NFL Fans, Please Unite For the Sake of Respect

Those who may follow this blog know that I pay tribute to Professional Football Legends yet to be inducted into the Pro Football Hall Of Fame.

You also may be aware one of my first entries into this blogs series was on CHRIS HANBURGER.

It is my personal mission to get Hanburger into Canton, and this has been spotlighted in the Washington Times.

I have decided to ratchet up my efforts.

I am PLEADING for YOU ALL to sign my petition.

http://www.ipetitions.com/petition/ChrisHanburgerHOF/

Your e-mail will NOT be displayed, and you can check off a box to not be bothered further.

PLEASE SPREAD THE WORD TO YOUR FRIENDS ALSO AND GET THEM TO SIGN AS WELL!

I would TRULY APPRECIATE it.

Chris Hanburger
Washington Redskins
Linebacker
6’2″ 220
1965 – 1978
14 Seasons
187 Games Played
19 Interceptions
5 Touchdowns
9 Pro Bowls

Christian G. Hanburger was an 18th Round draft choice of the Redskins in 1965. He was the 245TH player chosen that year. He was a 25 year old rookie, due to his service in the Army before going to the University of North Carolina.

At UNC, he was a 2-way player who was named All-ACC at Center his junior and senior years. In 1963, his team won the ACC Championship.

Hanburger played right away and was in the Pro Bowl by his second year in the league. He would then begin a string of Pro Bowl appearances until 1969. He then resumed that string in 1972 until 1976.

Sacks and tackles were not recorded in those days, but Hanburger was a play maker. He is considered one of the best of his era.

He was known for his blitzing ability and pass coverage. Ever the complete player, he returned three fumbles for touchdowns in his career to go with two more on interceptions. In 1972, Hanburger captained the Over The Hill gangs defense to a Super Bowl appearance.

Hanburger was known not only for good speed, but his exceptional quickness. He had the innate ability to diagnose a play before the ball was hiked.

He often would cover the other teams tight end and peel off to knock passes down meant for wide receivers. Coach George Allen liked to have a safety first defense, leaving the rest to Hanburger and his fellow linebackers.

Chris Hanburger’s nine Pro Bowl appearances are still the most by any player in the history of the Washington Redskins.

The game was played different for the most part in his era. The running game was most teams’ primary weapon. Tackling with sound fundamentals was a must then.

Few players lead with their heads for “kill shots” because they would be injured much faster than today with innovations of modern technology on equipment nowadays.

It also should be remembered that players then did not command the same level of salaries that they do today. Most players would work a second job in the off season, compared to the luxury players have today to train whenever they choose to.

As a kid, I once heard a long time local media type say that he figured Hanburger had over 50 quarterback sacks in his career.

His three fumble recoveries returned for touchdowns is the third most in NFL history.

This, coupled by the facts that are allowed in the record book truly says that there is NO DOUBT that Chris Hanburger SHOULD BE in the NFL Hall of Fame.

All-Time NFL Backfields List

For fun, I am listing my picks for each teams best backfields. Of course there is room for debate. Please include yourself in it.

(Note: Houston Texans are not on this list)

 

ATLANTA FALCONS

FB: William Andrews – Easy choice. He did it all during the Gritz Blitz days. One of the finer pass catching fullbacks to play the game. A good blocker who ran for many yards as well in one back sets. A knee injury cut his career short.

HB: Jamal Anderson – Gerald Riggs is a close second for the monster years he had, but Jamal put the team on his back and danced “The Dirty Bird” to a Super Bowl. Both ran between the tackles and were extremely hard to tackle, especially in the fourth quarter.

ARIZONA CARDINALS

FB: Ernie Nevers – Once scored six TD’s and kicked four extra points in one game for 40 points, a record that still stands. Nevers was an excellent athlete who also pitched for Major League Baseball. Nevers was player/ coach of the Cards for three seasons and was All-NFL each season.

 

HONORABLE MENTION:

Larry Centers was the top receiving fullback in his era. Centers was a sound blocker and decent runner. Centers was named to two Pro Bowls as a Cardinal.

In 1995, Centers caught 101 passes, an NFL record for running backs. Centers played with the Cards for nine seasons. He rushed for 1,736 yards, caught 535 passes, and scored 29 TD’s.

 

Jim Otis was second in career rushing yards per game at Ohio State to Archie Griffin and was named to the schools All-Century Team. Otis was named to the 1975 Pro Bowl after having his best season in his career.

Otis gained 1,076 yards that season. A very good lead blocker too. Otis played for the Cardinals for six seasons. He gained 3,408 yards with 23 TD’s.

