Angry Sports

Headed to the Hall?

All this ESPN talk about Brady is warranted. Like I harped on before, Tom Brady is a sure fire, first ballet, Hall-of-famer, and he’s still got a lot of football to play. It’ll be two years until we see him back in his old form (hopefully he can get it back), but losing him this season reminded me of all the other future Hall-of-famers that we lost this season. Granted, Favre came out of retirement, but five players did hang up their helmets for the last time and we might never see guys like them for a long time.

The first guy, obviously, Michael Strahan. His 141.5 sacks ranks 5^th all time, behind the likes of Bruce Smith, Reggie White, Kevin Greene, and Chris Doleman in that order. Not shabby company, and alone qualifies him for a bust in Canton, Ohio, but getting that elusive Superbowl win at the end of his career put an exclamation point on his Hall-of-Fame resume.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vPFqk-7SP6Y

Another explosive defender that will find himself giving an acceptance speech in Ohio is Warren Sapp. Changing the way defensive tackle was played is all Sapp did in Tampa for nine years (being a Falcons fan, I grew to hate him), winning a Superbowl and a Defensive MVP award as well. Then he went to Oakland where he played more of a “space eater” role in the middle of the black hole. Now he’s using his eccentric manor as a commercial man for fantasy football leagues.

A guy that never really got press because of his position was Larry Allen. He was one of the most dominant offensive linemen in the history of the game. A massive player at 6’3” and 320+ lbs, Allen not only played the game at an extremely high level (going to the pro-bowl 11 times) but was possibly the strongest person to ever play the sport.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c1FAbsxREb4&feature=related

Probably the best individual player on this list at his position is Jonathan Ogden. A 12 year player for Baltimore at the ever important left tackle spot, Ogden’s size (6’ 9” and 345lbs) and athletic ability gave him the opportunity to have his jersey number retired at UCLA where he played his college ball, get elected to 11 pro-bowls, and win a Superbowl in 2000 where he neutralized Michael Strahan for most of the game.

Finally, a man who has played (what seems like) since the sport’s invention. Junior Seau. The man racked up 1500 tackles in his 17 year career. Even though he’s not officially retired yet, there aren’t many teams who have the need for a 39 year old linebacker. I feel like its safe to assume we’ve seen the last of one of the nastiest and intense players to ever play the game. Even though tackles aren’t an official stat, he ranks at the “assumed” top, and had the athletic ability to change entire games with one play.

Why does this matter? Because I love football, and I’m not sure if there are many guys like the men I’ve already mentioned that could be regarded as first ballot guys. Let’s look at who is left in the league that’s a lock.

Peyton Manning- Passing records, a Superbowl win, and an iron man streak that might rival Favre’s way down the road.

Tom Brady- Three Superbowl rings, MVP awards, pro-bowls, and the single season TD record.

Brett Favre- Career record holder in: TD’s, passing yards, wins, and consecutive games played. Plus a Superbowl win and some MVP awards.

Orlando Pace- A left tackle just a tiny notch below Ogden’s level (like most).

Marvin Harrison- Arguably the third best receiver of all time. Which isn’t all that bad when Jerry Rice is so far ahead at number one.

Ray Lewis- A defensive force that not only won a Superbowl, but was also the MVP. Leader of that 2000 defense that gave up the least amount of points ever for a 16 game season.

Not a bad list of guys. Pace, Marvin, and Ray will retire soon, and the QB’s will follow suite at some point. Other than those guys, (most of whom aren’t playing anything like they used to) there are only guys that need conjecture in order to be “Cantonized.” Marvin Harrison, Adam Vinatieri, Champ Bailey, Tony Gonzales, Torry Holt, Derrick Brooks, Hines Ward, and Brian Urlacher might all make it one day, but first ballot? I doubt it.

Am I trying to bash our current crop of stars? No. I’m just trying to show respect to a guy I used to hate, by the name of Brady. This is a huge loss for my season, and should be for everyone else too.

PS: I won’t talk about this anymore. I know there needs to be some variety, so I promise to give ya’ll something new next time around.

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