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Pro Football Hall of Fame Has 7 New Members

Paul Erb — Sat, 06 Feb 2010 21:29:20 PST

Article from the Pro Football Hall of Fame website:

CANTON, OHIO – Guard Russ Grimm, linebacker Rickey Jackson, cornerback Dick LeBeau, running back Floyd Little, defensive tackle John Randle, wide receiver Jerry Rice, and running back Emmitt Smith make up the Class of 2010 Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinees.The seven-man class was elected by the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Selection Committee who met today in South Florida. The newest members of the Hall were selected from a list of 17 finalists who had been determined earlier by the committee.

Grimm was a steadying force of the Washington Redskins’ offensive line known as “The Hogs.” The standout guard earned All-NFL acclaim and Pro Bowl trips four consecutive seasons.

Jackson helped turn the Saints from perennial losers to a playoff contender and becomes the first long-time player from the team to be elected to the Hall of Fame. He was named first-team All-NFL four times in his career.

LeBeau, was originally drafted by the Cleveland Browns but cut, joined the Lions shortly thereafter. He went on to enjoy a 14-year career that saw him intercept 62 passes. That total currently ranks third all-time among cornerbacks.

Little, the first 1,000-yard rusher in Denver Broncos history, was a versatile star who amassed more than 12,000 all-purpose yards on rushing, receiving, punt returns, and kickoff returns during his nine-season career.

Randle, a seven-time Pro Bowler and six-time All-Pro pick, amassed 137.5 sacks during his career with the Minnesota Vikings and Seattle Seahawks. A member of the NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 1990s, he played in 219 career games.

Rice played an amazing 20 seasons and owns virtually every major receiving record. In all, he caught 1,549 passes for 22,895 yards and scored a total of 208 touchdowns.

Smith is the NFL’s all-time leading rusher with 18,355 yards and scored a record 164 rushing touchdowns. He won four NFL rushing titles and gained 1,000 yards in a record 11 straight seasons.

RUSS GRIMM
Guard … 6-3, 273 … Pittsburgh … 1981-1991 Washington Redskins … 11 seasons, 140 games … Selected in third round (69th player overall) in 1981 NFL Draft … Originally pegged to play center, moved to left guard as rookie … Immediate starter on line that earned nickname "The Hogs" … Teaming with tackle Joe Jacoby, formed perhaps most punishing side of an offensive line in football at the time … With Grimm’s speed and strength, Redskins rode success of dominating running attack to victory in Super Bowl XVII in which John Riggins rushed for then-record 166 yards … During playoff run that year, team averaged 152 yards rushing … Following 1983 season, Grimm was selected to first of four straight Pro Bowls … Also marked start of four consecutive years (1983-86) of All-Pro recognition … Also named All-NFC in each of those seasons … In 1987 moved to center and started five games before being sidelined until season finale with knee injury … Missed 11 games in 1988 with knee injury … Appeared in five NFC championship games and four Super Bowls including wins in Super Bowls XVII, XXII, XXVI … Elected to NFL's 1980s All-Decade Team … Born May 2, 1959 in Scottdale, Pennsylvania.

RICKEY JACKSON
Linebacker … 6-2, 243 … Pittsburgh … 1981-1993 New Orleans Saints, 1994-95 San Francisco 49ers … 15 playing season, 227 games … Selected by Saints in 2nd round (51st player overall) in 1981 draft … One of key players that fueled New Orleans transition from perennial losers into contenders in late 1980s … Made immediate impact as rookie when he led team with franchise rookie record eight sacks and was leading tackler … In 1983 established himself as elite pass rusher recording 12 sacks … That year marked first of six double-digit sack totals in career … Also earned Jackson first of six trips to Pro Bowl … Named first-team All-Pro 1986, 1987, 1992, 1993 … In 1987, Saints first winning season, Jackson recorded 9.5 sacks, 74 tackles, three forced fumbles, and two interceptions … Saints captured their first-ever division title in 1991 and Jackson recorded 11.5 sacks, 59 tackles, three forced fumbles, three fumble recoveries, and three passes defensed … Team never finished below .500 during Jackson’s final seven years … Jackson finished NFL career with two seasons with 49ers who converted him to defensive end and pass rush specialist … Retired after 1995 season with 128 career sacks that does not include rookie total since sack did not become official statistic until 1982 … Also intercepted eight passes during career … Born March 20, 1958 in Pahokee, Florida.

