman, T, Detroit
118. Mel Branch, DE, San Francisco
119. Bobby Boyd, DB, Baltimore
157. Bob DeMarco, C, Saint Louis
161. Jon Gilliam, C, Green Bay
162. Brady Keys, DB, Pittsburgh
178. Larry Grantham, LB, Baltimore
181. Jim Hunt, DT, Saint Louis
203. Goose Gonsoulin, DB, San Francisco
229. Tom Day, DE, St. Louis

Notable 1960 AFL Allocation Picks

Jim Otto, C, Minneapolis/ Oakland Raiders *
Jim Norton, DB, Dallas Texans
Wayne Hawkins, G, Denver
Dean Look, WB, Denver (Noted NFL Referee, and MLB Player)
Bill Mathis, RB, New York Titans/ Jets
Pat Dye, T, Boston Patriots (College Football Hall of Fame Coach)
Billy Brewer, QB, Boston (Ole Miss Legend as Player, then Coach)
Chuck McMurtry, DT, Buffalo
Ray Jauch, RB, Buffalo (Noted CFL, USFL, and Arena League Coach)
Ron Burton, RB, Boston
Jim Walden, QB, Denver (Noted College Football Coach)
Jacky Lee, QB, Houston Oilers
Paul Maguire, LB/ P, Los Angeles Chargers ( Noted Football Commentater )
Ed "Wahoo" McDaniel, LB, LA Chargers ( WWE Hall of Fame)
Bob Talamini, G, Houston
Curt Merz, C, NY Titans

RICHARD DENT

2008-12-02T11:55:00.000-08:00

Richard Dent
6'5" 265
Defensive End
Chicago Bears
1983 - 1997
15 Seasons
203 Games Played
137.5 Sacks
8 Interceptions
37 Forced Fumbles
18 Fumbles Recovered
1 Safety
2 Touchdowns
4 Pro Bowls

Richard Lamar Dent was an eighth round draft pick of the Chicago Bears in the 1983 draft. He was the 203rd player chosen overall. Dent went to college at Tennessee State University. He played immediately as a freshman Defensive End, recording 7 sacks as a reserve. He had 8, then 10 over the next two seasons starting at DE. He was moved to Defensive Tackle in his senior year, and accumulated 14 sacks. He was named to the Sheridan Broadcasting Network First Team All American, and was the Sheridan Broadcasting Network Defensive Player of the Year. His 39 career sacks are a school record, surpassing the previous total of 38 set by Ed "Too Tall" Jones, and tied by Cleveland Elam. Nicknamed "Dirty" by his team mates, Dent is a member of the Tennessee State University Hall Of Fame, and the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame.

Dent earned playing time with the Bears in his rookie season as it progressed. He ended up starting 3 games, and recorded 3 sacks. Firmly entrenched as the Bears starting Defensive End in 1984, Dent went wild and collected a career best 17.5 sacks. Richard was selected to his first Pro Bowl Team due to his efforts. 1985 is a season most Bears fan remember as one of the best teams in franchise history. Dent was certainly a key member on a defense that ranked first in the NFL in total defense. He led the NFL with 17 sacks, intercepted 2 passes, and returned 1 for his first NFL touchdown. He also also forced a career best 7 fumbles that year. Dent was selected to his second Pro Bowl Team after the season. Dent was even better once the Bears made the playoffs, recording 3.5 sacks and forcing 2 fumbles in a win over the New York Giants. He then sacked the Los Angeles Quarterback, and forced a fumble in the NFC Championship game. That ball was returned for a touchdown, sealing the victory over the Rams. In Super Bowl XX, Dent had 2 sacks and forced 2 fumbles and was named the Super Bowl MVP in the Bears win. Over the next 4 seasons, Dent missed 9 games due to injuries, but still managed to garner 43.5 sacks and an interception over that time. 1990 saw Dent back in full health, as he picked off a career best 3 interceptions, scored the last touchdown of his career off of a fumble recovery, and had 12 sacks. He was named to his 3rd Pro Bowl Team as well. By 1993, Dent was 33 years old, and would make his final Pro Bowl Team that year. He had 12.5 sacks, and intercepted the last pass of his career. Dent then joined the San Francisco 49ers in 1994. Though the injured Dent played just 2 games, recording 2 sacks, the 49ers went on to win Super Bowl XXIX, and Dent was given his second Super Bowl ring. Richard returned to the Bears for the 1995 season, but could not stay healthy. He played just 3 games, and it was his only season he did not record a sack. Dent moved on to play for the Indianapolis Colts in 1996, and was mainly used as a pass rushing specialist. He picked up 6.5 sacks, and recorded a safety. He then joined the Philadelphia Eagles in 1997, recording 4.5 sacks as a pass rushing specialist. Dent then retired after that year with the third most sacks in NFL history, a statistic not officially recorded until 1982.

