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Jan. 2, 2005 On February 5, the day before Super Bowl XXXIX, the Pro Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee will meet in Jacksonville to determine the members of its Class of 2005. At that meeting, the committee will select from a pool of 13 modern-day players, coaches and contributors, as well as two senior players who helped shape the early days of pro football. As always, there are some folks on the ballot who truly deserve to get in and some whose admission would be subject to debate. My picks for this year’s Hall of Fame class, from the listing of semi-finalists released in November, include a first-time candidate, two players who should already be in, a player nominated by the Seniors Committee, and a very important contributor to the game. They are presented in alphabetical order. Ray Guy, Punter—Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders (1973-1986). In high school and in college, Ray Guy proved to be a multi-threat athlete. In fact, three different major league teams drafted him for his fastball. But the Raiders are forever grateful that they made him the first pure punter ever drafted in the first round, for they got one of the best weapons in the history of the game. During his time in the league, Guy played in seven Pro Bowls, led the AFC three times in punting average, had a streak of 619 consecutive punts without having one blocked (among the longest such streaks in league history), and finished his career with a 42.4 yard average. Guy was named the punter for the NFL’s 75th Anniversary All-Time Team, the Super Bowl Silver Anniversary Team and the 1970s All- Decade Team, and won three Super Bowl rings during his tenure. There are no pure punters enshrined in Canton, and Guy is long overdue to be the first. Dan Marino, Quarterback—Miami Dolphins (1983- 1999). One of the quarterbacks out of the famed class of 1983, Dan Marino tasted success early in his career. In his second season, he threw for a league-record 48 touchdown and led Miami to Super Bowl XIX, which San Francisco literally won in its backyard. Though he never got to another Super Bowl, Marino’s career was nothing less than super. He is the all-time leader in touchdown passes (420), passes complete (4,967), and passing yardage (61,361). Add to that an 86.4 career passer rating (8th all-time), six 4,000-yard passing seasons and 13 400-yard games, and Marino is a sure choice on his first attempt. Art Monk, Wide Receiver—Washington Redskins (1980-1993), New York Jets (1994), Philadelphia Eagles (1995). Art Monk didn’t clown around on the field or embarrass himself off the field, and it has been long rumored that his avoidance of the media has kept him out of the Hall. But his workmanlike approach to the game made him one of the best possession receivers in the game. In 1984, Monk became the first receiver in the post-merger NFL to record over 100 receptions in a season. He is among the all- time leaders in receptions (940, good for 5th) and receiving yardage (12,721, good for 9th), and had an impressive streak of making at least one catch in 183 consecutive games (2nd all- time). Two Super Bowls he won while playing for Hall-of-Fame coach Joe Gibbs should help his case, as well. Fritz Pollard, Halfback/Coach—Akron Pros (1920- 1921, 1925-1926), Milwaukee Badgers (1922), Hammond Pros (1923, 1925), Providence Steamroller (1925). Before the Great Depression led pro football to exclude blacks from the gridiron, Fritz Pollard made history of his own. In 1920, Pollard played eleven games for the Akron Pros, leading them to an 8-0-3 mark and the first championship in league history (when the league was known as the American Pro Football Association). The next year, as co- coach of the Pros, he played in all twelve games as the Pros went 8-3-1. He would play and coach for three other now-defunct teams, and later formed an all-black team, the Chicago Black Hawks, that played against white teams from Chicago and exhibitions against West Coast teams. A true pioneer in every sense of the word, Fritz Pollard’s inclusion in the pantheon of greats would help bring the game full circle. Ralph Wilson, Jr., Owner of the Buffalo Bills (Since 1959). In 1999, Rich Stadium, home to the Bills since 1973, was renamed in honor Ralph Wilson, Jr., who brought the team into the old American Football League as a charter member in 1960. Under Wilson’s ownership, Buffalo won back-to-back AFL championships in 1964 and 1965, and became the first team in NFL history to appear in four consecutive Super Bowls (Super Bowls XXV through XXVIII from 1991 to 1994). Six former Bills are already enshrined in Canton, including head coach Marv Levy and quarterback Jim Kelly. It’s only natural that Ralph Wilson join them there. Others considered on my ballot, from the list of modern-day semi-finalists released in November: Don Coryell, head coach of the St Louis Cardinals (1973-1977) and the San Diego Chargers (1978-1986). Russ Grimm, offensive lineman for the Washington Redskins (1981-1991). Michael Irvin, wide receiver for the Dallas Cowboys (1988-1999). Bob Kuechenburg, offensive lineman for the Miami Dolphins (1970-1984). Steve Young, quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (1985-1986) and the San Francisco 49ers (1987-1999). Better luck next year to these gents. They were on the original list of 89 candidates released in October, but didn’t make the semi-finals list: Roger Craig, running back who played 16 seasons, predominately with San Francisco. Henry Ellard, wide receiver who spent 16 seasons in the league, mostly with the Los Angles Rams. Nick Lowery, kicker who spent most of his 18 seasons with Kansas City. Ed Sabol, who founded NFL Films and helped preserve the game’s history. Steve Tasker, longtime Buffalo Bill who was an ace on special teams. Jeff Van Note, durable center whose 18 years of service with Atlanta is one of the longest tenures with a single team. ------------ About the author: Claxton Graham has written a number of articles for Useless Knowledge. He works as a business systems analyst. Email: scifiwriter8502@email.com Tell a friend about this site! ------------ All articles are EXCLUSIVE to Useless-Knowledge.com and are not allowed to be posted on other websites. ARTICLE THIEVES WILL BE PROSECUTED! |
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