Pro Football Hall Of Fame canidates announced

[Just Jack]

Several Bills/former Bills on the list...

 

http://www.profootba...rn-era-nominees

 

From the list, that includes 16 first-year eligible candidates, the Pro Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee will choose 25 candidates who will advance as semifinalist nominees. The list of 25 semifinalist nominees will be announced in late November. That semifinalist list will be further reduced by a mail ballot to 15 modern-era finalists and announced in early January.

 

The Class of 2014 will be selected from the list of the 15 modern-era finalists plus the two senior nominees (former Oakland/Los Angeles Raiders punter Ray Guy and former Atlanta Falcons and Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Claude Humphrey) who were selected last month by the Hall of Fame’s Senior Selection Committee.

 

The actual voting for the Class of 2014 will be conducted at the Pro Football Hall of Fame Selection Committee’s annual meeting, which will be held in New York City on Saturday, Feb. 1, 2014 the day before Super Bowl XLVIII. The election results will be announced at a live announcement show that evening.

 

 

DREW BLEDSOE – 1993-2001 New England Patriots, 2002-04 Buffalo Bills, 2005-06 Dallas Cowboys

Played in 194 career games during his 14-year career. Completed 3,839 of 6,717 pass attempts for 44,611 yards and 251 touchdowns. Named to four Pro Bowls and Second-Team All-AFC twice.

 

DOUG FLUTIE – 1986 Chicago Bears, 1987-89, 2005 New England Patriots, 1998-2000 Buffalo Bills, 2001-04 San Diego Chargers.

Played in 91 games during his 12-year NFL career. Completed 1,177 of 2,151 for 14,715 and 86 touchdowns. Added 1,634 yards and 10 touchdowns rushing on 338 carries. Selected to one Pro Bowl.

 

LARRY CENTERS – 1990-98 Phoenix/Arizona Cardinals, 1999-2000 Washington Redskins, 2001-02 Buffalo Bills, 2003 New England Patriots

Set the then-record for career receptions and receiving yards by a running back that included a single-season record of 101 catches in 1995. Named All-Pro once and voted to three Pro Bowls. Retired with 827 catches for 6,797 yards, and rushed for 2,188 yards on 615 carries in 198 career games.

 

ANDRE REED – 1985-1999 Buffalo Bills, 2000 Washington Redskins

Helped lead Bills to unprecedented four straight Super Bowls. Seven-time Pro Bowl selection, caught 951 receptions for 13,198 yards and 87 touchdowns in 16 seasons. All-Conference four times and Second-Team All-Pro three consecutive seasons.

 

KENT HULL – C – 1986-1996 Buffalo Bills

Helped lead the Bills to six division, and four conference championships. Selected first-team All-Pro three times and named to three Pro Bowl teams. During 11 seasons he played in 170 games and a full 16-game schedule nine times.

 

FRED SMERLAS – NT – 1979-1989 Buffalo Bills, 1990 San Francisco 49ers, 1991-92 New England Patriots

One of first great nose tackles, anchored the Buffalo Bills “Bermuda Triangle” defense in the early-1980s. A three-time All-Pro choice, earned five Pro Bowl selections.

 

TED WASHINGTON – DT/NT – 1991-93 San Francisco 49ers, 1994 Denver Broncos, 1995-2000 Buffalo Bills, 2001-02 Chicago Bears, 2003 New England Patriots, 2004-05 Oakland Raiders, 2006-07 Cleveland Browns

A four-time Pro Bowl choice and All-Pro selection in 2001, played in 236 games during his 17-year career. A regular anchor on the defensive line, logged a total of 34.5 sacks and one safety.

 

CORNELIUS BENNETT – 1987-1995 Buffalo Bills, 1996-98 Atlanta Falcons, 1999-2000 Indianapolis Colts

Won eight division and five conference championships during 14 seasons. The 1991 Defensive Player of the Year, was a three-time All-Pro and five-time Pro Bowl selection with 71.5 career sacks.

