The Pro Football Hall of Fame is now 371 members strong as the Class of 2023 saw eight players and an innovative head coach receive their due in Canton, Ohio, in early August.
In terms of the following 32 selections, one per franchise, the onus here was on the men who performed on the field rather than the talented sideline leaders and contributors behind the scenes.
Are some of the choices here somewhat of a stretch? That's certainly reasonable. Remember the criteria here. The selections are all currently Hall of Fame eligible (the Modern-Era candidates eligible for the Class of 2024 will be announced in late September).
For some of the younger franchises such as the Carolina Panthers, Jacksonville Jaguars and Houston Texans, making a selection was somewhat easier said than done. As usual, it's a subjective exercise with lots of excellent players worth the discussion.
Arizona Cardinals: WR/DB Roy Green
Wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald's final NFL season came in 2020, which means the soonest he could enter the Pro Football Hall of Game would be as a member of the Class of 2026. Don't bet against the NFL's second-leading pass-catcher (1,432) being a first-ballot selection.
Meanwhile, the Cardinals have had their share of other prolific pass-catchers throughout their long history. One of those began his career as a defensive back and joined the franchise while it was still in the Gateway City. In 1979, the then-St. Louis Cardinals use a fourth-round selection on safety Roy Green from Henderson State University.
He played 12 seasons with the club from 1979-90 and still ranks fourth in Cardinals' history in 522 receptions, good for 8,496 yards and 66 scores (the latter 2 categories behind only Fitzgerald). That after catching only one pass in his first two years in the league when he was primarily focusing on defense. He earned Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors with the Cards in 1983 and '84.
Green, who finished his career with the Philadelphia Eagles (1991-92) also scored TDs during his career as a runner, punt returner and kickoff return artist. He finished his NFL career with 559 catches. And while roaming the secondary, picked off four passes and recovered four fumbles in his first four NFL seasons.
Atlanta Falcons: LB Tommy Nobis
There are a total of 12 teams that have yet to capture a Super Bowl title. But there are even fewer that have not won a league championship. For instance, the Cardinals own the league's longest title drought. The last time they were crowned NFL champions was way back in 1947 when the club was still in Chicago.
The Atlanta Falcons first took the field in 1966. The team has made a couple of Super Bowl appearances, but it has yet to hoist a Lombardi Trophy.
Of course, this is also a franchise that does not have a lot of representation in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Perhaps the most notable member is cornerback Deion Sanders, who was originally drafted by the Falcons in 1989 and spent the first five years of his career with the club. There's also defensive end Claude Humphrey, placekicker Morten Andersen (who played for the club for eight seasons in two different stints) and tight end Tony Gonzalez played with Atlanta from 2009-13.
In the early days of the franchise's history, well before the team made its first playoff appearance in 1978, there was middle linebacker Tommy Nobis. The University of Texas star was the first overall pick in the '66 NFL Draft and played for the franchise for 11 seasons. He was a five-time Pro Bowler and earned All-Pro honors in his second season. He started 132 of the 133 games that he was available, totaling 12 interceptions (2 returned for touchdowns) and 13 fumble recoveries.
Baltimore Ravens: OLB Peter Boulware
It was as fearsome of a unit as has ever been seen in the long history of the National Football League. Regardless of the era, the 2000 Baltimore Ravens' defense played with the kind of fury often associated with teams from the 1950s, '60s and '70s. It was a club that would go on to capture Super Bowl XXXV thanks to a group spearheaded by Pro Football Hall of Fame middle linebacker Ray Lewis. However, one of the more overlooked performers for that club was talented outside linebacker Peter Boulware.
He could do a little bit of everything and did it very well. The fourth overall pick in the 1997 NFL Draft, the former Florida State Seminole had a somewhat brief but very productive career with the Ravens.
The talented defender was named to the Pro Bowl four times in his first seven seasons. Over that stretch, he racked up 67.5 sacks in 111 regular-season contests. He would miss 2005 due to injury but bounced back in '06 (his final season in the league) to play 15 games and total 2.5 sacks. Who knows what he would have accomplished if he had remained healthy?
It's safe to say Boulware (who totaled 10 or more sacks 3 times) was also a huge part of that 2000 postseason run in which Baltimore allowed one offensive touchdown in four games. Combine the Ravens' regular-season and playoffs and the club allowed a total of 188 points in 20 games.
Relentless defender Terrell Suggs, part of the Ravens' Super Bowl XLVII title team in 2012, will first be eligible for the Hall of Fame Class of 2025.
Buffalo Bills: WR/ST Steve Tasker
Somewhat recently, the Pro Football Hall of Fame has begun to expand its horizons per se. There are now two pure placekickers enshrined in Jan Stenerud and Morten Andersen. In 2014, the first pure punter to be ever inducted into the Hall was long-overdue Ray Guy, who spent 14 seasons and was part of three Super Bowl championship teams with the Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders.
So perhaps it is time to put a performer known specifically for a special teams' prowess? Steve Tasker was a member of those great Buffalo Bills teams in the late 1980s and early '90s and made a name for himself not only returning kicks but on the coverage teams as well. Originally a ninth-round draft choice of the Houston Oilers in 1985, he made his bones on that somewhat unappreciated third aspect of the game and earned seven Pro Bowl invitations for his work here.