Richard Dent has made the final 15 in the Hall Of Fame selection process four times, so his induction seems to be eminent. He has a few good things going for him in his case. One is that he played in Chicago, a noted media outlet. The second is that the great Bears defense in 1985 has only one member in Canton. Though there were several great defenders on that unit, and Wilbur Marshall may be the only other player with a legitimate shot at induction some day, Dent is most definitely the most worthy of induction, and his Chicago ties will get him faster than deserved perhaps. After watching Fred Dean get inducted, while Jim Marshall, Claude Humphrey, and others await the call, you also must take into account that most of the voters have short and selective memories these days. Though I'd personally put in Marshall and Humphrey ahead of Dent, it won't go that way most likely. Maybe if the NFL recognized sacks during those men's careers, this would not be a debate for some. Richard Dent is one of the best Defensive Ends to have ever played on Soldier Field, and his bust has probably already been made. He seems to be waiting his turn while the voters try to play catch up on all the other injustices from previous omissions. But, who really knows? We may see Dent finally inducted this year.

Notable Players Drafted in 1983 ( * denotes Hall Of Famer)

1. John Elway, QB, Baltimore Colts *
2. Eric Dickerson, RB, LA Rams *
3. Curt Warner, RB, Seattle
4. Chris Hinton, OT, Denver
6. Jimbo Covert, OT, Chicago
9. Bruce Matthews, G, Houston Oilers *
10. Terry Kinard, S, NY Giants
14. Jim Kelly, QB, Buffalo *
19. Joey Browner, S, Minnesota
20. Gary Anderson, RB, San Diego
22. Gil Byrd, CB, San Diego
24. Ken O'Brien, QB, NY Jets
26. Don Mosebar, C, Oakland
27. Dan Marino, QB, Miami *
28. Darrell Green, CB, Washington *
32. Henry Ellard, WR, LA Rams
35. Wes Hopkins, CB, Philadelphia
37. Leonard Marshall, DE, NY Giants
39. Darryl Talley, LB, Buffalo
41. Ron Brown, WR, Cleveland
42. Keith Bostic, DB, Houston
49. Roger Craig, RB, San Francisco
54. Bill Pickel, NT, Oakland
61. Albert Lewis, CB, Kansas City
64. Dave Duerson, DB, Chicago
67. Mike Cofer, LB, Detroit
84. Charles Mann, DE, Washington
101. Johnny Rembert, LB, New England
110. Greg Townsend, DE, Oakland
119. Jim Arnold, P, Kansas City
167. Reggie Roby, P, Miami
186. Carl Lee, DB, Minnesota
187. Craig James, RB, New England
202. Earnest Jackson, RB, San Diego
219. Mark Bortz, G, Chicago
223. Mark Clayton, WR, Miami
237. Ali Haji-Sheikh, K, NY Giants
276. Tim Krumrie, NT, Cincinnati
289. Jesse Sapolu, G, San Francisco
310. Karl Mecklenburg, LB, Denver
334. Anthony Carter, WR, Miami

JEFF VAN NOTE

2008-11-29T11:12:00.000-08:00

Jeff Van Note
6'2" 247
Center
Atlanta Falcons
1969 - 1986
18 Seasons
246 Games Played
5 Pro Bowls

Jeffrey Aloysius Van Note was an 11th round draft pick of the Atlanta Falcons in 1969. He was the 262nd player picked overall. Van Note would go on to play his entire 18-year NFL career as a center for the Atlanta Falcons from 1969 to 1986. After beginning his college career as a fullback, Van Note then moved to defensive end at the University of Kentucky. Van Note earned 2nd team All SEC honors in his sophomore year. He was named Kentucky's team MVP his senior year. He was drafted as a linebacker.

Van Note was soon moved to Center by Falcons NFL Hall of Fame head coach Norm Van Brocklin. Van Note eventually became an upper echelon Center in the NFL. His 18 NFL years is amongst the top 25 longest in NFL history and is the second longest while staying with the same team. He played in 246 games over this stretch, and his 225 games started is second in Falcons history to. Van Note only missed four games in his entire NFL career.

The Falcons retired Van Note's number at halftime of his final home game. He was voted the franchise's favorite player during the Falcons' 25th Anniversary season in 1991 by fans. Van Note was inducted into the Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, Atlanta Sports Hall of Fame and to the Falcons' Ring of Honor.

Jeff Van Note played in an era full of excellent Centers in the NFC. Tom Banks, Rich Saul, Len Hauss, Forrest Blue, Ed Flanagan, Mick Tingelhoff, Jay Hilgenberg, and Doug C. Smith were all multiple Pro Bowl Honorees during Van Notes era. Jeff made 3 straight Pro Bowls from ages 34 to 36. He was an athletic, strong, and technically sound player. He languished on some bad teams, but was one of the players the Falcons could rely on week in and week out for many years. His name was constantly bandied about as one of the NFL's top Centers during his career. His status as a fan favorite exemplifies this. Many great offensive lineman languish in anonymity. The Falcons had flashy players like Tommy Nobis, White Shoes Johnson and Steve Bartkowski, but Van Note is the guy most Falcon fans say symbolize the franchise best. He may not be the greatest Center who ever played, but he is certainly amongst those mentioned as one of the greats. Jeff Van Note should be inducted into Canton.