HB: Ollie Matson – Amazing athlete who won a Silver and Bronze medal at the 1952 Summer Games, then went on to share the 1952 NFL Rookie of the Year Award. He was the 1955 Pro Bowl MVP.

Matson played with the Cards for six years. He returned six kickoffs and threepunts for touchdowns. Matson ended up rushing for 3,332 yards with 130 receptions for 2,150 yards and 40 TD’s.

 

HONORABLE MENTION:

Charley Trippi is a Hall of Famer who was a halfback his first four seasons before manning quarterback for two seasons. He returned to halfback one more season before switching to defense for the rest of his career.

His rookie year, in 1947, he led the Cards to a win over the Eagles in the Championship 28-21. Playing on an icy field in Chicago, Charley wore basketball shoes for better traction and totaled 206 yards, including 102 yards on two punt returns. He scored touchdowns on a 44-yard run and a 75-yard punt return.

Trippi rushed for over 3,500 yards and scored 53 TD’s in his career. 

Terry Metcalf was a versatile, slick back who was the first player in NFL history to average at least 30 yards per kick return and 10 yards per punt return in the same season.

In a 14 game season in 1975, Metcalf set a then-NFL record for combined yards with 2,462.

Metcalf played five seasons with the Cards and rushed for 3,438 yards with 38 TD’s. He made three Pro Bowl teams.

Ottis Anderson was the 1979 Rookie of the Year. He spent just over seven seasons with the Cards and was an excellent receiver too. “OJ” gained over 1,000 yards in fiveof his first six seasons, and gained 8,000 yards rushing and 2,490 yards receiving total. He also caught 299 passes and scored 51 TD’s.

John David Crow ran for over 1,000 yards in 1960 with a YPC average of 5.9. He also caught 25 passes at an average of 18.5 yards per catch, and scored eight TD’s total.

He finished his career as a 49er as part of the “Million Dollar Backfield” with Y.A. Tittle, Joe Perry, and Hugh McElhenny.

BALTIMORE RAVENS

FB: Sam Gash – The Ravens got him in the latter stages of his career, but Sam still opened holes wide enough for an 18-wheeler to get through untouched. Underrated receiver as well.

HB: Jamal Lewis – Priest Holmes was exciting as a Raven before he was spectacular in KC, but Jamal was THE Man day oneand the offense many days and it didn’t matter if you put nine defenders in the box either.

BUFFALO BILLS

FB: Jim Braxton – An honorary member of The Electric Company. He was OJ’s personal protector and one of the best blocking backs of his era.

He developed into a great runner too when in 1975 season he rushed for 823 yards and nine touchdowns. He also caught 26 passes for 282 yards and 4 touchdowns. His nine rushing touchdowns was 8th in the league, and his 13 all-purpose scores was 5th.

HONORABLE MENTION:

Cookie Gilchrest gets a mention because he was the AFL’S first 1,000 yard back, and had a game where he gained 243 yards (a record until OJ Simpson broke it) with five TD’s. He also was a place kicker in his two seasons as a Bill.

 

HB: OJ Simpson – Buffalo has a very rich tradition of excellent half backs, and it all starts with Simpson. He gained over 10,000 yards and scored 70 touchdowns in his nine years with the Bills.

 

HONORABLE MENTION:

Joe Cribbs had a great career, and Kenneth Davisand Roland Hooks were excellent. Travis Henry went to the Pro Bowl a few times, and Terry Miller had a great rookie year in 1978 before injuries befell him in his second season.

Many will vote for Hall of Famer Thurman Thomas as the best halfback ever in Buffalo. He could do it all on the field and was a major reason the Bills went to four straight Super Bowls.

The reason I pick the Juice is not because he had 2,000 yards in only 14 games, nor because he gained 277 yards in one game.

I picked him because he did those things with every opponent focused on just him. He came out of USC a legend and was the #1 pick overall. That target on his back always. He was the Bills only hope of winning for many years.

CAROLINA PANTHERS

FB: Brad Hoover – Versatile. Made a name for himself on special teams as well.

HB: Fred Lane – This young team is knownfor defense in their brief history. Lane was their first go-to guy and did a great job until personal problems led to his untimely murder.

CHICAGO BEARS

FB: Bronko Nagurski – Still considered the Greatest Fullback in NFL History today by many. Nagurski was also a fierce linebacker. Bronco is forever known for his bone rattling blocks, and ended up rushing for over 2,700 yards in his career (stats were not exact in that era) and 25 TD’s in nine seasons.

Retired after his eighth season, then played one more season over six years later.

 

HONORABLE MENTION:

Roland Harper was a 17th round draft pick in 1975. He was an hard runner who piled up many yards early in his seven year career while blocking for Walter Payton.