DICK LEBEAU
Cornerback … 6-1, 185 … Ohio State … 1959-1972 Detroit Lions … 14 playing seasons, 185 games … Selected by Cleveland Browns in 5th round (58th overall) in 1959 draft … Cut by Browns during rookie training camp … Signed with Lions, earned place in starting lineup final six games of rookie year … Didn’t miss another game until late in 1971 season … Started 171 consecutive games, an NFL record for his position … In 1960, began to make mark by intercepting four passes, starting string of 12 straight seasons with three or more interceptions … In 1963, intercepted five passes which he returned for career-high 158 yards, including 70-yard TD return against Rams … It was one of three interceptions he returned for touchdowns in career … The following year, intercepted five passes and was voted to first of three consecutive Pro Bowls … Also earned All-NFL second-team accolades, an honor earned again in 1965, 1966, 1970 … Finest season came in 1970 when he recorded NFC-leading nine interceptions for 96 yards … In all, recorded 62 picks for 762 yards … Ranked second among pure cornerbacks at retirement with 62 interceptions, third overall … Currently ranks third all-time among pure cornerbacks … Born on September 9, 1937 in London, Ohio.

FLOYD LITTLE
Running Back … 5-10, 196 … Syracuse … 1967-1975 Denver Broncos … Nine playing seasons, 117 games … Selected by Denver in first round (6th player overall) of 1967 AFL-NFL Draft … Initially used mostly as return specialist . . . As rookie, led AFL in punt returns with 16.9 average on 16 returns … Scored only touchdown on a punt return that season in AFL, 72 yards against the Jets … Also returned career-high 35 kickoffs for 942 yards … In third year averaged league-high and career best 5.0 yards per carry rushing … In 1971, became Broncos’ first 1,000-yard rusher … Won NFL rushing title that year with 1,133 yards on 284 carries and 6 TDs … Receiving threat out of backfield, caught 25-plus passes in each of final five seasons … Had knack for finding end zone … During three-year stretch, 1971-1973 scored combined 32 TDs rushing and receiving … Named to two AFL All-Star Games, three AFC-NFC Pro Bowls … Named All-AFL/NFL twice, All-AFC first- or second-team four straight years … Amassed more than 12,000 all-purpose yards and 54 TDs … Gained 6,323 yards on 1,641 career carries, scored 43 TDs … Added 215 receptions for 2,418 yards, 9 TDs … Totaled 893 yards on 81 career punt returns, 2 TDs; returned 104 kickoffs for 2,523 yards in his nine-season career … Born July 4, 1942 in New Haven, Connecticut.

JOHN RANDLE
Defensive Tackle … 6-1, 278 … Trinity Valley Community College (TX); Texas A&I … 1990-2000 Minnesota Vikings, 2001-03 Seattle Seahawks … 14 playing seasons, 219 games … Little All-America pick as a senior at Texas A&I … Signed by Vikings as an undrafted free agent … Played in all 16 games as a rookie … Recorded 137.5 sacks during career . . Had eight consecutive seasons (1992-99) with 10-plus sacks and a ninth in 2001 … In 1997 had career best and league leading 15.5 sacks, and career high 71 tackles (39 solo) … Signed a free agent contract with Seahawks in 2001 and turned in one of most productive seasons in team history with 11 sacks, four forced fumbles and fumble recovery in end zone for a TD … Named first-team All-Pro/All-NFC six consecutive years (1993-98) and once All-AFC with Seahawks (2001) … Selected to play in seven Pro Bowls (1994-99, 2002) … Led Minnesota defensive line recording double digit sack totals in three of four years that Vikings won NFC Central Division titles and eight sacks in fourth … Born December 12, 1967 in Hearne, Texas.