Notable Players Drafted In 1969 (* Denotes Canton Inductee)

1. O.J. Simpson, RB, Buffalo *
4. Joe Greene, DT, Pittsburgh *
7. Ted Kwalick, TE, San Francisco
11. Bill Stanfill, DE, Miami
13. Fred Dryer, DE, NY Giants
16. Gene Washington, WR, San Francisco
19. Roger Wehrli, CB, St. Louis Cardinals *
20. Ron Johnson, RB, Cleveland
24. Calvin Hill, RB, Dallas
31. Bill Bergey, LB, Cincinnati
33. Ted Hendricks, LB, Baltimore *
39. Ed White, OG, Minnesota
41. Bobby Douglass, QB, Chicago
48. Ed Podolak, RB, Kansas City
56. Jon Kolb, C, Pittsburgh
63. Eugene "Mercury" Morris, RB, Miami
69. Bill Bradley, S, Philadelphia
80. Bob Kuechenberg, OG, Philadelphia
93. Charlie Joiner, WR, Houston *
96. Roy Gerela, P, Houston
99. John Zook, DE, LA Rams
101. Jack Rudnay, C, Kansas City
135. Ken Riley, QB, Cincinnati
139. Harold McLinton, LB, Washington
238. L.C. Greenwood, DE, Pittsburgh
273. John Fuqua, RB, NY Giants
337. Carl Mauck, LB, Baltimore
338. Steve O'Neal, P, NY Jets

CLIFF HARRIS

2008-11-25T10:40:00.000-08:00

Cliff Harris
6' 188
Free Safety
Dallas Cowboys
1970 - 1979
10 Seasons
141 Games
29 Interceptions
18 Fumbles Recovered
1 Touchdown
6 Pro Bowls

Clifford Allen Harris was not chosen in the 1970 NFL Draft. He went to Ouachita Baptist College. He played all positions of the defensive secondary during his collegiate career. Harris was a two-time All-AIC selection. He was part of the Ouachita 1966 AIC Championship team. Cliff Harris is a member of the NAIA Hall of Fame and a member of the Arkansas Sports Hall of Fame.

Harris started immediately at Free Safety in his rookie year. He intercepted 2 passes, returning one for 60 yards. Harris also recovered 3 fumbles. Although military obligations caused him to miss the second half the season, he returned in time for the Cowboys' Super Bowl VI win. Harris also returned punts and kickoffs for the Cowboys from his second season until his fifth season. His best season returning kickoffs was in 2nd year. Harris returned 29 kicks for 823 yards at an excellent 28.3 average. All of these stats are his career highs. He took one kick 77 yards for the longest return of his career. He also averaged a career best 7.6 yards per punt return on 17 punts. Harris picked off 2 passes that year and recovered 3 fumbles as well. He ended up with 63 kick returns at a very impressive 25.7 average for his career. He also returned 66 punts in his career. Harris was steady. He intercepted 2 or more passes every year of his entire career. His career high was 5 in 1977, when the Cowboys won Super Bowl XII. In 1975, Harris took an interception 27 yards for the only touchdown of his NFL career. Harris was named to his first Pro Bowl in 1974, and would be named to the Pro Bowl each year for the rest of his career.

Harris earned the nickname "Captain Crash" during his career. He was a starter his entire NFL career, and was fearless versus the run. Harris was a notoriously hard hitter who would make opposing wide receivers get alligator arms when coming across the middle. He was on five Dallas Super Bowl teams during his career. Harris wore the pads of place kickers in order to keep his speed and quickness up throughout his career, making his hitting prowess even more impressive. Harris announced his retirement following the 1979 to concentrate on his business ventures, where he runs a company with former Cowboys SS Charlie Waters. They also wrote a memoirs about their time together with the Cowboys. Sports Illustrated named him to their Dream Team at free safety. Harris was named to the Dallas Cowboys Ring of Honor in 2004.

Cliff Harris changed the way the Free Safety position was played. His run support is legendary in Texas, and his intelligence was a big part of his game. Harris teamed with his best friend, Waters, to form one of the better Safety duos in the NFL throughout the 70's. Waters made 3 Pro Bowls from 1976 to 1978. Harris was noted for always being around the ball. He got the ball back for the Cowboys 47 times in his 10 year career. He has been a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. I don't know what the voters are waiting for. He should have been in already. With his being so close in 2004, there is little doubt in my mind that Cliff Harris will one day be in Canton. Hopefully sooner than later.

Notable Players Drafted In 1970 (* Denotes Canton Inductee)