His best year came in 1979, when Harper rushed for 992 yards, while catching 42 passes and compiling eight TD’s. He blew his knee out in 1980 and was out of the NFL after the ’82 season. Totaled over 3,000 yards rushing and 18 TD’s.

Matt Suhey is best known as Harpers replacement and was an excellent blocker for Payton. Suhey rushed for over 2,900 yards in his ten year career and was a fine receiver. Suhey totaled 26 TD’s in his career as a Bear.

HB: Walter Payton – “Sweetness”. Many consider him the best running back to ever play the game. There was nothing he couldn’t do well. The heart and desire in Payton was immeasurable.

A true icon not just in Chicago, but for the NFL. Rushed for over 16,700 yards, caught 492 passes for over 4,500 yards and scored 125 TD’s in 13 seasons.

 

 

HONORABLE MENTION:

Gale Sayers is considered the greatest open field running back in football history. Sayers lasted seven seasons before knee injuries stopped him.

He was named to four Pro Bowls and was the games MVP three times. Sayers was the entire Bears offensive attack and was spectacular on special teams too.

He carried the ball only four times his last two seasons.

Sayers returned six kicks and two punts for TD’s and scored 48 more running and receiving. Sayers ended up with over 4,900 yards rushing at a 5.0 YPC average.

George “One Play” McAfee played eight seasons, losing four years after his second seasonbecause of WWII. McAfee compiled 42 TD’s total in his Hall of Fame career.

Red Grange was dubbed “The Galloping Ghost” and was the NFL’s first superstar.

Beattie Feathers was the first running back in NFL history to rush for 1,000 yards in a season.

CINCINNATI BENGALS

FB: Icky Woods – Everyone was doing “The Icky Shuffle” his magical rookie year, in which Woods gained over 1,000 yards. A knee injury ended his career just two seasons later.

HONORABLE MENTION:

Pete Johnson was a huge fullback often used in goal line situations.

HB: James Brooks – Mr. Versatile ran, caught and returned kickoffs and punts for three seasons in San Diego before the Bengals stole him.

He is still in the Bengals top tenin receptions and second in rushing, and went to four Pro Bowls.

 

HONORABLE MENTION:

Paul Robinson was the Bengals first 1,000 yard back in the AFL, and Corey Dillon can easily be considered the best Bengals halfback too. He ran with speed and power as he became the Bengals all time rushing leader.

CLEVELAND BROWNS

FB: Marion Motley – Ranked #32 on The Sporting News 100 Greatest Football Players, Motley play linebacker too. A combination of power and grace, Motley was THE running game in Cleveland as the Browns seemingly won championship yearly during his career.

HONORABLE MENTION:

Mike Pruitt gained 1,000 yards four seasons and was half of the “Do It Pruitt” backfield.

HB: Jim Brown – Many call him the greatest football player of all time. Brown could have played any position he wanted to at Hall of Fame capability.

He would routinely carry three or moreguys on his back as he ran full speed to the goal line. Powerful, fast and graceful with the undefeatable spirit of a winner.

 

HONORABLE MENTION:

Leroy Kelly, Dub Jones, Greg Pruitt, Bobby Mitchell, Ernest Byner, and Eric Metcalf all had stellar careers as well. Mitchell and Kelly are in the Hall of Fame with Motley and Brown.

DALLAS COWBOYS

FB: Robert Newhouse – Newhouse had the speed of a halfback with the power of a fullback. He had great hands and was an excellent blocker. Often overlooked, but an exceptional player.

 

HONORABLE MENTION:

Darryl Johnston was a good blocking back with above average receiving skills.

Walt Garrison was tough around the goal line.

HB: Tony Dorsett – TD and Emmit Smith both had great blocking with Hall of Fame quarterbacks to throw to a Hall of Fame receiver, so no team could crowd the line or focus on the run game. Smith may temporarily have the most yards rushing for a career due to longevity, but TD was more explosive, exciting, and versatile.

DENVER BRONCOS

FB: Jon Keyworth – In his seven years with Denver, he had 699 carries for 2,653 yards and 22 rushing TD’s. He also caught 141 passes for three more scores, and even tossed his only pass for a 32 yard score in 1979. He scored ten touchdowns in his 1974 rookie year, then gained 725 yards on 182 carries, and had 42 receptions the following year.

 

HONORABLE MENTION:

Howard Griffith – Paved the way for Terrell Davis during the Super Bowl winning era.

 

HB: Terrell Davis – Was a major force for a few years and was the reason Elway got his rings.

 

HONORABLE MENTION:

Otis Armstrong, Floyd Little and Sammy Winder all had fine careers in Denver.