It's safe to say that Tasker, a semifinalist nine times, the last time in 2021, would be an extremely interesting selection. So would kick returner extraordinaire Devin Hester, who was a Hall of Fame finalist in both 2022 and 2023. It's safe to say that both of these standout performers made their presence felt in one of the more underappreciated aspects of the game of football.
Carolina Panthers: WR Steve Smith Sr.
The franchise's first contest took place in 1995. So, it's pretty understandable that the Carolina Panthers don't have a "primary" representative in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Outside linebacker Kevin Greene had a stint with the team from 1996 and 1998-99. But he's more known for his days with the Los Angeles Rams and the Pittsburgh Steelers. Linebacker Sam Mills (1995-97) and defensive end Reggie White (2000) spent time with the club as well.
So. when will wide receiver/kick returner Steve Smith Sr. get the call? He walked away from the game after the 2016 season and his contributions were impressive in 13 years with Carolina and three seasons more with the Baltimore Ravens. As for the Panthers, he is the franchise's all-time leader in catches (836), receiving yards (12,197) and total touchdowns (75). He was a five-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro, all with Carolina. His 16-year NFL resume adds up to 19,180 total combined yards and 89 touchdowns in 219 regular-season contests with the two franchises.
Smith's playoff accomplishments can't be overlooked as well. In 11 playoff contests with the Panthers and Ravens, he amassed 1,160 total combined yards and reached the end zone 11 times as a receiver (9), runner (1) and punt returner (1).
As for the not-too-distant future, you will be hearing plenty about defensive end/outside linebacker Julius Peppers in September. Meanwhile, five-time All-Pro middle linebacker Luke Kuechly retired after the 2019 season and will be first-time eligible in 2025.
Chicago Bears: C Jay Hilgenberg
There haven't been a lot of great moments as of late for one of the league's flagship organizations. Only the Green Bay Packers (13) have more NFL titles than the Chicago Bears (9). However, only one of those championships has come during the Super Bowl Era.
Of course, the 1985 team's accomplishments are long in the rearview mirror fix. Yes, the team did get to the big game back in 2006 under head coach Lovie Smith. But lately, the "Monsters of the Midway" have looked anything but scary. The club finished an NFL-worst 3-14 in 2022.
Back to 1981, when undrafted free agent Jay Hilgenberg wound up with the Bears in 1981. The 6-foot-3, 259-pound product from the University of Iowa would go on to quite the career as the pivot for the club. He would spend his first 11 NFL seasons in the Windy City. He was named to seven consecutive Pro Bowls from 1985-91 and also earned All-Pro honors in 1988 and '89.
Hilgenberg was a model of consistency on a quality offensive line that paved the way for the likes of Pro Football Hall of Fame running back Walter Payton and his successor Neal Anderson. He would go onto one-year stints with the Cleveland Browns and New Orleans Saints, but his years in Chicago could certainly merit some Hall of Fame consideration.
So, where's kick returner extraordinaire Devin Hester? As far as a team choice, Hilgenberg gets a slight nod over the special teams' superstar due to his 11 seasons with the franchise, as opposed to Hester's eight years in the Windy City. However, Hester is certainly overdue when it comes to enshrinement in Canton.
Cincinnati Bengals: QB Ken Anderson
Despite the fact that the franchise has still not hoisted a Super Bowl trophy, these are good times for the Cincinnati Bengals. The club has won the AFC North each of the past two seasons, the first time in franchise history that the Bengals have captured back-to-back division titles. Quarterback Joe Burrow is one of the premier players at his position and the club is loaded with young talent. In 2021, they fell to the Rams, 23-20, in Super Bowl LVI.
There are just two primary players representing this franchise in Canton, Ohio. Cornerback Ken Riley was just enshrined this summer and joins tackle Anthony Munoz as Pro Football Hall of Famers. There are certainly some other worthy candidates such as tackle Willie Anderson and defensive back Lemar Parrish.
The name that is brought up the most is quarterback Ken Anderson, one of the 12 semifinalists by the Seniors Committee for the Class of 2024.
The 16-year signal-caller spent his entire career with the Bengals. He was a four-time Pro Bowler and led the NFL in passer rating four times. Anderson was the league's MVP and Offensive Player of the Year in 1981 when he guided the franchise to its first Super Bowl appearance. The accurate passer threw for 32,838 yards and 197 scores.
Cleveland Browns: OLB Clay Matthews Jr.
Before the franchise was reinvented in 1999 as an expansion team, the Cleveland Browns were one of the more storied clubs in this league. Yes, they are one of four franchises that have never reached the Super Bowl. But they certainly made their impression on this game, winning a total of four NFL titles from 1950-64.
As expected, 10-time Pro Bowl left tackle Joe Thomas was a first-ballot Hall of Fame selection and received his bust this summer. In Week 7 of 2017, he was lost for the rest of the year with a triceps injury. Prior to that, the third overall pick in the 2007 NFL draft had not missed an offensive snap. That's simply mind-boggling the more you think about it.
As for the original franchise (now the Baltimore Ravens), one of its standout performers for 16 years was outside linebacker Clay Matthews Jr. Yes, that's the father of the former Packers and Rams defender with the same name.