1. Terry Bradshaw, QB, Pittsburgh *
7. Mike Reid, DT, Cincinnati
9. Cedric Hardman, DE, San Francisco
10. Ken Burrough, WR, New Orleans
13. Doug Wilkerson, OG, Houston
17. Bruce Taylor, CB, San Francisco
18. Norm Bulaich, FB, Baltimore
19. Steve Owens, RB, Detroit
22. Jack Reynolds, LB, LA Rams
23. Duane Thomas, RB, Dallas
24. Raymond Chester, TE, Oakland
29. Jim Mandich, TE, Miami
30. Dennis Shaw, QB, Buffalo
31. Leo Brooks, DT, Houston
36. Joe "Turkey" Jones, DE, Cleveland
39. Art Malone, RB, Atlanta
43. Bill Brundige, DE, Washington
46. Richard Caster, WR, NY Jets
53. Mel Blount, DB, Pittsburgh *
55. Tim Foley, DB, Miami
66. Charlie Waters, DB, Dallas
76. Gerald Irons, DE, Oakland
80. Ed George, OT, Pittsburgh (CFL Hall of Fame)
110. Ron Saul, OG, Houston
114. Manny Sistrunk, DE, Washington
153. Pat Toomay, DE, Dallas
159. Jake Scott, DB, Miami
163. Lemar Parrish, DB, Cincinnati
201. Mike Holmgren, QB, Saint Louis Cardinals
204. Rich Saul, OG, LA Rams
218. Jim Otis, FB, New Orleans
248. Joe Dawkins, RB, Houston
259. Stu Voight, TE, Minnesota
287. Butch Davis, DB, Chicago
335. Mark Washington, CB, Dallas
346. Mark Moseley, K, Philadelphia
348. Doug Sutherland, DT, New Orleans

DENNIS HARRAH

2008-11-23T06:29:00.000-08:00

Dennis Harrah
6'5" 260
Offensive Guard
Los Angeles Rams
1975 - 1987
13 Seasons
168 Games Played
6 Pro Bowls

Dennis Wayne Harrah was a first round draft choice by the Los Angeles Rams in 1975. He was the eleventh player picked overall. Harrah went to college at the University of Miami in Florida. Unfortunately, the colleges gridiron records are not in good shape past 1983. Dennis played all over the offensive line in his collegiate career before settling in at Tackle. In 1973, he was an honorable mention All American. Harrah then was selected a unanimous All American in 1974. Dennis Harrah is a member of the University of Miami (Fla) Sports Hall of Fame.

Harrah joined a very good, but aging, offensive line in Los Angeles. Led by Hall of Famers like Guard Tom Mack, Defensive Tackle Merlin Olsen, and Defensive End Jack Youngblood, the Rams went 12-2. The Rams went to the NFC Championship game that year. Harrah backed up legendary Center Rich Saul, and former Pro Bowl Guard Joe Scibelli that season. Harrah was part of a Rams draft that produced 5 Pro Bowlers.

Harrah started at Right Guard in 1976 after Scibelli retired. The Rams went 10-3-1, and got to the NFC Championship game once again. Dennis was injured in the eighth game on the 1977 season, and missed the rest of the year. The 10-4 Rams would go on to lose in the first round of the playoffs. He made his first Pro Bowl in 1978, as the 12-4 Rams would lose in the NFL Championship game yet again. L.A. had 4 of their offensive linemen go to the Pro Bowl that year, and ten players total. Sitting on the bench in his 3rd season was Hall of Fame Tackle Jackie Slater. By 1979, the Rams featured one of the best offensive lines in football. Harrah, Doug France, Saul, Slater, and Kent Hill were all multiple Pro Bowlers. Dennis was named to the Pro Bowl again that year, and the 9-7 Rams went on to play in Super Bowl XIV. Harrah was only able to play 8 games in 1980 due to injuries. The 11-5 Rams would lose in the Wild Card game. The Rams would win just 8 games total over the next two seasons. 1980 saw the Rams go 9-7 behind rookie Eric Dickerson's 1,800 yards rushing, 51 catches, and 20 TD's. The Rams won the Wild Card game, but lost in the next round, as Dennis was named to the UPI All Conference Second Team. Harrah was also named to the UPI All Conference Second Team in 1984. 1985 saw him missing six games, but still being named to the Pro Bowl. The 11-5 Rams would go on to lose in the NFC Championship game. Dennis went to the Pro Bowl again in 1986, as the 10-6 Rams lost in the Wild Card game. Harrah missed 7 games in the 1987 season due to injury, but was named to his last Pro Bowl team. He retired at the conclusion of the season.

Dennis Harrah was an amazing athlete. He ran the 40 in 4.8 seconds, and could bench press over 500 lbs. He played all over the offensive line with equal skill. He helped lead Lawrence McCutcheon, Wendell Tyler, and Eric Dickerson to 1,000 yard seasons during his career. He was an exceptional pass blocker as well. Harrah seems to have been neglected by the Hall of Fame voters so far. He was part of some of the best offensive lines in football. Two are in Canton, but neither played together. The one constant was Harrah. He played with both, and was so good that he made his team mates look better. The best way to determine an offensive lineman's impact is not by counting his Pro Bowls. It is by watching him, and seeing the effect he has on each game he plays. Still, you can see his worthiness by counting his Pro Bowl accolades. Dennis Harrah should have been elected into Canton years ago.