 

DETROIT LIONS

FB: Dexter Bussey – Started out as a halfback and still ranks third all time on the franchises rushing yards list.

Moved to fullback when Billy Sims was drafted. A powerful runner with nice pass catching ability. Consistent.

 

HONORABLE MENTION:

Robert Hoernschemeyer was a short yardage specialist and fine receiver.

HB: Barry Sanders – Never seemed to get hit cleanly. Sanders was one of the most elusive halfbacks to ever play the game. He retired young, yet still ranks third all time in yards rushing in NFL history.

 

HONORABLE MENTION:

Billy Sims was spectacular before a knee injury ended his career early.

Doak Walker has a trophy named after him for best college running back.

Dutch Clark and Byron “Whizzer” White both led the Lions in rushing at one time.

Altie Taylor was 5 ’10 188, but played FB, HB and WR in the 1970’s in Detroit.

GREEN BAY PACKERS

FB: Jim Taylor – The physical runner was the staple of the Packers offense. Taylor was named to five straight Pro Bowls and was the 1962 NFL MVP.

Taylor is the franchises all time leader in rushing yards with 8,593, while scoring 83 TD’s at a 4.4 YPC average in his nine years.

 

HONORABLE MENTION:

Clarke Hinkle, like Taylor, is in the NFL Hall of Fame. Hinkle spent his entire ten year career in Green Bay. Hinkle rushed for over 3,200 yards and scored 42 TD’s.

HB: Tony Canadeo – “The Gray Ghost” was the first Packer to rush for 1,000 yards, and the third in NFL history. His versatility led him to throw, catch and defend as well. He missed one season of his ten year career due to WWII.

Canadeo ended up rushing for 4,700 yards and was in on 47 TD’s. His number is retired and he is in the NFL Hall of Fame.

 

HONORABLE MENTION:

Paul Hornung was dubbed “The Golden Boy” in his NFL Hall of Fame career. Hornung rushed for over 3,700 yards and scored 66 TD’s. He also handled kicking duties and led the NFL in scoring several times.

Johnny “Blood” McNally played in an era before stats were kept, from 1929-36 he led the Packers to four championships. A speedy halfback with excellent receiving skills, he is in the NFL Hall of Fame.

INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

FB: Alan Ameche – The Horse will forever be known for scoring the winning TD in “The Greatest Game Ever Played” versus the NY Giants. The 1955 Rookie of the Year made the Pro Bowl in his first four seasons in a career that ended after six due to a neck injury.

HB: Edgerrin James – Edge left the Colts as their all time leader in rushing yards and TD’s. Known for his versatility and can catch the ball equally well as running it.

 

HONORABLE MENTION:

Lydell Mitchell topped 1,000 three straight seasons, he also led the NFL in receptions twice as well. He was almost their entire offense.

Lenny Moore was as deadly catching the ball as running.

Joe Washington was traded for Mitchell from San Diego in 1978. In that season he led the NFL with 82 receptions for 750 yards, and had 242 carries for 884 yards and seven TD’s.

Tom Matte was also third string QB who posted career stats of 4,646 rushing yards, 249 receptions for 2,869 yards, 1,367 yards returning kickoffs, and 57 touchdowns.

Marshall Faulk gained over 1,000 yards rushing in 3 of his 4 seasons as a Colt before being traded to St. Louis for a pick that turned out to be Edgerrin James.

JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

FB: Daimon Shelton – A big blocking back who started his career as a Jaguar.

HB: Fred Taylor – Taylor is one of the most over looked great backs ever. Has amassed over 10,000 yards rushing so far with only one Pro Bowl nod. 

Taylor is a solid blocker, having been a fullback in college, and excellent receiver.

 

HONORABLE MENTION:

James Stewart had a few good seasons as a reserve before becoming a 1,000 yard back in Detroit.

Maurice Jones-Drew is young and exciting, like the Jaguars franchise thus far.

 

KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

FB: Mack Lee Hill – Undrafted free agent made the AFL All-Star game his rookie year. He had 627 yards rushing after the 12th game of his second season when he hurt his knee. He died on the operating table two days after that 12th game.

 

HONORABLE MENTION:

Tony Richardson started out as a short yardage back before becoming a full time fullback, and was a good blocker.

HB: Christian Okoye – The Nigerian Nightmare was almost impossible to tackle at 6 ‘3 260 lbs with speed and grace.

Overcame one knee injury to post another 1,000 yard season in 1991, but his knee gave out and he retired in 1993.

 

HONORABLE MENTION:

The seasons Priest Holmes had in KC were memorable, even if the team wasn’t that good. He scored 83 TD’s in his six years with the team.

Mike Garrett was a speedy half back on the Super Bowl winning team.