 

DARRYL TALLEY – LB – 1983-1994 Buffalo Bills, 1995 Atlanta Falcons, 1996 Minnesota Vikings

Key contributor of the Bills defense for 13 seasons. Played in 216 games in 15 total seasons. Logged career numbers of 38.5 sacks and 12 interceptions. A two-time Pro Bowl and All-Pro choice.

 

TROY VINCENT – CB/S – 1992-95 Miami Dolphins, 1996-2003 Philadelphia Eagles, 2004-06 Buffalo Bills, 2006 Washington Redskins

Picked off 47 passes for 711 yards and 3 TDs during 15-season career. Named All-Pro once and voted to five straight Pro Bowls. Played on five divison championship teams.

 

STEVE TASKER – ST/WR – 1985-86 Houston Oilers, 1986-1997 Buffalo Bills

Earned seven Pro Bowl invitations as a special teams player. Only person in NFL history to earn Pro Bowl MVP honors at that position (1993). All-Pro choice five times and All-AFC seven seasons.

 

CHUCK KNOX – 1973-77, 1992-94 Los Angeles Rams, 1978-1982 Buffalo Bills, 1983-1991 Seattle Seahawks

A three-time NFL coach of the Year and a four-time conference coach of the year recipient. Led teams to seven division championships and a 193-158-1 record in 22 seasons.

 

LOU SABAN – 1960-61 Boston Patriots, 1962-65, 1972-76 Buffalo Bills, 1967-1971 Denver Broncos

Two-time AFL Coach of the Year and led the Bills to back-to-back AFL championships (1964-65). Career record after 16 seasons, 97-101-7.

 

BILL POLIAN – Team President/General Manager – 1978-1982 Kansas City Chiefs, 1984-1992 Buffalo Bills, 1993-94 National Football League, 1995-97 Carolina Panthers, 1998-2011 Indianapolis Colts

Built three franchises into winners. In all, guided teams to 13 division titles, five conference championships, and one Super Bowl victory.

[Dibs]

Though I believe Tasker is the most deserving person on that list, Bill Polian is surely a sure thing to get in IMO.

[bowery4]

ANDRE REED!!!

[26CornerBlitz]

Andre Reed and Bill Polian.

[KRT88]

Though I believe Tasker is the most deserving person on that list, Bill Polian is surely a sure thing to get in IMO.

 

I agree 100%, Polian needs to be in the HOF, look at what he built....in multple places

 

Reed's time is soon and Tasker deserves serious consideration (though he'll never make the final list) as the best special teams player ever and a guy who revolutionized the position.

[Haven Moses]

THEY'RE KILLING ME WHITEY!!!

[skibum]

The full list is pretty imposing! There are a lot of deserving players back-logged now. I'm not sure Reed will ever make it at this point - can you really argue that if it comes down to Reed or Marvin Harrison, you would snub Harrison?

[papazoid]

this is Andre Reed's year....book it.

[smuvtalker]

The full list is pretty imposing! There are a lot of deserving players back-logged now. I'm not sure Reed will ever make it at this point - can you really argue that if it comes down to Reed or Marvin Harrison, you would snub Harrison?

 

The homer in me would have to give it to Reed. Plus, at least Andre never "allegedly" shot and killed someone. Sorry, had to go there.

 

Tasker, Polian, Bennett, Hull, all deserving as well in my opinion. Hell, I'd vote for pratically every Bill on the list.

[TakeYouToTasker]

The fact that Reed and Smerlas aren't already enshrined is borderline criminal. From the rest of the list, Washington, Bennett, Knox, and Polian should be no-brainers. Tasker and Hull are also deserving; however Tasker's niche and Demonti Dawson's presence in Hull's career timeline unfortunately keeps both of them out.

[Captain Caveman]

My argument for Tasker getting in has always been that they created a spot in the Pro Bowl for him. Now that that the Pro Bowl has taken out Kickoffs, I wonder if people (voters) will even remember that. I don't think he has a shot of getting in anyway, but aside from Andre I think he is the most deserving person on that list.

[MOFO]

Flutie?

[RuntheDamnBall]

It'd be amazing if Polian and Reed got in in the same year.

[Charles Romes]

Ted Washington. An all time underrated player.