Notable Players Drafted In 1975 (* Denotes Canton Inductee)

1. Steve Bartkowski, QB, Atlanta
2. Randy White, MLB, Dallas *
4. Walter Payton, RB, Chicago *
6. Robert Brazile, LB, Houston Oilers
8. Gary Johnson, DT, San Diego
16. Russ Francis, TE, New England
17. Louie Wright DB, Denver
18. Tom Henderson, LB, Dallas
20. Doug France, OT, LA Rams
22. Mike Williams, DB, San Diego
26. Dave Brown, DB, Pittsburgh
28. Monte Jackson, DB, LA Rams
30. Louis Kelcher, DT, San Diego
31. Mike Hartenstein, DE, Chicago
33. Fred Dean, DE, San Diego *
36. Fred Solomon, WR, Miami
53. Mike Washington, DB, Baltimore
70. Bob Breunig, LB, Dallas
82. Tony Peters, DB, Cleveland
85. Cleveland Elam, DE, San Francisco
95. Rich Upchurch, WR, Denver
105. Roosevelt Leaks, RB, Baltimore
108. Mike Thomas, RB, Washington
116. Steve Grogan, QB, New England
120. Pat McInally, WR, Cincinnati
121. Rubin Carter DT, Denver
135. Bob Avellini, QB, Chicago
164. Ricky Young, RB, San Diego
176. Pat Haden, QB, LA Rams
199. Steve Foley, DB, Denver
216. Mike Strachan, RB, New Orleans
228. Dallas Hickman, DE, Washington
253. Roland Hooks, RB, Buffalo
262. George Martin, DE, NY Giants
291. Doug Plank, DB, Chicago
420. Roland Harper, RB, Chicago

DERON CHERRY

2008-11-19T08:11:00.000-08:00

Deron Cherry
5'11" 185
Safety
Kansas City Chiefs
1981 - 1991
11 Seasons
148 Games Played
50 Interceptions
688 Yards
3.5 Sacks
1 Touchdown
7 Pro Bowls

Deron Leigh Cherry was undrafted in 1981. He was a safety and punter at Rutgers University. In 1979 he was named the Scarlet Knights MVP. In 1979 and 1980, Cherry earned AP All-East honors. Cherry recorded nine career interceptions and punted for a then-record 39.4 career average. In 1981, he signed by the Kansas City Chiefs as a free agent punter, but was cut at the conclusion of the pre-season. Cherry was signed by the Chiefs in late September as a safety after injuries hit the position.

Cherry has been often called one of the top free safeties in NFL history. He was a 7 time All-Pro in his 11 year career. Cherry's 15 career fumble recoveries place him in a three-way tie for the Chiefs record. He ranks third on the Chiefs list of most interceptions, and is only the 26th player in the history of the NFL to reach the 50 interception plateau. In 1987, he was selected to the Chiefs 25 year All-Time Team, and named the Chiefs NFL Man of the Year. In 1988, Cherry won the Byron White Humanitarian Award. When the NFL named the 1980 All Decade Team, Cherry was amongst those selected.

Cherry picked off a pass early into his rookie year, then waited until his 3rd season to get another. That year he picked off 7 passes. He would pick off 7 passes in each of his next 2 seasons as well. He scored the only touchdown of his career in his 5th season. Cherry then picked off 9 passes in his 6th year, which led the entire NFL that year. He followed that up with 3 interceptions in the strike shortened season of 1987. He picked off 7 passes, once again, the following season. Cherry would go on and pick off 5 passes over the next 2 seasons, which were marred by injury. His final NFL season saw him pick off 4 passes. Though he was never asked to punt in the NFL, Cherry did return 7 kick offs for 145 yards in his first 4 seasons. Cherry topped 100 tackles 6 times in his career and accumulated 927 tackles in his career. Cherry led Chiefs in tackles four times and in interceptions on six occasions.

When Cherry joined the Chiefs, they had an exceptional defense. The secondary was led by Gary Barbaro, who played Cherrys position. Lloyd Burris was a newly drafted Strong Safety who started right away. Teamed with Cornerbacks Eric Harris and Gary Green, the Chiefs often picked off passes. Barbaro, a 3 time Pro Bowler in his 7 seasons, bolted for the USFL in 1983. Cherry and Burress would form one of the NFL's best safety tandems until they both retired together in 1991. The tandem picked off 72 passes for 5 touchdowns, recovered 24 fumbles, and went to 8 Pro Bowls in the 145 games they played together.

Deron Cherry is a class act. His play on the gridiron was spectacular, but he never was one to blow his own horn. He preferred to donate his free time to charities and is still active with many organizations. He became a part owner of the Jacksonville Jaguars in their 1995 expansion year also. When you look at his career, it can be lauded for several areas of excellence. If you just stick to his gridiron play, you see him on the 1980 All Decade team, as well as 7 Pro Bowls, to go with 50 interceptions. Whatever the hold up for his induction has been, there can be no excuses nor reasoning. He should have been given his bronze bust and induction ceremony by now. Deron Cherry epitomizes the definition of what a football player should strive to attain to be in the NFL Hall of Fame.