Ed Podolak was a superb all around player who did everything for the Chiefs.

Curtis McClinton and Abner Haynes split carries and catches from the Dallas Texans to the KC Chiefs.

Joe Delaney broke four single season rushing records in 1981 and rushed for 1,121 yards while being voted to the Pro Bowl. He was hurt much of 1982.

Just before training camp in 1983, Delaney heard the cries of three young boys drowning in a pond. Delaney could not swim but jumped in anyway in an attempt to save them.

He managed to save one six year old boy before drowning along with the other two kids.

 

MIAMI DOLPHINS

FB: Larry Czonka – One of the most feared runners of the 1970’s. Czonka rarely fumbled or dropped a pass and was a great blocker.

Named #10 in NFL Films 100 Toughest Players of All Time, he was the leader of the Dolphins dynasty years and perfect team.

Zonk jumped to the ill fated WFL in 1975. He went to the Giants from 1976-78 and was considered washed up.

He returned to Miami in 1979 and ran for over 800 yards and scored a career high 12 TD’s to be named Comeback Player Of The Year. Czonka then retired.

HB: Mercury Morris – In 1972, Morris and Czonka became the first tandem to both rush for 1,000 yards in a season and just missed repeating it the next. Morris was blazing fast with a nose for the end zone.

 

HONORABLE MENTION:

Tony Nathan was a top notch pass receiving back during the Marino era.

Abdul-Karim al-Jabbar ran for 27 TD’s his first 2 seasons, leading the NFL with 15 in 1997.

From 2002-03, Ricky Williams rushed for over 3,200 yards, caught 97 passes and scored 27 TD’s.

 

MINNESOTA VIKINGS

FB: Chuck Foreman – Was the featured back as halfback Brent McClanahan did the lead blocking. Foreman had three straight seasons rushing for 1,000+ yards and scored a then-NFC record 22 Touchdowns in 14 games during the 1975 campaign.

During that same season, he also led the NFL in receptions with 73, a record for receptions by a running back then. Foreman amassed 51 touchdowns over a three year span.

HB: Robert Smith – In eight NFL seasons, Smith rushed for 6818 yards and 32 touchdowns, along with 178 receptions for 1,292 yards and 6 touchdowns.

Smith’s finest year as a pro came in the 2000, leading the NFC in rushing with 1,521 yards. He retired at the end of the season, despite being at the peak of his career.

 

HONORABLE MENTION:

Bill Brown made four Pro Bowls over a five year span and ranks third all time in rushing yardage and total yardage in franchise history. Brown was a bruising runner with excellent receiving skills.

Ted Brown rushed for over 1,000 yards and caught 83 passes in 1981 and remained an top receiver for years on the team.

Ricky Young caught 224 passes in a three year stretch, leading the NFL in 1978.

Darrin Nelson was a fast half back with excellent receiving skills as well.

 

NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

FB: Jim Nance – Still holds the franchise record for career rushing touchdowns with 45. The only AFL player to ever rush for over 1,400 yards. Followed that with a 1,200 yard season. Bruising runner with decent speed.

 

HONORABLE MENTION:

Sam “The Bam” Cunningham gained over 1,000 yards rushing in 1977 to go with 42 catches. He made the Pro Bowl in 1978. Cunningham finished his ten year career with a franchise high 5,453 rushing yards, along with 210 receptions for 1,905 yards, and 49 touchdowns.

HB: Antowain Smith – Smith had been a 1,000 yard back in Buffalo, but fell out of favor with the staff. He revived his career in New England by gaining 1,157 and 12 TD’s in the leading the Patriots to it’s first championship.

He followed that with 982 yards. His 3rd and final year he got hot in the playoffs on his way to a second Super Bowl.

 

HONORABLE MENTION:

John Stevens had a All Pro rookie year, then injuries shortened his career.

Craig James ran for over 1,200 yards in 1985, leading the team to a Super Bowl.

Robert Edwards had over 1,000 his 1998 rookie year then blew his knee out during the off season. He attempted a comeback four years later in Miami, lasting one season.

He then resurfaced in the CFL to play with his brother in 2005 and ran for over 1,000 yards in each of his first two seasons.

Curtis Martin ran for 3,799 yards, and scored 37 touchdowns in his three years with the team.

 

NEW YORK GIANTS

FB: Alphonse Leemans – In his eightseasons, Tuffy Leemans was named to either first or second team All-NFL. Heled the Jints to contend for the title yearly. Leemans career has stats in interceptions, punt returns, receptions and passing as well.

HONORABLE MENTION:

Maurice Carthon came from the USFL to the Big Blue as soon as the league folded and ended up playing 45 football games in a year. He only missed one game in his 75 game Giant career. An exceptional blocker who used technique and intelligence.