[BuffaloBill]

My argument for Tasker getting in has always been that they created a spot in the Pro Bowl for him. Now that that the Pro Bowl has taken out Kickoffs, I wonder if people (voters) will even remember that. I don't think he has a shot of getting in anyway, but aside from Andre I think he is the most deserving person on that list.

 

He will never get in and this is a crime. He changed ST's and played at a very high level for years. Outside of Buffalo though you say his name and people may know him only for his announcing which is not so great.

[aristocrat]

Reed has a shot over harrison as they may leave harrison out for a year cause of the shootings. Maybe.

[ganesh]

He will never get in and this is a crime. He changed ST's and played at a very high level for years. Outside of Buffalo though you say his name and people may know him only for his announcing which is not so great.

May be he will get his shot with the Senior committee like Ray Guy is likely to get in this year.

[C.Biscuit97]

Though I believe Tasker is the most deserving person on that list, Bill Polian is surely a sure thing to get in IMO.

 

I think Tasker and Reed. And Polian will get in but it should be next to Peyton. But I do think Tasker will never get in and Reed is gaining steam. He will be make it in the next couple of years.

[metzelaars_lives]

The fact that Reed and Smerlas aren't already enshrined is borderline criminal. From the rest of the list, Washington, Bennett, Knox, and Polian should be no-brainers. Tasker and Hull are also deserving; however Tasker's niche and Demonti Dawson's presence in Hull's career timeline unfortunately keeps both of them out.

It's "criminal" and a "no-brainer" that a team that never won a Super Bowl and already has 5 hall of famers from the 1990-93 teams (Kelly, Thurman, Bruce, Lofton and Levy) doesn't have 4 more (Reed, Bennett, Tasker and Hull)? It's the hall of fame, not the hall of very good players. Sorry but Reed is borderline, although personally I don't think he's a hall of famer and Bennett, Tasker and Hull will never sniff it, nor should they. All very good players, don't get me wrong, but I'm not sure you understand the type of career required to make the hall of fame. And also, dude, Fred Smerlas, hall of famer?

Edited September 12, 2013 by metzelaars_lives

[Dibs]

It's "criminal" and a "no-brainer" that a team that never won a Super Bowl and already has 5 hall of famers from the 1990-93 teams (Kelly, Thurman, Bruce, Lofton and Levy) doesn't have 4 more (Reed, Bennett, Tasker and Hull)? It's the hall of fame, not the hall of very good players. Sorry but Reed is borderline, although personally I don't think he's a hall of famer and Bennett, Tasker and Hull will never sniff it, nor should they. All very good players, don't get me wrong, but I'm not sure you understand the type of career required to make the hall of fame.

 

I believe Tasker easily had the type of career required to make the hall of fame. Unfortunately he played ST.

[metzelaars_lives]

I believe Tasker easily had the type of career required to make the hall of fame. Unfortunately he played ST.

Yeah well the best pinch hitters or PK specialists or career 6th men aren't in their respective hall of fames either.

[Dibs]

Yeah well the best pinch hitters or PK specialists or career 6th men aren't in their respective hall of fames either.

 

With all due respect, you really don't seem to know what you're talking about in regards to this.

[C.Biscuit97]

I believe Tasker easily had the type of career required to make the hall of fame. Unfortunately he played ST.

 

I don't think he'll ever get in but it 1/3 of the game. Plus before Tasker, no one put a premium on STs. Now, there is a pro bowl spot for STs. He revolutionized a position. That should count for something.

[mjt328]

It's "criminal" and a "no-brainer" that a team that never won a Super Bowl and already has 5 hall of famers from the 1990-93 teams (Kelly, Thurman, Bruce, Lofton and Levy) doesn't have 4 more (Reed, Bennett, Tasker and Hull)? It's the hall of fame, not the hall of very good players. Sorry but Reed is borderline, although personally I don't think he's a hall of famer and Bennett, Tasker and Hull will never sniff it, nor should they. All very good players, don't get me wrong, but I'm not sure you understand the type of career required to make the hall of fame. And also, dude, Fred Smerlas, hall of famer?