Notable Players Drafted in 1981 (* Denotes Hall Of Fame Inductee)

1. George Rogers, RB, New Orleans
2. Lawrence Taylor, LB, NY Giants *
3. Freeman McNeil, RB, NY Jets
4. Kenny Easley, S, Seattle
7. Hugh Green, LB, Tampa Bay
8. Ronnie Lott, CB, San Francisco *
11. Keith Van Horne, OT, Chicago
20. Mark May, OL, Washington
22. Hanford Dixon, CB, Cleveland
24. James Brooks, RB, San Diego
25. Bobby Butler, CB, Atlanta
33. Neil Lomax, QB, Saint Louis Cardinals
34. James Wilder, RB, Tampa Bay
37. Cris Collinsworth, WR, Cincinnati
38. Mike Singletary, LB, Chicago *
40. Eric Wright, CB, San Francisco
41. Joe Delaney, RB, Kansas City
48. Howie Long, DT, Oakland *
51. Rickey Jackson, LB, New Orleans
57. Frank Warren, DE, New Orleans
65. Carlton Williamson, DB, San Francisco
69. Russ Grimm, C, Washington
71. Hoby Brenner, TE, New Orleans
74. Tim Irwin, OT, Minnesota
78. Lloyd Burress, S, Kansas City
98. Mark Herrmann, QB, Denver
119. Dexter Manley, DE, Washington
125. Ken Lanier, OL, Denver
156. Bryan Hinkle, LB, Pittsburgh
177. Jeff Fisher, S, Chicago
201. Charlie Brown, WR, Washington
208. William Judson, DB, Miami
210. Wade Wilson, QB, Minnesota
226. Stump Mitchell, RB, Saint Louis
231. Darryl Grant, G, Washington
305. Jim Wilks, DT, New Orleans
314. Clint Didier, TE, Washington

JIM NORTON

2008-11-15T08:45:00.000-08:00

Jim Norton
Defensive Back
Houston Oilers
1960 - 1968
9 Seasons
125 Games Played
45 Interceptions
625 Total Yards
1 Touchdown
4 All Star Games

James Charles Norton was a 7th round draft pick of the Detroit Lions in the 1960 NFL Draft. He was also drafted as a territorial pick in the inaugural season of the American Football League by the Dallas Texans. He opted to sign with the Houston Oilers instead. While attending the University of Idaho, Norton was of the nation’s top defensive backs in 1958. His 9 interceptions that season were the most in the nation, and his 217 interception return yards during that time were a school record that lasted nearly 50 years. He snagged one interception and returned it 99 yards in for a touchdown against Utah State in 1958, which stood as a school record until 1997. Norton also punted, handled the return duties, and played Tight End for the Vandals. He led the team in receiving in 1958 and 1959. While at Idaho, NFL Greats like Green Bay's Jerry Kramer and Detroit's Wayne Walker played with Norton, as did NFL Defensive Tackle Jim Prestel. Jim Norton is a member of the Idaho Sports Hall Of Fame.

Norton first played Cornerback with the Oilers. Playing as a reserve, he managed one interception, the lowest season total of his career, as the Oilers would go on to win the first AFL Championship. Norton was moved to Strong Safety the following year, and was named a starter. He responded with a career high 9 interceptions for a career best 150 yards. He also assumed the punting duties, and averaged 40.7 yards per punt on 48 attempts. The Oilers wound up winning the 1961 AFL Championship as well. His punting in that game was an integral reason for Houston's win in a low scoring affair dictated by field position. Norton was named to his first AFL All Star Team that year. In 1962, Jim swiped 8 more passes, and punted the ball 56 times for a 41 yard average. Three interceptions came in a crucial late season win over Denver, enabling the Oilers to get into the playoffs. The Oilers made it to the 1962 AFL Championship Game, a double overtime loss that was the longest game in AFL history. Norton again was named to the AFL All Star Team. In 1963, Norton was again named to the AFL All Star Team, as he stole 6 balls and has a 43 yard punting average on 65 attempts. He even caught a 15 yard pass. Jim punted the ball a career long 79 yards in 1964. He averaged 41.2yards on 55 attempts, and intercepted the ball twice. In 1965, Norton led the AFL with 85 punts for 3,711 yards. He averaged 43.7 yards per punt. All were career highs for Jim. He also had 7 interceptions that season as well. Jim had 4 picks in 1966, gaining 125 yards. He also averaged 42.1 yards per punt on 69 attempts. Norton made his last AFL All Star Team in 1967, as he had 6 interceptions and averaged 42.6 yards per punt on 71 attempts. He also scored the only touchdown of his career, which came off of an interception. 1968 was Jim's last season. He punted 73 times for a 41.2 yards per punt average. He intercepted the ball twice, and caught a pass for 20 yards. He retired after that season.

Jim Norton's 45 interceptions are the most in AFL history. It is also the most in Oilers/ Titans franchise history. His 592 interception return yards are the second most in the franchises history behind Hall of Famer Ken Houston. His 519 punts were the most in franchise history until 2004, when Craig Hentrich passed him. He ranks third in AFL history in punts as well, and finished his career with an average of 42.1 yards per punt. Jim never missed one game in his entire career, even once after suffering a major concussion. What makes this feat even more amazing is the fact Norton never wore any hip or thigh pads. He averaged over an interception every 3 games he played in his career, an amazing rate. Jim Norton's number 43 was the first jersey ever retired in Oilers/ Titans history.