JERRY RICE
Wide Receiver … 6-2, 200 … Mississippi Valley State … 1985-2000 San Francisco 49ers, 2001-04 Oakland Raiders, 2004 Seattle Seahawks … 20 playing seasons, 303 games … Selected by 49ers in first round (16th player overall) of 1985 draft … Averaged 18.9 yards per catch on 49 receptions for 927 yards and 3 TDs as rookie … In 1986 caught 86 passes for a league-leading 1,570 yards and led the NFL in touchdown catches with 15 … Marked first of 11 straight 1,000-yard seasons … Also recorded double-digit receiving touchdowns in nine of next 10 seasons … In 1987 set the NFL record for touchdown receptions in season with 22 … Four seasons with 100-plus catches … Led NFL in receiving yards six times including NFL record 1,848 yards in 1995 … Led NFL in touchdown receptions six times … Owns virtually every significant receiving mark including receptions (1,549); receiving yards (22,895); most 1,000-yard receiving seasons (14); total touchdowns (208); combined net yards (23,546) … Holds multiple playoff and Super Bowl records … Played in eight conference championships and four Super Bowls … Earned three Super Bowl rings with 49ers and was named MVP in Super Bowl XXIII … Named first-team All-Pro 11 consecutive seasons and voted to 13 Pro Bowls … A member of NFL’s All-Decade Teams of 1980s and 1990s and NFL’s 75th Anniversary Team … Born October 13, 1962 in Starksville, Mississippi.

EMMITT SMITH
Running Back … 5-9, 207 … Florida … 1990-2002 Dallas Cowboys, 2003-04 Arizona Cardinals … 15 playing seasons, 226 games … Selected by Dallas in first round (17th player overall) of 1990 draft … Rushed for 937 yards, 11 touchdowns to earn Offensive Rookie of the Year honors … Second season rushed for league-leading 1,563 yards … Won rushing crowns in 1991, 1992, 1993, 1995 … Led NFL in rushing touchdowns three times and accumulated 277 pass receptions during that same five-season period … In 1995, recorded career highs for rushing yards (1,773), rushing touchdowns (25), and receptions (62) … Major contributor to Cowboys Super Bowl XXVII, XXVIII, XXX victories … Named first-team All-Pro 1992-95 … In 1993, named NFL’s MVP and MVP in Super Bowl XXVIII … After narrowly missing the 1,000-yard mark as rookie, embarked on a record run of 11 straight seasons with 1,000 yards rushing … Streak came to end in 2002 when he missed the 1,000-yard mark by 25 yards … On Oct. 27, 2002 in game vs. Seattle Seahawks, he supplanted Walter Payton as the NFL’s all-time rushing leader … Named to NFL’s All-Decade Team of the 1990s … Career totals of 18,355 yards and a 164 touchdowns rushing, 515 receptions for 3,224 yards and 11 touchdowns … Born May 15, 1969 in Pensacola, Florida.

Cowboys Want To Keep Austin

Paul Erb — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 07:31:39 PST

At the top of the Cowboys off-season wish list is wide receiver Miles Austin, who made $1.545 million in 2009 with the second-round tender. To tender Austin at that level again, it would cost the Cowboys $1.759 million in 2010. The Cowboys want to sign Austin, according to the Dallas Morning News, who had 81 catches for 1,320 yards and 11 touchdowns, to a long-term contract. But in order to secure him, they would probably have to put the $3.168 million first- and third-round tender on him. The Cowboys made a similar move on Marion Barber in 2008 before signing him to an extension.

No One Wants To Coach Cutler??

Paul Erb — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 09:55:02 PST

There are reportedly "rumblings at the Senior Bowl" that the Bears can't find an offensive coordinator because candidates are turned off by the prospect of having to coach Jay Cutler, says the National Football Post. The perception is that Cutler ran ex-Bears OC Ron Turner out of Chicago. Turner certainly did take the fall for the Bears offensive woes. It would also be hard to argue that Turner did a good enough job in the first place. There is a more logical perception that OC candidates don't want to work under head coach Lovie Smith, who's entering a "win or else" situation in 2010.

Dwight Freeney To Play In Super Bowl??

Paul Erb — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 09:50:49 PST

Colts RE Dwight Freeney sprained his right ankle in the AFC title game, but is fully expected to play in the Super Bowl, says the Associated Press. The two-week layoff between conference championship week and the Super Bowl will get players on both sides back to at least close to 100%.

Bengals To Let Larry Johnson Go??

Paul Erb — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 09:46:30 PST

The Bengals are not expected to re-sign free agent Larry Johnson, says the Cincinnati Enquirer. Bernard Scott will be Cedric Benson's primary backup from here on out. and has the talent for more. Johnson is 30 and has well documented attitude problems. If the Bengals don't re-sign him, some team will certainly give him a look.

Will Jets Need A New Secondary Next Season??