It's criminal (and downright ignorant) that Super Bowl wins are weighed so heavily in Hall of Fame voting. Reed played in 234 regular season games and 21 post season games at an all-time great level. Yet all the voters care about is the W/L outcome of Super Bowls 25, 26, 27 and 28. If Norwood made that kick, Reed would already be in. If Reed isn't HOF quality, somebody needs to yank the busts for guys like Michael Irvin, Art Monk and Lynn Swann out of Canton. And until he makes it, guys like Marvin Harrison and Isaac Bruce shouldn't even get consideration.

[C.Biscuit97]

It's criminal (and downright ignorant) that Super Bowl wins are weighed so heavily in Hall of Fame voting. Reed played in 234 regular season games and 21 post season games at an all-time great level. Yet all the voters care about is the W/L outcome of Super Bowls 25, 26, 27 and 28. If Norwood made that kick, Reed would already be in. If Reed isn't HOF quality, somebody needs to yank the busts for guys like Michael Irvin, Art Monk and Lynn Swann out of Canton. And until he makes it, guys like Marvin Harrison and Isaac Bruce shouldn't even get consideration.

 

I don't think they mean as much as you think. I'm the biggest Reed fan but Irvin and Carter were probably better receivers than him. Carter might have been the 2nd best wr ever when he retired and Irvin's per game averages were better than AR. Reed is better than Monk but Monk had to wait and so will Reed. But he's getting in.

[YoloinOhio]

I think Polian is the only lock, although would love to see Reed finally break through.

[Canadian Bills Fan]

Please forgive my ignorance but if Tasker has no shot of getting in because he played ST then how come the HOF always lists him as a candidate?

 

CBF

[Turbosrrgood]

I very much want Reed to get in, I believe he deserves to get in, and I still think he has a decent chance to get in (although the chance is slowly fading). However I understand why he is not. As great Reed was for Buffalo on a very good team, most non-Bills fans don't think of him as one of the top receivers of all time. Decades later his stats look good, but not great making it hard to quantify how valuable he was to that team if you didn't watch him live. This may not be a popular view, but taking an unbiased approach I think he should be in the HOF, but is by no means a lock to make it. I think he's got a 50/50 chance at this point, having narrowly missed out on his previous opportunities.

 

I would argue that Steve Tasker is the guy that should be a lock for the HOF. Simply because he was the best ever at what he did.

Edited September 12, 2013 by Turbosrrgood

[Captain Caveman]

Please forgive my ignorance but if Tasker has no shot of getting in because he played ST then how come the HOF always lists him as a candidate?

 

CBF

 

He's technically eligible, but as a practical matter no one expects him to get in.

[BillsWatch]

My argument for Tasker getting in has always been that they created a spot in the Pro Bowl for him. Now that that the Pro Bowl has taken out Kickoffs, I wonder if people (voters) will even remember that. I don't think he has a shot of getting in anyway, but aside from Andre I think he is the most deserving person on that list.

 

They changed rules because teams could not stop him - look it up!

Teams did game plans with three players assigned to stop him.

[Captain Caveman]

I very much want Reed to get in, I believe he deserves to get in, and I still think he has a decent chance to get in (although the chance is slowly fading).

 

I actually think this year is one of his best shots, now that Carter has broken the three way tie.

 

They changed rules because teams could not stop him - look it up!

Teams did game plans with three players assigned to stop him.

 

Why are you yelling at me? I said I think he deserves to be in. I just don't think it's likely to happen.

[TakeYouToTasker]

It's "criminal" and a "no-brainer" that a team that never won a Super Bowl and already has 5 hall of famers from the 1990-93 teams (Kelly, Thurman, Bruce, Lofton and Levy) doesn't have 4 more (Reed, Bennett, Tasker and Hull)? It's the hall of fame, not the hall of very good players. Sorry but Reed is borderline, although personally I don't think he's a hall of famer and Bennett, Tasker and Hull will never sniff it, nor should they. All very good players, don't get me wrong, but I'm not sure you understand the type of career required to make the hall of fame. And also, dude, Fred Smerlas, hall of famer?