Jim Norton was nicknamed "The Blade", due to his physique. His team mates also called him "tough as nails," "half-psycho," "crazy," and "masochistic". He was known for his fearless play, and for having a nose for the ball. He seemed to be in on virtually every defensive play the Oilers made throughout his career. He had at least an interception in every year of his career. He was one of the big reasons for the Oilers dominance in the early days of the AFL. My only thought as to why he is not in Canton yet is because he chose the AFL over the NFL. As I have stated many times in this series, Canton is suppose to house the PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL Hall Of Fame. Not JUST the NFL! The ONLY player inducted into Canton who spent his entire career just in the AFL is Buffalo Bills Offensive Guard Billy Shaw, and he was forced to wear a jacket emblazoned with the NFL logo at his induction ceremony. The disrespect of the AFL CERTAINLY continues to this day. Perhaps it is the spite of the old guard who were forced to merge with the AFL because of the success the AFL was having? When you go down the list of all the amazing PRO football players from the AFL not yet inducted into Canton, this theory holds credence. Players like Johnny Robinson, Ed Budde, Walt Sweeney, Gino Cappalletti, and many more. It is truly a disgusting happening still occurring today. The fact that the AFL Interception King is not in Canton shows a distasteful disrespect that should have corrected decades ago. Norton died in 2007, so he went to his grave witnessing this criminal act by the NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUE "voters". Jim Norton certainly belongs in Canton.

Notable Players Drafted In 1960 * Denotes Hall of Fame Member

1. Billy Cannon, RB, LA Rams
3. Johnny Robinson, DB, Detroit
8. Jim Houston, LB, Cleveland
10. Ron Mix, OT, Baltimore *
13. Harold Olson, T, Saint Louis Cardinals
17. Bob Jeter, DB, Green Bay
20. Maxie Baughan, LB, Philadelphia
23. Don Floyd, DE, Baltimore Colts
24. Marvin Terrell, G, Baltimore Colts
32. Don Meredith, QB, Chicago
35. Rod Breedlove, LB, San Francisco
37. Willie West, DB, St. Louis
40. Ted Dean, FB, Philadelphia
41. Johnny Brewer, TE, Cleveland
42. Roger Brown, DT, Detroit
44. Jim Marshall, DT, Cleveland
48. Vince Promuto, G, Washington
55. Abner Haynes, RB, Pittsburgh
56. Don Norton, WR, Philadephia
59. Len Rohde, T, San Francisco
63. Glen Coqdill, WR, Detroit
69. Bob Khayat, G, Cleveland
72. George Blair, DB, NY Giants
74. Larry Wilson, S, St. Louis Cardinals *
86. Carroll Dale, WR, LA Rams
88. Bill Mathis, FB, San Francisco
105. Chris Burford, WR, Cleveland
106. Don Perkins, FB, Baltimore
109. Charley Johnson, QB, St. Louis Cardinals
110. Curtis McClinton, RB, LA Rams
111. Grady Alderman, T, Detroit
118. Mel Branch, DE, San Francisco
119. Bobby Boyd, DB, Baltimore
157. Bob DeMarco, C, Saint Louis
161. Jon Gilliam, C, Green Bay
162. Brady Keys, DB, Pittsburgh
178. Larry Grantham, LB, Baltimore
181. Jim Hunt, DT, Saint Louis
203. Goose Gonsoulin, DB, San Francisco
229. Tom Day, DE, St. Louis

Notable 1960 AFL Allocation Picks

Jim Otto, C, Minneapolis/ Oakland Raiders *
Wayne Hawkins, G, Denver
Dean Look, WB, Denver (Noted NFL Referee, and MLB Player)
Bill Mathis, RB, NY Titans/ Jets
Pat Dye, T, Boston Patriots (College Football Hall of Fame Coach)
Billy Brewer, QB, Boston (Ole Miss Legend as Player, then Coach)
Chuck McMurtry, DT, Buffalo
Ray Jauch, RB, Buffalo (Noted CFL, USFL, and Arena League Coach)
Ron Burton, RB, Boston
Jim Walden, QB, Denver (Noted College Football Coach)
Jacky Lee, QB, Houston
Paul Maguire, LB/ P, LA Chargers ( Noted Football Commentater )
Ed "Wahoo" McDaniel, LB, LA Chargers ( WWE Hall of Fame)
Bob Talamini, G, Houston
Curt Merz, C, NY Titans

TOMMY NOBIS

2008-11-11T17:08:00.000-08:00

Tommy Nobis
6'2" 240
Linebacker
Atlanta Falcons
1966 - 1976
11 Seasons
133 Games Played
5 Pro Bowls
1966 NFL Rookie of the Year