Paul Erb — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 09:34:08 PST

Three-fifths of the Jets’ starting secondary may not return next season, including safety Kerry Rhodes, as upgrading the unit is a top priority this offseason, says the Newark Sar-Ledger. First, the Jets don’t plan to pick up the $10 million roster bonus due cornerback Lito Sheppard in March and it’s unlikely he’ll return. Sheppard, a former two-time Pro Bowler with the Eagles, battled injuries all season and was benched for the Jets’ 30-17 loss to the Colts on Sunday in the AFC Championship Game, playing sparingly in nickel and dime situations. Sheppard, who was replaced by Dwight Lowery, finished with just one interception in 11 games this season. He cost the Jets a fourth-round pick. Also, rumor says, the Jets is leaning toward releasing nickel back Donald Strickland, who can’t seem to stay healthy. He injured his right hand last week before the AFC Championship Game against the Colts and then injured his groin in the first quarter. His loss was a huge blow to the Jets secondary. Strickland played in just nine games this season, also having a quad injury and a concussion.

Is Willie Parker Done In Pittsbugh??

Paul Erb — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 09:29:09 PST

The possibility that Willie Parker will now longer be a Steeler is creeping closer to reality because Parker is an unrestricted free agent who sounds as if he has played his last game with the Steelers, says the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. After losing his starting job to Rashard Mendenhall in Week 4, Parker played sparingly the rest of the season. At age 29 and with an average of 244 carries in each of his past five seasons, he wants to, and thinks he still can, be a starting running back in the NFL. Even though his 5-foot-10, 209-pound frame has absorbed a lot of blows. “I’m a starter always looked at myself as starter, that’s what I want to be,” said Parker, who was an undrafted free agent from North Carolina in 2004. “So, till I hang up pads, that’s how I’m going to look at myself. Rashard is a great back and he had a great season and, hopefully, he’ll carry it on. “I had six great years here with the Steelers. We won two Super Bowls. I want to thank the organization and thank everybody. You know how the business goes. I love these guys. I love the organization. I’m a Steeler by heart. We’ll see what happens in the future.”

What Will Vikings Do If Favre Retires??

Paul Erb — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 09:24:31 PST

If you’re Vikings general manager Rick Spielman, whose job it is to procure talent for the team, you have to check on whether the Philadelphia Eagles are ready to move on without QB Donovan McNabb, as rumored. says the Pioneer Press. With McNabb, who might cost the Vikings two second-round draft picks plus Rosenfels, the Vikings could retain their league-wide buzz. It’s unclear whether new Seattle Seahawks coach Pete Carroll wants to go with QB Matt Hasselbeck. McNabb and Hasselbeck — they would seem to be the Vikings’ only options among proven QBs if Favre decides he’s finally had enough.

How Hurt Is Cedric Griffin??

Paul Erb — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 13:25:16 PST

The Vikings fear that CB Cedric Griffin tore his ACL and MCL in Sunday's NFC Championship Game, says the Chicago Sun-Times. Griffin went down while covering the opening kickoff of overtime. The results of his MRI are unknown, but tearing both ligaments would almost guarantee that Griffin starts 2010 on the PUP list. With Antoine Winfield turning 33 and Benny Sapp being a free agency, such a serious injury to Griffin would vault cornerback to the top of Minnesota's list of offseason needs.

No Official Word On Tom Cable

Paul Erb — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 13:20:59 PST

Raiders spokesman John Herrera said Monday that the Raiders still have not decided the fate of head coach Tom Cable. Al Davis continues to toy with the media while hiring assistant coaches with direct connections to Cable. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported three days ago, it is likely Cable will stay. Word is that Davis and Cable are meeting "regularly" to discuss the future, just a day after claiming the Raiders never gave any indication Cable's job was in danger.

What Will Bears Do With Ogunleye??

Paul Erb — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 13:14:25 PST

Bears defensive end Adewale Ogunleye is recovering just fine from the broken fibula he suffered in the Week 15 loss at Baltimore. “The leg is good. I’ve just been resting it,” Ogunleye told the Staten Island Advance. Ogunleye suffered a small fracture in his left leg and was placed on season-ending injured reserve, but he should be fully cleared or close to it before free agency opens March 5. The Bears have a decision to make. They are expected to let Ogunleye test the open market to gauge his value. He has said he would like to return, and their need for a defensive end has been heightened after the death of Gaines Adams.