The 12th overall pick in the 1978 NFL Draft from USC and the older brother of Hall of Fame offensive lineman Bruce Matthews was a four-time Pro Bowler during his stay with the club. He would go on to play three more seasons with the Atlanta Falcons. He could chase down opposing quarterbacks (82.5 sacks vis Pro Football Reference), to go along with 30 takeaways — including 16 interceptions. He played in a whopping 278 regular-season games during his career, making 248 starts.
Dallas Cowboys: S Darren Woodson
These days, there seems to be more discussion about what "America's Team" hasn't done than what it has. It's amazing when you think that it's been almost 30 years since the Dallas Cowboys have been to the NFC Championship Game. That was 1995 when the club culminated that season with a 27-17 victory over the Steelers in Super Bowl XXX.
Still, this is about history and this was the league's most successful franchise of the 1990s. One of the reasons was some extraordinary drafting by Jimmy Johnson. One of his best additions was a second-round draft choice in 1992 from Arizona State. Defensive back Darren Woodson was a rookie on the Cowboys' team that won Super Bowl XXVII.
He played in all 16 games but made just two starts. That didn't stop him from being a big-time contributor to the championship cause. In the club's 52-17 win over the Buffalo Bills in Pasadena, the emerging defender with four solo tackles.
Woodson played a dozen seasons with the franchise and finished with 23 interceptions, two returned for scores, 12 forced fumbles, as well as an equal amount of fumble recoveries (11) and sacks (11.0). There were also four takeaways in 16 postseason contests. The three-time Super Bowl champion was a five-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro.
Denver Broncos: LB Randy Gradishar
It was the last time the franchise made a playoff appearance. Back in 2015, the Denver Broncos sported one of the better defensive units in recent memory. It was a unit that catapulted them to their third NFL title, a 24-10 conquest of the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50. However, the call here goes back to the days of the original "Orange Crush" of the 1970s.
This was a group that burst onto the national scene in 1977. It was led by standouts such as defensive end Lyle Alzado, nose tackle Rubin Carter, play-making outside linebacker Tom Jackson, cornerback Louis Wight and safety Billy Thompson. It was a big-play defense that often doesn't get the credit it truly deserves and it was the key to the club's first Super Sunday appearance (XII).
The main man inside was linebacker Randy Gradishar. The one-time Ohio State Buckeye star and the 14th overall pick in the 1974 NFL Draft would play 10 seasons for Denver head coaches John Ralston, Red Miller and Dan Reeves and was named to the Pro Bowl seven times. He also earned All-Pro honors twice and was the 1978 NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
He was a tackling machine but also showed his range. Gradishar racked up 20 interceptions and 13 fumble recoveries and didn't miss a game during his impressive career.
In late August, it was announced that he, as well as defensive tackle Steve McMichael and wide receiver Art Powell, are the Pro Football Hall of Fame Seniors' Committee's three Finalists for the Class of 2024. Gradishar's induction would be a fitting tribute to those Broncos' defenses of that era.
Detroit Lions: T Lomas Brown
Wide receiver Calvin Johnson was enshrined in Canton in 2021. In nine seasons, he totaled 731 catches, good for an impressive 11,619 yards and 83 scores. He was named to the Pro Bowl six times and earned All-Pro honors on three occasions.
In 1991, the Detroit Lions used the 10th overall selection in the draft on University of Virginia wideout Herman Moore. He spent 11 years with the franchise and amassed impressive numbers, totaling 670 catches for 9,174 yards and 62 TDs. He was a four-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro. Moore is certainly worthy of Hall of Fame consideration.
However, the choice here is long-time offensive tackle Lomas Brown. In 1985, he was the sixth overall pick in the draft. He spent the first 10 seasons of his 18-year NFL career in the Motor City. The former University of Texas star was named to six consecutive Pro Bowls from 1990-95. He also earned
In 1996, he joined the Arizona Cardinals and earned a seventh straight trip to the Pro Bowl. There would also be stops with the Browns, Giants and Buccaneers. He played in 263 games and made a combined 251 career starts for those five clubs.
Green Bay Packers: WR Sterling Sharpe
We have certainly seen our share of inductees in the Pro Football Hall of Fame who had their careers cut short by injury. Notable names that come to mind are legendary Chicago Bears running back Gale Sayers, Miami Dolphins' center Dwight Stephenson and Denver Broncos' running back Terrell Davis. We were graced by their presents for only a short time. But what they did was certainly memorable and warranted their selection into the hallowed Hall.
You could certainly make that same case for Green Bay Packers wide receiver Sterling Sharpe, who saw his career cut short by a neck issue. He played seven seasons and all 112 regular-season games for the team from "Titletown" from 1988-94. He hauled in 595 passes for 8,134 yards and 65 touchdowns. In 1992, he broke the then-NFL receptions mark for a season (108) – held at the time by eventual Pro Football Hall of Famer Art Monk. A year later, he became the first player in NFL history to total at least 100 catches (112) in back-to-back seasons.
In his final three years in the league, Sharpe totaled an impressive 314 grabs for 3,854 yards and 42 scores in 48 contests. In seven seasons, there were five Pro Bowl invitations and three All-Pro awards.