 

HB: Tiki Barber – Barber rushed for 10,449 yards in ten seasons despite hardly contributing much his first three seasons as a runner. Barber also caught 586 passes. Barber did fumble 53 times, 35 in a four year span.

 

HONORABLE MENTION:

Frank Gifford is a Hall of Famer who spent his first ten seasons as a halfback before switching to wide receiver after being knocked out of the league for over a year. He made the Pro Bowl as a halfback, defensive back and wide receiver.

Ken Strong is a Hall of Famer who could do anything asked of him. The first big star in New York, Strong missed five years of his 14 year career due to serving in WWII.

Kyle Rote started out as a Pro Bowl halfback before moving to flanker.

Hap Moran was a hard running half back who had a 91 yard TD run in 1930, then, in 1933, set a NFL record for yards receiving in a game.

From 1985-86, Joe Morris ran for over 2,800 yards and scored 36 TD’s.

Rodney Hampton ran for over 1,000 yards in five of his eight year Giants career.

 

NEW YORK JETS

FB: Matt Snell – Snell started out at Ohio State as a blocker, then moved to defensive end. He finished his collegiate career at fullback, but was named to Ohio States All-Century Team as a defensive end.

Snell ran for 945 yards his rookie year and was named AFL Rookie of the Year. He made two more All-AFL teams before retiring to knee problems.

HONORABLE MENTION:

Jerrald Sowell was a powerful blocking back who paved the way for Curtis Martin.

 

 

HB: Curtis Martin – Currently fourth all time for yards rushing in NFL history, Martin is the all-time leader in the same category in the Jets franchise with 10,302.

Martin was also an adept blocker and receiver. He had 484 receptions, and gained at least 1,000 yards rushing ten seasons in a row.

 

HONORABLE MENTION:

Freeman McNeil was a smooth runner who ran for over 8,000 yards in his 12 year Jets career. Averaged over 4 yards per carry each season.

Johnny Hector split carries with McNeil for several seasons, scoring 11 rushing TD’s in 1979, and amassed over 4,000 yards in his ten year career.

Emerson Boozer had ten TD’s halfway into his second season, when he blew out his knee. He returned a short yardage back, good receiver and bone crunching blocker. Boozer rushed for over 5,000 yards in his 10 year career with the Jets.

Clark Gaines holds the team record for 17 catches in one game.

John Riggins is known mostly for his seasons with the Redskins. He was also known forhis fro, then mohawk with the Jets.

In 1975 Riggens gained over 1,000 yards for the Jets before jumping to the Redskins.

 

NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

FB: Tony Galbreath – Versatile player who could lead block, throw, run, catch and place kick. Galbreath spent five seasons as a Saint. He ended up with 2,765 yards rushing and 27 TD’s to go with 284 receptions for 2221 yards and 6 TD’s.

 

HONORABLE MENTION:

Lorenzo Neal spent his first four years as a Saint, his longest stint with any team. He set his career highs in carries, receptions with them, and had his longest run and reception too. One of the top blocking backs of the 1990’s.

HB: Deuce McAllister – Saints all-time rushing yardage leader despite basically missing four of his eight seasons because of injuries.

He gained over 1,000 yards in the fourseasons. Powerful runner who is adept at picking holes with patience. He had 6,096 yards rushing with 54 TD’s.

 

HONORABLE MENTION:

George Rogers was the 1981 Rookie of the Year with 1,674 yards rushing on 378 carries and 13 TD’s. He spent four seasons in the Big Easy, ending up with 5,411 yards rushing and 23 TD’s.

Chuck Muncie was a Saint for fourseasons and went to one Pro Bowl, where he was the MVP. Muncie gained 3,393 yards rushing and had 125 receptions for 1,086 yards with 29 TD’s.

Reuben Mayes was the 1986 Rookie of the Year. Mayes spent four seasons in New Orleans. He gained 3,408 yards rushing with 23 TD’s.

Dalton Hilliard was with the Saints for seven seasons. He made the Pro Bowl once. Hilliard gained 4,164 yards rushing and 249 receptions for 2,233 yards with 53 TD’s.

 

OAKLAND RAIDERS

FB: Mark van Eeghan – Rushed for over 1,000 yards three times in his eight years in Oakland. Gained over 1,200 yards in the Raiders Super Bowl year in 1977. Retired the all-time rushing yardage leader in franchise history with 5,907 yards.

 

HONORABLE MENTION:

Marv Hubbard, like van Eeghan, attended Colgate University. Hubbard ended up grooming van Eeghan to replace him towards the end of his stellar career. Hubbard ran for 1,100 yards in 1972.