Lofton wasn't enshrined for his Bills years; and wasn't the best receiver on his own team during that era. Lofton was enshrined for his Packer years where he was a 6 time All-Pro. Reed was the best receiver in this prolific passing offense, and was arguably the second best receiver of his entire era, outshined only by Jerry Rice.

 

You argument that the Excellence of Smith, Kelly, and Thomas (I'm excluding Levy from this list because he's a contributor, rather than a player) somehow mitigates the greatness of other best-of-their-generation Super Stars is absurd.

 

Bennett may well have been the most complete OLB of his era: he won a two DPOY Awards, and was a 5 time pro-bowler.

 

Smerlas changed the way the NT position was played, and revolutionized the game. He is regarded by his peers as the best of his era along with Burt and Krumrie, but it was Smerlas who was elected to the All-80's team.

 

As to Tasker and Hull? Tasker was the very best ever player at what he did, and was a 7 time All-Pro, but as I said, the bias against special teams will likely keep him out. Hull was also either the best or second best of his era, but when it comes to interior linemen, the HOF typically only elects one per position by era, and Dermontti Dawson already holds Hull's spot, which will keep him out as well.

 

To the rest of your post, I'm not sure your reading comprehension is all that great, as you largely misrepresented a good portion of what I said. Additionally, I had no idea that you were the designated authority assigned to determine HOF worthiness; and for that I owe you my appologies. Though you can easily see how one could make that mistake, given the "quality" of your posts which otherwise might lead one to believe that you were simply a neck-beard posting to an internet message board from the relative comfort of your mother's basement.

Edited September 12, 2013 by TakeYouToTasker

[RuntheDamnBall]

Canidate was a marginal NFL player, much less a guy who belongs in the HOF.

[BillsWatch]

Please forgive my ignorance but if Tasker has no shot of getting in because he played ST then how come the HOF always lists him as a candidate?

 

CBF

 

There are some Hall of Fame voters like metzelaars_lives who dismiss anything about special teams but I think most are old and soon will retire or die or maybe just put in a home from their diminished mental capacity.

[Just Jack]

Why are you yelling at me?

 

Because Glenn has a man love for Tasker.

[Captain Caveman]

Because Glenn has a man love for Tasker.

 

But so do I!

 

There are some Hall of Fame voters like metzelaars_lives who dismiss anything about special teams but I think most are old and soon will retire or die or maybe just put in a home from their diminished mental capacity.

 

Congrats metzelaars_lives on your HOF voting status. That's pretty cool. I didn't see your name on the list, but it's probably just not updated yet.

[BRH]

If Saban gets in, will Ralph do the introduction?

 

Canidate was a marginal NFL player, much less a guy who belongs in the HOF.

 

I see what you did there.

[Just Jack]

If Saban gets in, will Ralph do the introduction?

 

Oh God, please no, to both (Mr. Wilson giving a speech and Saban getting in).

[MarkyMannn]

Bennett may well have been the most complete OLB of his era: he won a two DPOY Awards, and was a 5 time pro-bowler.

 

Reed deservedly gets a lot of love from Bills fans, but this guy is over-looked for sure

[NoSaint]

 

 

I don't think he'll ever get in but it 1/3 of the game. Plus before Tasker, no one put a premium on STs. Now, there is a pro bowl spot for STs. He revolutionized a position. That should count for something.

 

ive been on the fence. while i agree he was a trailblazer at the position, and special teams is important i dont think anyone realistically counts it as 1/3 of the game. especially when you break out things like extra points, field goals, etc... that he didnt have an impact on. When compared to a full time offensive or defensive player, even a great special teamer is hardpressed have the impact of a very good player at another position - though they obviously still have a value.

 

it should count for something but im not sure if simply getting the annual mention is enough, or if an actual spot is warranted.

 

Please forgive my ignorance but if Tasker has no shot of getting in because he played ST then how come the HOF always lists him as a candidate?

 

CBF

 

that might be the extent to which the committees feel comfortable honoring a player of his mold? or they may feel its a worthy discussion to revisit as opinions change in a fluid discussion.