Back in 2011, Shannon Sharpe was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. In the midst of his exceptional acceptance speech, he had some heartfelt words for his older brother. Perhaps one day, the younger Sharpe may be able to return the favor and induct his older brother into the Hall of Fame.
Houston Texans: WR Andre Johnson
It's hard to believe that it was 20 years ago that the Houston Texans, off their debut season in the National Football League, invested a first-round draft choice on University of Miami wide receiver Andre Johnson. The third overall pick that year did not disappoint.
The prolific pass-catcher spent all 14 of his NFL campaigns in the AFC South, his final two seasons in the league with the Colts (2015) and Titans (2016). Only 10 players in the history of the National Football League have totaled more catches and receiving yards. Johnson amassed 1,062 receptions, good for 14,185 yards and 70 touchdowns.
He led the NFL in catches in 2006 (103) and '08 (115), and also paced the league in receiving yards in both 2008 (1,575) and '09 (1,569). He finished with 100-plus receptions five times. In his 12 seasons with the Texans, he was named to seven Pro Bowls and earned All-Pro honors in back-to-back years in 2008 and 2009. He was also a member of two playoff teams in Houston and totaled 25 grabs for 358 yards and one score in four postseason outings.
Johnson first became Hall of Fame eligible in 2022 and he's been a Finalist these past two years. Will he become the first primary member of the Houston Texans to be enshrined in Canton, Ohio?
Indianapolis Colts: WR Reggie Wayne
Just like former Houston Texans' star wideout Andre Johnson, longtime Colts' receiver Reggie Wayne spent 14 seasons in the National Football League and all of those in the AFC South. Like Johnson, he was also a first-round draft choice (30th overall in 2001) from the University of Miami.
Of course, Wayne spent his entire career with Indianapolis. With the exception of the 2011 season, he shared the field with a pair of pretty good starting quarterbacks in Pro Football Hall of Famer Peyton Manning and Andrew Luck.
He also spent the first eight years of his career paired with another Hall of Famer in wide receiver Marvin Harrison. Make no mistake, Wayne was a star in his own right. In his final six seasons following Harrison's retirement, the former Hurricane totaled at least 100 receptions three times, was named to three Bowls and earned All-Pro honors in 2010.
Wayne finished his 14-year career with 1,070 catches for 14,345 (both 10th in NFL history). He finished with 82 touchdown receptions. His 93 postseason receptions rank 33 fifth in league annals. Those grabs added up to 1,254 yards and nine TDs.
That Colts' offense from the late 1990s and 2000s is well-represented in Canton with Manning, Harrison and running back Edgerrin James. Wayne would be a worthy addition.
Jacksonville Jaguars: WR Jimmy Smith
It's a franchise that looks like it's back on the beam after a few rough years.
There have been a lot of valleys and a few peaks for the Jacksonville Jaguars this century. However, keep in mind that this was a franchise that joined the league in 1995. Tom Coughlin's squad finished with just four wins during its debut season. However, that was followed by four consecutive playoff appearances. The Jaguars reached the AFC title game in 1996 and 1999.
Those clubs were led by quarterback Mark Brunell and an offensive front led by Pro Football Hall of Fame tackle Tony Boselli. They also had a pair of productive wide receivers in Keenan McCardell and Jimmy Smith. The latter began his career as a second-round draft choice of the Dallas Cowboys in 1992, three years before the Jaguars took the field. He played in seven regular-season games and two postseason contests as a rookie but didn't catch a pass. He missed the entire 1993 season due to a medical issue and was cut by the Cowboys in 1994.
He would finally catch his first NFL regular-season pass in '95 with the expansion Jaguars. He played in all 16 games, and totaled just 22 catches for 288 yards and three scores. Over the next 10 seasons, he would establish himself as one of the top wideouts in the game. Smith totaled at least 1,000 receiving yards nine times. He was named to five straight Pro Bowls from 1997 to 2001. He's the franchise's all-time leader in catches (862), receiving yards (12,287) and touchdown grabs (67).
Kansas City Chiefs: G Ed Budde
These days, this is the top franchise in the National Football League. The Kansas City Chiefs have reached the playoffs eight consecutive years, won seven straight AFC West titles, been to three of the last four Super Bowls and won a pair of NFL titles.
Quarterback Patrick Mahomes and tight end Travis Kelce are currently building Hall of Fame resumes. Those are conversations for the future. Earlier this month, longtime Chiefs' cornerback Albert Lewis was one of the 12 Semifinalists by the Seniors Committee for the Hall of Fame Class of 2024. It's also worth noting that another Chiefs' defensive back, Deron Cherry, was a six-time Pro Bowler and a three-time All-Pro and is third in franchise history with 50 interceptions.
The choice here? A longtime standout on the offensive front. Michigan State blocker Ed Budde was a first-round pick in both the NFL and AFL drafts in 1963 and opted for the latter. He was a Pro Bowler during his rookie campaign and part of two Super Bowl teams in 1966 and '69. Ironically, Budde earned All-Pro honors in both of those seasons.
The 14-year pro was a seven-time Pro Bowler, playing in 177 regular-season contests and making 161 starts. Budde also played and started in seven postseason contests for Hank Stram's and Paul Wiggins' squads.
