The Pro Football Hall of Fame yesterday announced their preliminary list of 133 moder-era players, coaches and contributors for election as part of the Class of 2009. Among these contenders are 13 players who played for the Patriots. The 13 ex-Pats are (in order of years in New England: Raymond Clayborn (CB, 1977-89), Stanley Morgan (WR, 1977-89), Ben Coates (TE, 1991-99), Irving Fryar (WR, 1984-92), Russ Francis (TE, 1975-80, 1987-88), Rich Camarillo (P, 1981-87), Jim Plunkett (QB, 1971-75), Harold Jackson (WR, 1978-81), Fred Smerlas (NT, 1991-92), Larry Centers (RB, 2003), Henry Ellard (WR, 1998), Nick Lowery (K, 1978) and Steve McMichael (DT, 1980). After narrowing the field from 133 to 25 semi-finalists and then 15 finalists before anywhere from 4 to 7 new inductees are announced the day before the Super Bowl. First ballot players with good chances include Bruce Smith, Shannon Sharpe and Rod Woodson. Chris Carter and Derrick Thomas seem to have the best chance among returnees to the ballot. Although it appears the Patriots streak of inductees will end at one (Andre Tippett) it is nice to see some recognition for former Pats on the ballot.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
13 Ex-Pats Among 2009 HOF Nominees
The Pro Football Hall of Fame yesterday announced their preliminary list of 133 moder-era players, coaches and contributors for election as part of the Class of 2009. Among these contenders are 13 players who played for the Patriots. The 13 ex-Pats are (in order of years in New England: Raymond Clayborn (CB, 1977-89), Stanley Morgan (WR, 1977-89), Ben Coates (TE, 1991-99), Irving Fryar (WR, 1984-92), Russ Francis (TE, 1975-80, 1987-88), Rich Camarillo (P, 1981-87), Jim Plunkett (QB, 1971-75), Harold Jackson (WR, 1978-81), Fred Smerlas (NT, 1991-92), Larry Centers (RB, 2003), Henry Ellard (WR, 1998), Nick Lowery (K, 1978) and Steve McMichael (DT, 1980). After narrowing the field from 133 to 25 semi-finalists and then 15 finalists before anywhere from 4 to 7 new inductees are announced the day before the Super Bowl. First ballot players with good chances include Bruce Smith, Shannon Sharpe and Rod Woodson. Chris Carter and Derrick Thomas seem to have the best chance among returnees to the ballot. Although it appears the Patriots streak of inductees will end at one (Andre Tippett) it is nice to see some recognition for former Pats on the ballot.
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Somewhat surprising to me that out of so many nominees the Pats Bruce Armstrong isn't on there anywhere. I realize he played for mostly lousy teams, and as an offensive lineman that doesn't get him much recognition, but he was a VERY good player for over a decade in New England. Too bad.
Some of the names that stick out to me among the non-Pats....
Eric Allen
Steve Atwater
Cornelius Bennett
Chris Carter
Roger Craig
Randy Cross
Dermontti Dawson
Ed DeBartalo Jr.
Kevin Greene
Ray Guy
Lester Hayes
Rickey Jackson
Joe Jacoby
Jimmy Johnson
Ed Too Tall Jones
Cortez Kennedy
Clay Matthews
Randall McDaniel
Sam Mills
Dan Reeves
Art Rooney Jr.
Ed & Steve Sabol
Shannon Sharpe
Bruce Smith
Steve Tasker
Derrick Thomas
Herschel Walker
Ricky Watters
Darren Woodson
Rod Woodson
Not saying they are all HOF worthy, but all interesting to consider to some degree.
Bruce Armstrong should be on that list. Started all 212 games he played in and was elected to 6 pro bowls.
Unfourtunately none of the Pats will inducted.
Bruce Smith always said Armstrong was the toughest tackle he went up against, and Smith (a sure fire 1st ballot pick) likely knows what he's talking about.
The only "real" Pats on the list are Clayborn, Morgan and Coates. None are getting in. Fryar has the best chance of the 13 to eventually get in, but guys like Andre Reed, Carter and others will get in first. Fryar would get in based on lifetime totals, not what he did in New England. Too bad he didn't get his act together in his 20's instead of his 30's or he would have incredible career totals.
...and I know they like to honor special teams play, but Rich Camarillo on the list but no Armstrong? Seriouiusly?
My vote by the way...
Chris Carter
Ed & Steve Sabol
Bruce Smith
Derrick Thomas
Rod Woodson
Several "just misses" that I think are deserving but will have to wait another year. Shannon Sharpe belongs in the Hall but since a veteran selection will be 1 of the picks that leaves only 6 to go in from this ballot, and I think the Sabol's deserve to get in.....plus I hate Shannon Sharpe. There, I said it.
The Rev. Irving Fryar has surprisingly great all-time stats, but if he gets in I promise he won't pick up the tab for dinner. Cheap SOB!
i know football has only a bust so you dont go in for one team like baseball but if they did what team would fryar be on? pats, miami, philly?
IRVING FRYAR...
17 SEASONS
851 RECEPTIONS (#12 ALL-TIME)
12,785 YARDS (#11 ALL-TIME)
84 TD RECETPTIONS (#14 ALL-TIME)
HE MADE 5 PRO BOWLS:
1 W/NE, 2 W/MIA, 2 W/PHI
(1 WITH NE WAS AS RETURN SPECIALIST)
TOTAL WITH PATS:
9 SEASONS 363 REC, 5,726 YDS, 38 TD
Based on that I would say that he would be considered a "Patriot" if he got into the Hall even though it would be his all-time numbers gained through the second half of his career that gives him a chance.
Fryar would have to wait in line behind Cris Carter and Andre Reed on the current ballot, and is probably behind Rod Smith soon too. He is probably in the list of "just missed it" with guys like Henry Ellard, Keenan McCardell, Jimmy Smith and Andre Rison. Very good, but not great.
I'm not even sure Reed or Smith are locks, and they are both better candidates.
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