He ended up with over 4,400 yards in his career, while toting a career YPC average of 4.8.

Pete Banaszak scored 16 TD’s in 1975, and amassed over 3,700 yards in his 13 year career as a Raider.

 

HB: Marcus Allen – Allen is #72 on The Sporting News Top 100 Players list. Allen was the 1982 Rookie of the Year, the 1985 NFL MVP, and Super Bowl XVIII MVP.

Allen played ten seasons with the Raiders. He rushed for over 9,000 yards while catching over 400 passes and scoring 100 TD’s.

 

HONORABLE MENTION:

Napolean Kaufmanplayed 5 seasons before retiring to become a minister. In that time, he rushed for over 4,700 yards at a 4.8 YPC clip while splitting duties with Tyrone Wheatley.

Wheatley came from the Giants and his career was revitalized in Oakland. Wheatley played six years and gained over 3,600 yards with 32 TD’s.

Clem Daniels was the Raiders first star. He was an AFL All-Star from 1963-66. Daniels was The Sporting News 1963 AFL MVP and is on the AFL’s All-Time Team.

He amassed over 8,000 yards rushing and receiving along with 54 TD’s in his career.

Bo Jackson only played 38 games in his four seasons, due to his obligations to baseball. His impact was immediate.

He had three TD runs of 88 yards or longer. He ran for 221 yards during a Monday Night Football game, and rushed over 2,700 yards with 16 TD’s at a 5.4 YPC average before injuries ended his career.

 

PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

FB: Keith Byars – Byars spent six seasons in Philly. A effective blocker and superb receiver. In 1988 he rushed for 517 yards, recorded 71 receptions, and scored 10 touchdowns. He caught 82 passes two seasons later.

HONORABLE MENTION:

Mike Hogan was a quick fullback who ran well and was a valuable receiver.

Tom Woodeschick had a few big years on some bad teams both running and catching the ball.

HB: Steve Van Buren – Ranked #77 on The Sporting News 100 All-Time Greatest Players list. Led the league in rushing four times in his career. He also led the league in punt returns as a rookie. Rushed for over 5,800 yards and scored 77 TD’s in eight seasons.

Once had to catch three trolleys and walk 12 blocks in a blizzard to play the 1948 NFL Championship game, where he ran for 197 yards and scored the games only touchdown.

HONORABLE MENTION:

Wilbert Montgomery was a sixth round pick who played eight seasons as an Eagle, making two Pro Bowls. He rushed for over 6,500 yards and scored 58 TD’s.

Timmy Brown was a fast, versatile back on some bad teams. In eight seasons as an Eagle, this 27th round draft pick scored 61 TD’s.

One of only five NFL players to have ever returned two kickoffs for TD’s of 90+ yards in a single game.

Brian Westbrook has accounted for 67 TD’s thus far in seven seasons, as well as having accumulated over 10,000 yards combined.

 

PITTSBURGH STEELERS

FB: Franco Harris – Rushed for almost 12,000 yards as a Steeler while scoring 100 TD’s.

Harris had soft hands and has a statue of him catching “The Immaculate Reception” at Pittsburgh Airport. Fumbled 90 times in 12 seasons as a Steeler.

Chosen to nine consecutive Pro Bowls, Harris the first African-American as well as the first Italian-American to be named Super Bowl MVP.

 

HONORABLE MENTION:

John Henry Johnson had already played six seasons for two teams before playing for Pittsburgh. As a Steeler, he rushed for over 1,000 yards twice in six seasons, making four Pro Bowls as well. Johnson ranks third on the teams all time rushing yardage list.

Merril Hoge was a tenth round pick who led the team in rushing and receiving in four of his seven years. Hoge and Harris are the only Steelers to ever have 100+ yard rushing yards in back to back playoff games.

HB: Jerome Bettis – Started out as a fullback with St. Louis before Pittsburgh stole him for only a second and fourth round draft picks.

Bettis was known by Steelers fans as “the bus”. Bettis played ten seasons with the Steelers and rushed for over 10,000 yards, scoring 80 TD’s.

Powerful and nimble, Bettis is headed for the Hall of Fame in a few years.

 

HONORABLE MENTION:

Rocky Bleier played one season in Pittsburgh, then served in the Vietnam War. He almost lost his lower leg when a grenade exploded in his foxhole.

Upon his return, the Steelers cut him two times, but Bleiers persistence paid off and he played ten seasons. His best season was in 1976, when Bleier rushed for over 1,000 yards along with Harris.

“Bullet” Bill Dudley played three seasons in Pittsburgh, losing two to WWII. He won Rookie of the Year, then NFL MVP awards. He led the NFL in rushing, interceptions, and punt returns his MVP year.