Latest On Viking Stadium News

Paul Erb — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 13:11:04 PST

A new wrinkle developed in the Minnesota Vikings’ stadium strategy on Friday, when team officials said they are looking at federal stimulus money to help them build a new home that just might be located in the suburbs, says the Star Tribune. Vikings’ spokesman Lester Bagley told a real estate gathering in Minneapolis that private developers and local government officials have also approached the team about a half dozen potential Twin Cities suburban sites. Bagley would not say where, but some signs pointed to Dayton, near Interstate 94 in western Hennepin County, as a possible home. To help finance the deal, the Vikings are exploring federal Build America Bonds, along with a possible 2 percent increase in the hospitality tax across the seven-county metro area.

Brian Westbrook To NOT Retire??

Paul Erb — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 13:08:35 PST

Pro Football Weekly hears that the talk of RB Brian Westbrook’s career being over might be highly premature. Westbrook’s balky left knee — and not the multiple concussions he suffered this season — reportedly is the issue that might cause him to retire, but he is not believed to have suffered any further injury to the knee this past season. Westbrook might not remain with the Eagles given their preference not to pay $7.5 million to a part-time player, which is what he would be in Philly next season if he stayed. But he is not likely to retire at this point.

Forte Had Knee Surgery

Paul Erb — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 07:25:45 PST

Bears running back Matt Forte had arthroscopic surgery on his left knee within the last two weeks, according to multiple sources. The clean-up procedure followed a post-season MRI, says the Chicago Tribune. Forte sprained the medial collateral ligament in his knee during the Bears’ 25-19 victory at Seattle in Week 3, but it is unclear if the surgery stems from that specific injury. Although Forte ran better toward the end of the season, he averaged just 3.6 yards per carry, down from his 3.9-yard average as a rookie. He finished with 929 rushing yards on 258 carries as the Bears ranked 29th in the league. Forte ran for 1,238 yards on 316 carries as a rookie the year before. As a receiver, he had 57 catches for 471 yards in 2009 against 63 for 477 in his first season. Forte also suffered a partially torn hamstring during offseason workouts before the ‘09 season.

Tony Gonzalez to Return Next Year

Paul Erb — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 07:21:56 PST

Tony Gonzalez has confirmed he will return to the Falcons in 2010, says the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “I’ll be around for sure next season,” the 13-year veteran tight end said in an interview on the Falcons’ website. There was some doubt, as Gonzalez did tell the paper after the season’s final game that he was undecided whether he’d continue playing. “You don’t ever want to make a decision right after the season is over,” Gonzalez said today. “Now that I’ve had a chance to get away from the game a little bit and talk to my family, I’m definitely going to be around for next year,” said Gonzalez, whose 999 career receptions are the most by a tight end in NFL history and seventh-best among all receivers. “I’m excited about the direction this team is going in. We’ve got a really good football team and I really do believe this could be the best football team I’ve ever played on coming up next year,” he said.

Latest on Rodgers-Cromartie

Paul Erb — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 07:52:31 PST

Cardinals cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie suffered no significant ligament damage in his left knee Saturday against the Saints, but an MRI showed that he does have a chipped bone in his left tibia, according to the Arizona Republic. Rodgers-Cromartie did suffer an injury to his medial collateral ligament but it’s not a tear. Rodgers-Cromartie’s anterior cruciate ligament was not damaged. “We were scared it might be the ACL, then you’re talking six to nine months,” coach Ken Whisenhunt said. “This was very good news.”

Chargers Extend Norv Turner

Paul Erb — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 21:04:28 PST

Chargers signed head coach Norv Turner to an extension through 2013, says the San Diego Union-Tribune. Turner is 32-16 in three seasons as Chargers head coach, making the playoffs all three seasons. This season the Chargers finished one-and-done in the playoffs after winning 11 straight games and winning their division and the two seed.

Ray Edwards "Fine?"

Paul Erb — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 08:32:41 PST

Early indications are that Vikings LE Ray Edwards knee injury is a sprain, says the Minneapolis Star-Tribune. He'll have an MRI Monday, but coach Brad Childress already said that Edwards should be fine.

Jeremy Shockey Hurt

Paul Erb — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 08:24:06 PST

Jeremy Shockey appeared to aggravate his right toe injury during Saturday's win over the Cardinals, according to the New Orleans Times-Picayune. Shockey is almost certain to play against the Vikings, but I don't look for him to have a big impact.

Paul Erb — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 08:13:42 PST

Wade Phillips will return as coach of the Cowboys next season, according to ESPN's Ed Werder. Despite the old-fashioned butt-whooping that came from Minnesota on Sunday.