Las Vegas Raiders: CB Lester Hayes
It's one of the longest-standing individual records in NFL history. In 1952, Los Angeles Rams rookie defensive back Dick "Night Train" Lane totaled 14 interceptions. Others have come close but the Pro Football Hall of Famer's mark remains at the top.
The last performer to threaten Lane's record came up with a huge season in 1980. Raiders cornerback Lester Hayes is one of three players in league annals to total 13 interceptions. It was the former Texas A&M product's fourth season in the NFL. Hayes was a fifth-round pick in 1977.
While the opportunistic defender never came close to that interception total in any of his other nine seasons in the league (he picked off seven passes in 1979), he was far from a one-hit-wonder. That amazing showing in '80, which saw him named All-Pro as well as the NFL Defensive Player of the Year, was the first of five straight Pro Bowl invitations for Hayes.
In 10 NFL campaigns, he finished with 39 interceptions, four returned for scores. There were also seven fumble recoveries, one taken back for a score.
Hayes appeared in 13 playoff games with the Raiders, including Super Bowls XV and XVIII (both victories), and picked off a combined eight passes. The NFL record for most career postseason interceptions is held by four men: Charlie Waters, Bill Simpson and Pro Football Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott and Ed Reed.
Los Angeles Chargers: WR Wes Chandler
In 2017, the Chargers returned to Los Angeles after 56 seasons in San Diego. Regardless of where they were playing, the team's offensive unit of the late 1970s and early 1980s was one of the most talented and explosive in NFL annals. Quarterback Dan Fouts, wide receiver Charlie Joiner and tight end Kellen Winslow have already secured spots in Canton, Ohio. This summer, head coach Don Coryell joined those three players with his enshrinement.
There's an unsung member of that attack that may be worthy of Hall of Fame consideration as well.
Wideout Wes Chandler began his career with the New Orleans Saints in 1978. The former University of Florida standout was the third overall pick in the draft that year. After three-plus seasons, 182 catches, 15 scores and a 1979 Pro Bowl invitation in the Big Easy, he was dealt to the Bolts during the 1981 campaign. He finished that year with Fouts and company totaling 52 catches for 857 yards and five TDs in 12 games. The speedy performer added 12 grabs for 185 yards in the Bolts' playoff split with the Dolphins and Bengals.
One year later, during the nine-game strike-shortened season of '82, Chandler totaled 49 catches for an astounding 1,032 yards and nine TDs in eight contests. It added up to an unheard-of 21.1 yards per reception. He finished his National Football League career with 559 receptions, good for 8,966 yards and 56 touchdowns — averaging 16.0 yards per catch for his career (which included 4 games with the 49ers in 1988).
It's safe to say that nine-time Pro Bowl and two-time All-Pro guard Walt Sweeney deserves a mention here as well. Both he and Chandler are certainly worthy candidates.
Los Angeles Rams: DB Eddie Meador
The most recent editions of this franchise currently known (again) as the Los Angeles Rams have been known more for their offense than their defense. The "Greatest Show on Turf" enjoyed a pretty successful six-year run from 1999-2004. It included five playoff appearances, two trips to the Super Bowl and one Lombardi Trophy.
There were Hall of Famers in quarterback Kurt Warner, wide receiver Isaac Bruce, running back Marshall Faulk and tackle Orlando Pace, as well as prolific wideout Torry Holt on the offensive side of the ball.
Under current head coach and offensive mind Sean McVay, the Rams have been pretty successful. Once again, it's been a team led by its offense. Quarterback Matthew Stafford and wide receiver Cooper Kupp had big years in 2021 on the way to a win in Super Bowl LVI.
Holt is a worthy candidate for the Hall of Fame, but the pick here is overlooked defensive back Eddie Meador. He was a seventh-round pick by the franchise in 1959. He spent 12 seasons with the club and remains the Rams' all-time leader in interceptions (46), returning five of those thefts for touchdowns. The six-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro also recovered 22 fumbles. Meador was one of the 12 Seniors Committee Semifinalists for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024 but wasn't voted a finalist.
Miami Dolphins: G Bob Kuechenberg
Surprisingly, he did not make the cut when the Seniors Committee reduced the number of nominees from 31 to 12 in late July. That's because when it came to the Class of 2023, he was one of the final 12 players which was eventually pared down to linebacker Chuck Howley, defensive lineman Joe Klecko and cornerback Ken Riley.
Hence, the wait continues for one of the more consistent offensive linemen and a staple of those great Miami Dolphins' teams that dominated opposing defenses in the trenches. Bob Kuechenberg was originally a fourth-round draft choice of the Philadelphia Eagles in 1969 but opted for semi-pro football rather than the NFL.
The Dolphins signed him in 1970 and he would spend his entire 14-year career playing for head coach Don Shula. The former Notre Dame product was the team's primary left guard during his stay but wound up at tackle for a spell in the late 1970s. He was a big part of those Dolphins' teams that went to three straight Super Bowls from 1971-73 and emerged with titles those last two years. Kuechenberg was also on the Miami team that reached Super Bowl XVII in 1982.
All told, the versatile performer was named to a total of six Pro Bowls and earned All-Pro accolades in 1978. Kuechenberg was a Pro Football Hall of Fame Finalist for eight straight years from 2002-09.