Thomas Henry Nobis Jr. was the first draft pick ever by the expansion Atlanta Falcons in the 1966 NFL draft. He was also the first player chosen overall. Nobis is a legend in Texas. He was an All State football player, while growing up in San Antonio. He then attended college at the University of Texas at Austin. There, he started at Linebacker and Offensive Guard. Tommy was the only sophomore starter on the Longhorns' 1963 National Championship team. Nobis averaged nearly 20 tackles per game at Texas, and was a two way player on teams that were ranked No. 1 in the nation at some point during each of his three years. Tommy was also named to the All-Southwest Conference team in his three years as a Longhorn. He still holds the Longhorns record for most interceptions in a season by a Linebacker, and currently ranks third in Texas history for career interceptions by a Linebacker. Nobis' profile made national headlines while playing the 1964 Orange Bowl versus Alabama. Late in the game, with Texas leading by 4 points, Alabama had the ball on the Longhorns one yard line. On 4th down, future Hall of Fame Quarterback Joe Namath tried to score and was greeted by Nobis inches short. Tommy graced the covers of Life, Sports Illustrated and Time magazines. A two-time All-American, Nobis won several awards in his senior year. While winning the Knute Rockne, Outland, and Maxwell Awards, he finished 7th in the Heisman voting. Tommy Nobis was selected to the Football News All Time All America team, Sports Illustrated's All Century Team, and the Walter Camp Football Foundation All Century Team. He is also a member of the Texas and Georgia State High School Halls of Fame, Thomas Jefferson High School Alumni Hall of Fame, the San Antonio Hall of Fame, the Longhorn Hall of Honor and the National Football Foundation College Hall of Fame.

Nobis started right away for the Falcons, and was very busy on a new team that struggled to a 3-11 record. He set a Falcons record, that still stands today, when he amassed 294 tackles. It may be an NFL record, but that stat is unofficial and kept by individual teams. He was named to his first All Pro team, and was the 1966 NFL Rookie of the Year. Tommy intercepted the first 3 passes of his career the next season, and returned one for a touchdown. He was also selected to his second All Pro team. In 1968, he was named to his third All Pro team, as the struggling Falcons went through a coaching change by hiring Hall of Famer Norm Van Brocklin after the third week of the season. Nobis was injured in the 5th game of the following year, and missed the rest of the season. Nobis came back in 1970 and was named to the All Pro team. He then was injured in the 4th game of the following season, and missed the rest of the year. Tommy would only miss two games for the rest of his career. He made his last All Pro team in 1972, and also scored the last touchdown of his career. 1973 would be the best record the Falcons had during Nobis' career. They went 9-5. Atlanta won 50 games in his eleven seasons. His number 60 the first number retired by the team, and he is a member of the Falcons' Ring of Honor, Georgia Sports Hall of Fame, and the Atlanta Sports Hall of Fame. He has also been named the NFL Man of the Year (Dodge and Vitalis), and Joseph P. Kennedy, Jr. award, due to his work with the Special Olympics as a member of the Falcons front office, and in his own foundation. Tommy Nobis is on the NFL's All-1960s team, which is quite an accomplishment if you consider he didn't even play half of the decade.

It is TRULY astounding that 'Mr. Falcon' still has yet to be inducted into Canton. Sure, he played on many lousy Falcons teams, but he was outstanding. The team got little publicity during Tommy's time, but the voters CANNOT use this as an excuse. These voters are supposed to represent the whole NFL, not just the media driven franchises. They are supposed to be experts, or at least this is what their positions as voters implies. The exclusion of Nobis for all of these years belies that thought. Tommy Nobis epitomizes what a Hall of Fame football player is supposed to symbolize. Both on and off the field. It is truly disgraceful, and disrespectful, that Tommy Nobis is not in Canton.

Notable Players Drafted In 1966 (* Denotes Canton Inductee)

2. Tom Mack, G, Los Angeles Rams *
5. John Niland, G, Dallas
13. Gale Gillingham, G, Green Bay
14. Milt Morin, TE, Cleveland
18. Mike Garrett, RB, LA Rams
20. Gary Pettigre, DT, Philadelphia
26. Bob Windsor, TE, San Francisco
36. Ben Hawkins, WR, Philadelphia
37. Al Randolph, DB, San Francisco
42. Don Hansen, LB, Minnesota
49. Ken Reaves, CB, Atlanta
55. Doug Van Horn, G, Detroit
60. Doug Buffone, LB, Chicago
63. Hoyle Granger, RB, Baltimore Colts
66. Diron Talbert, DT, LA Rams
69. Mel Phillips, DB, San Francisco
73. Jack Clancy, WR, St. Louis Cardinals
79. Walt Garrison, RB, Dallas
89. Mel Tom, DE, Philadelphia
93. Fred Hoaglin, C, Cleveland
98. Emerson Boozer, RB, Pittsburgh
110. Ray Perkins, WR, NY Giants
119. Dave Witcher, WR, San Francisco
139. Jack Gregory, DE, Cleveland
152. Bobby Burnett, RB, Chicago
167. Terry Owens, T, Chicago
174. Bruce Van Dyke, G, Philadelphia
179. Ken Avery, LB, NY Giants
208. Elmer Collett, G, San Francisco
209. Howard Twilley, WR, Minnesota
273. Charlie Harraway, RB, Minnesota

Notable 1966 AFL Draftees

15. Francis Peay, T, Kansas City
25. Randy B. Jackson, T, Buffalo
58. Tom Mitchell, TE, Oakland
59. Pete Banaszak, RB, Oakland
61. Jim Tolbert, DB, San Diego
68. Pete Lammons, TE, NY Jets
73. Paul Guidry, LB, Buffalo
140. Steve Smith, T, Houston
141. Rick Acks, LB, NY Jets