Minnesota Vikings: DE Jim Marshall
It is certainly one of the most creative nicknames in NFL history. And such monikers used to come with the territory when it came to defensive lines in the 1960s and early '70s. There was the Los Angeles Rams' "Fearsome Foursome" and the Pittsburgh Steelers' "Steel Curtain." And there was also the Minnesota Vikings' "Purple People Eater," a group led by Pro Football Hall of Famers Alan Page and Carl Eller. Sturdy defensive tackles Doug Sutherland and Gary Larsen were also part of the unit.
There was also seemingly invincible defensive end Jim Marshall. The one-time member of the Cleveland Browns — who spent the final 19 seasons of his 20-year career in the Twin Cities — is more regarded for something that probably inspired those fabled "blooper" reels churned out by NFL Films.
Against the San Francisco 49ers in 1964, he picked up a fumble by the Niners' Billy Kilmer and proceeded to head toward his own end zone. He tossed the ball up in the air after he crossed the goal line figuring he had scored a touchdown but in fact, he totaled two points for the opposing team. By the way, it is worth noting that the Vikings did go on to win that game.
Marshall, who never missed a game in 20 seasons in the league, is still co-owner of the NFL record for opponent's fumble recoveries (29). The two-time Pro Bowler is credited with 130.5 sacks (via Pro Football Reference) and was a part of all four of the Vikings' Super Bowl teams.
New England Patriots: WR/DB/PK Gino Cappelletti
In recent years, a number of performers who contributed to the team's Super Bowl championships in the early 2000s have been enshrined in Canton, Ohio. Ball-hawking cornerback Ty Law and multi-faceted defensive linemen were key figures in the Patriots' victories in Super Bowls XXXVI, XXXVIII and XXXIX.
When it comes to this exercise, let's go back to the early years of the franchise. The choice is the kind of player that current New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick would certainly make use of because of his versatility.
Gino Cappelletti could catch the football, play a little defense, and would also do some kicking in 11 seasons with the then-Boston Patriots from 1960-70. During his rookie season, he picked off four passes. Over his stay with the franchise, he finished with 4,595 yards from scrimmage and scored 42 touchdowns. On special teams, he hit on 343-of-353 PATs but he was a very modest 176-of-336 on field goal attempts. Throw in four successful two-point conversions and Cappelletti finished his career with 1,130 points. He also threw a 27-yard touchdown pass vs. the New York Titans (Jets) in 1961.
Cappelletti would spend his entire 11-year career with the franchise (which would change its name to the New England Patriots in 1971). He was named to five Pro Bowls and earned AFL Player of the Year honors in 1964 by the Associated Press. Is there room for him in Canton, Ohio?
New Orleans Saints: G Jahri Evans
In 1986, Jim Mora changed the fortunes of the New Orleans Saints. He took over a team that had never finished with a winning record in its first 19 years of existence. After a 7-9 debut campaign, Mora guided the club to a 12-3 record and its first playoff appearance in '87.
His defense was led by a quartet of linebackers who all went to the Pro Bowl together in 1992. Rickey Jackson and Sam Mills are Pro Football Hall of Famers. Could Pat Swilling and Vaughan Johnson be in that discussion one day?
Twenty years later, Sean Payton was hired as the team's head coach and quarterback Drew Brees was signed via free agency. In 2009, the team won its first 13 games and eventually surprised the Indianapolis Colts in Super Bowl XXIV. That club had its share of talent and much of it came in one of the best drafts in recent memory. From first-rounder Reggie Bush to offensive lineman Zach Strief and wide receiver Marques Colston in the seventh round.
Talk about a steal? In the fourth round, the Saints opted for guard Jahri Evans from Bloomsburg (PA). He spent 11 seasons in the Big Easy and started every game his first seven years in the league. He was named to six straight Pro Bowls from 2009-14 and earned All-Pro honors four consecutive years from 2009-12. Evans was a member of the NFL's All-Decade Team of the 2010s.
New York Giants: DE/DT Leonard Marshall
He was a big part of those fearsome New York Giants' defensive units of roughly three decades ago. Spearheaded by a pair of Hall of Fame linebackers in Lawrence Taylor and Harry Carson, Big Blue won Super Bowl titles and both 1986 and '90 thanks to a huge assist from that side of the football.
With Hall of Fame head coach Bill Parcells in charge and Bill Belichick on his staff, the Giants did some great things that decade. Along with a standout linebacker corps — which also included Carl Banks, Gary Reasons and Pepper Johnson, to name a few — it was a club of quality yet unsung defensive linemen.
One of the prime examples was relentless Leonard Marshall, a fierce competitor who came up with his share of memorable plays during his 12-year NFL career — the vast majority of that with the Giants.
A second-round pick out of LSU in 1983, the 6-foot-3, 288-pound end racked up 79.5 sacks in 10 seasons with Big Blue. In a two-year span from 1985-86 (the latter resulting in the team's Super Bowl XXI victory over the Denver Broncos), Marshall rolled up a combined 27.5 sacks in 32 regular-season contests. He added four more QB traps in a combined five postseason games, two of those in the win over Denver in Pasadena. And in the 1990 NFC title game, he changed the history of the San Francisco 49ers with his devastating hit on quarterback Joe Montana.
He closed his NFL career with one-year stints with the Jets and Washington. Marshall may be one of those candidates who will be much more appreciated as time wears on.
New York Jets: LB Larry Grantham
In 2023, versatile defensive lineman Joe Klecko was the first member of the storied "Sack Exchange" to be enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. Along with Marty Lyons, Abdul Salaam and exuberant Mark Gastineau, this foursome terrorized opposing quarterbacks in the early and mid-1980s. Gastineau was credited with 107.5 sacks, was named to five consecutive Pro Bowls from 1981-85 and also earned All-Pro accolades in three of those seasons.
He makes for an interesting discussion when it comes to the Hall of Fame. However, there is arguably a more worthwhile candidate who began his football career in 1960, when the New York Titans were one of the original members of the American Football League.
Linebacker Larry Grantham was not only drafted by the Titans in '60, he was a 15th-round selection of the Baltimore Colts that same year. The University of Mississippi product opted for the AFL. He made an immediate impact on the newly formed team and was named All-Pro in each of his first five seasons. Grantham missed only seven games in 13 seasons.
He finished his pro career with 24 interceptions and 10 fumble recoveries while being credited with 38.5 sacks. The five-time Pro Bowler and five-time All-Pro finished with three solo tackles and a pair of passes defensed in the Jets' stunning 16-7 win over the Colts in Super Bowl III.
Philadelphia Eagles: LB Bill Bergey
The Philadelphia Eagles have certainly been a force in the league in recent seasons. There was a Super Bowl LII title in 2017 and another Super Sunday appearance in 2022.
As for the current topic, there are several Birds more than qualified for Hall of Fame consideration. There's cornerback Eric Allen, who played the first seven of his 14-year career with the Eagles before moving on to the New Orleans Saints and Oakland Raiders. For the six-time Pro Bowler, there were 54 interceptions (eight returned for touchdowns), including 34 picks and five scores during his time in the City of Brotherly Love.
Perhaps an even more intriguing candidate is middle linebacker Bill Bergey. Originally a member of the Cincinnati Bengals (a second-round pick in 1969), he was traded to the Eagles in 1974 after five years in the Queen City. It was there where he really excelled. In seven seasons with his second franchise, he was named to four Pro Bowls and was voted All-Pro twice. He was part of the Birds' first Super Bowl squad in 1980, his final season in the league.
During his 12-year career, Bergey totaled an impressive 48 takeaways (27 interceptions, 21 fumble recoveries) and brought an intensity to his teams that was certainly welcomed. And he indeed may not be the only one-time Eagles' linebacker who deserves Hall of Fame consideration. Maxie Baughan was a nine-time Pro Bowler who earned five of those berths while in Philadelphia.
You could make the case that Allen had the better NFL career and Bergey the better Eagles' career. Both are worthy of Hall of Fame honors.
Pittsburgh Steelers: DE L.C. Greenwood
Ever wonder why the lanky defender wore those gold shoes? There are any number of stories regarding the matter (see lcgreenwood68.com). When it comes to his outstanding career in the National Football League, it's safe to say it didn't really matter what this talented performer wore on his feet.
The same year that the Pittsburgh Steelers used the fourth overall selection in 1969 on North Texas State defensive tackle Joe Greene, the franchise took Arkansas Pine-Bluff defensive end L.C. Greenwood in the 10th round (238th overall). They would eventually team up with defensive tackle Ernie Holmes and defensive end Dwight White to form the fabled "Steel Curtain."
Greene and Greenwood both spent 13 seasons with the franchise, and the former was a first-ballot Hall of Gamer. Greenwood is still waiting his turn and hopes to one day join a slew of Steelers' teammates who were part of four Super Bowl titles in a six-year span.
Via Pro Football Reference, the 6-foot-6, 245-pound defender racked up 78.0 sacks in 170 regular-season contests. He also added an impressive 12.5 quarterback traps in 18 postseason contests. Greenwood would be named to six Pro Bowls, earned All-Pro honors in 1974 and '75 and was also voted to the NFL's All-Decade Team of the 1970s.
San Francisco 49ers: RB Roger Craig
In 1985, San Francisco 49ers' running back Roger Craig was the first player in NFL annals to total at least 1,000 yards rushing and receiving in the same season. A second-round pick by Bill Walsh and the organization in 1983, he burst into the national spotlight by becoming the first player to score three touchdowns in a Super Bowl. That was during his second season in the NFL and came in the Niners' resounding 38-16 victory over the Miami Dolphins (XIX).
It was the third year that proved to be most charming for the former Nebraska Cornhusker. In '85, Craig totaled 214 carries for 1,050 yards and nine scores. He caught a league-high 92 passes for an additional 1,016 yards and six touchdowns. It would result in the first of four Pro Bowl invitations for the versatile pro, whose physical play made him a handful for any defense.
After eight seasons and a part of three Super Bowl championship teams with the 49ers, Craig spent one seasons with the Raiders and then two more with the Minnesota Vikings. It comes to an impressive 13,100 total yards from scrimmage and 73 touchdowns in 11 NFL campaigns. It may also add up to a bust in Canton one day as well. Craig was one of the 12 Semifinalists by the Seniors Committee for the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 2024.
Seattle Seahawks: RB Shaun Alexander
Once they become eligible, it's safe to say that a few members of the fabled "Legion of Doom" such as cornerback Richard Sherman and safety Earl Thomas will receive Hall of Fame consideration. Of course, linebacker Bobby Wagner is still playing football, returning to the Pacific Northwest this offseason after a year with the Rams. He's on that list as well.
Ask for those currently eligible for enshrinement in Canton Ohio, running back Shaun Alexander could be worth a much closer look. The 19th overall pick in the 2000 NFL draft slowly enjoyed a so-so rookie campaign but would start to establish himself in his second season. The former University of Alabama standout went on a five-year run from 2001-05 that was nothing short of dominating. Alexander played in all 80 regular-season contests. He touched the ball a combined 1,836 times, totaled 8,850 yards from scrimmage and scored an amazing 98 touchdowns.
In '05, he led the league with 1,880 yards on the ground and 28 total touchdowns. The Seahawks would be headed to Super Bowl XL behind the NFL's Most Valuable Player and Offensive Player of the Year. Alexander is the Seahawks' all-time leading rusher with 9,429 yards and also ranks 17th in the league with 112 total touchdowns. His final season in the league was a four-game stint with Washington in 2008.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: FB Mike Alstott
You can still hear ESPN's Chris Berman on NFL PrimeTime going "boomf…boomf…boomf" every time the former Purdue Boilermaker ran over an opposing defender. That proved to be pretty often for one of the more physical runners in the league.
Mike Alstott consistently punished opposing defenders throughout his 11 seasons in the NFL. The 35th overall pick in the 1996 draft, the 6-foot-1, 248-pound sledgehammer finished his career with 7,372 yards from scrimmage and 71 touchdowns in 158 regular-season games, plus added 507 scrimmage yards and seven TDs in 10 postseason contests. His best season came in 1999 when he wrapped an All-Pro year with 1,188 yards from scrimmage and nine scores.
From 1997-2002, Alstott was named to the Pro Bowl in each of those six seasons and also earned All-Pro accolades three times. In '02, the Buccaneers would conclude the 27th campaign in the NFL with a victory over the Raiders in Super Bowl XXXVII in San Diego.
The Buccaneers have five primary Pro Football Hall of Fame players, the latest being cornerback Ronde Barber (Class of 2023). The others are defensive end Lee Roy Selmon, defensive tackle Warren Sapp, linebacker Derrick Brooks and safety John Lynch. Notice a trend? All are stars on the defensive side of the ball. Alstott would make a little Buccaneers' history if he's enshrined in Canton one day.
Tennessee Titans: DE Ray Childress
Once upon a time in an American Football League far, far away, the Tennessee Titans were the Houston Oilers. Born in 1960, they were original members of the AFL and actually captured the first two league championships.
Following the 1996 season, the franchise would move from the Lone Star State and became the Tennessee Oilers. They held that moniker for two years before heading to Nashville and becoming the Tennessee Titans. During the franchise's 50-plus of existence, there have been many great players and they have certainly gotten their due when it comes to Canton. From quarterback Warren Moon and running back Earl Campbell to defensive linemen Elvin Bethea and Curley Culp and outside linebacker Robert Brazile.
You could make a case for a number of Oilers/Titans in terms of Hall of Fame consideration. Running back Eddie George is certainly worth mentioning, as are wide receivers Charlie Hennigan and electrifying Ernest Givins. But the nod here goes to five-time Pro Bowl and 1992 All-Pro defensive lineman Ray Childress. The third overall pick in the 1985 NFL Draft played and started 160 games for the Oilers, racking up 75.5 sacks and 19 fumble recoveries in 11 seasons with the organization. He would spend his final NFL season in Dallas (playing in only 3 games) but was a huge part of those Houston teams that made seven straight playoff appearances from 1987-93.
Washington Commanders: T Joe Jacoby
In many ways, it was the then-Washington Redskins of the 1980s and early '90s that put NFL offensive lines on the map. Sure, there were other clubs that featured great five-man fronts. The Silver and Black of the Oakland Raiders once employed the Pro Football Hall of Fame trio of tackle Art Shell, guard Gene Upshaw and center Jim Otto.
But it was Washington — under the command of head coach Joe Gibbs and offensive line tutor Joe Bugel — that made four Super Bowl appearances in a 10-year span from 1982-91. The group that spearheaded that success was "The Hogs." The membership would change slightly over that decade or so but the nom de guerre is part of NFL lore.
Guard Russ Grimm is a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, enshrined in 2010. Many feel that tackle Joe Jacoby alongside him in Canton, Ohio. The massive 6-foot-7, 305-pound blocker has been on the doorstep of this honor for the last few years and was one of the 12 Seniors Committee Semifinalists for the Class of 2024. The four-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro entered the league as an undrafted free agent and was a member of all four of Gibbs' Super Bowl squads.
Jacoby played in 170 regular-season games in 13 seasons with the Redskins. He was versatile enough to line up both outside and inside but mainly could be found at left tackle. It seems somewhat logical that he will one day join Grimm, the rest of his successful teammates, as well as his head coach in Canton.