Dick Hoak spent ten seasons as a running back with the Steelers, then 25 years as an offensive backfield coach. He was named to the Pro Bowl team in 1968 and rushed for over 3,900 yards in his career.

 

SAINT LOUIS RAMS

FB: “Deacon” Dan Towler – Part of the “Baby Bull Elephant” backfield as Younger blocked for him. Career lasted five full seasons as he was injured in his sixth, thus ending his career.

He led the league in TD’s twice. Both he and Younger went to four Pro Bowls. He amassed 3,500 rushing yards at a 5.2 YPC average with 43 TD’s.

 

HONORABLE MENTION:

Paul Younger – Known as “Tank” for the way he ran over people. First player from Eddie Robinson’s Grambling program to make the NFL.

Younger was a bruising blocker and line backer as well. Tank rumbled for over 3,000 yards and 31 TD’s during his nine years as a Ram.

Cullen Bryant started out as a cornerback before becoming a fullback. Had to be the featured back in 1980, due to injuries, and gained over 800 yards with 52 catches. Finished with over 3,000 yards rushing and 26 TD’s with three via kickoff returns.

HB: Eric Dickerson – Had a good line, but no passing game. Had to go against eight to nine defenders in the box most carries.

NFC player of the year in ’83, ’84’ & ’86 and is listed #38 on The Sporting News 100 Greatest Players Of All Time.

Piled up over 7,000 yards his first four seasons to go with 55 TD’s. He also fumbled 49 times in that span.

 

HONORABLE MENTION:

Marshall Faulk set the tone for the “Greatest Show On Turf” era. Faulk could run with power, grace and elusiveness. He also was a major weapon as a receiver.

His best year was his first as a Ram. He caught 87 balls for 1,048 yards and 5 TD’s, while rushing for 1,381 with seven TD’s. He followed that the next season with 1,359 yards rushing and 18 TD’s to go with 81 receptions for 830 yards and eight TD’s.

Faulks Ram rushing totals are 6,959 yards with 58 TD’s in seven seasons.

Lawrence McCutcheon played with the Rams for seven seasons. He made the Pro Bowl for five straight seasons and finished his Rams career with 6,186 rushing yards and 35 TD’s.

 

SAN DIEGO CHARGERS

FB: Jacque MacKinnon – Is the only player to make an All Pro team after being the last pick of the draft, also known as Mr. Irrelevant.

Made two All-Pro teams because of his superior, bone crunching lead blocking.

Played nine seasons with the Chargers. He had 86 carries for 381 yards and two TD’s for his career, as well as 112 catches for 2,109 yards and 20 TD’s.

 

HONORABLE MENTION:

Marion Butts was a Charger for five seasons and rushed for over 4,200 yards with 31 TD’s.

Rod Bernstine was a tight end who also played fullback. Bernstine played six seasons in San Diego and gained over 2000 yards rushing with 17 TD’S.

As a receiver, Bernstine caught 91 passes for 888 yards and two TD’s. His seventh season in the NFL was spent in Denver, where he rushed for 816 yards, caught 44 passes and scored 4 TD’s in 1993.

HB: LaDainian Tomlinson – L.T. has been amongst the best backs in his era since the day he first put on a Charger uniform.

A six time Pro Bowler who was also the 2006 NFL MVP, Tomlinson has played eight seasons and gained 11,760 yards rushing with 126 TD’s.

L.T. is also a fine receiver and has 510 receptions for 3,801 yards and 15 TD’s.

Tomlinson can run with power, finesse, or speed and has never rushed for less than 1,100 yards in a season, scored less than 10 rushing TD’s, or caught less than 51 passes in any season of his career.

 

HONORABLE MENTION:

Paul Lowe played seven seasons with the Chargers, participating in just eight games his last twoseasons.

He was a very fast scat back who twice topped the 1,000 yard mark. Lowe gained over 4,100 yards with 37 TD’s and had a career YPC average of 4.9.

Keith Lincolnwas the power back to Lowe’s speed with MacKinnon lead-blocking.

Lincoln won the AFL All Star MVP Award in 1963 and 64.

Lincoln could do it all. He threw five TD passes, returned a punt and kickoff for TD’s, caught 123 passes for 1,600 yards and 14 TD’s. He also rushed for 2,700 yards and 15 TD’S.

Don Woods was the 1974 Rookie of the Year. He was injured his second year. He played five years and rushed for 2,858 yards with 16 TD’s and caught 125 passes for 1,177 yards and five TD’s. He also threw two more.

Lionel “Little Train” James was 5’6 and spent his entire five year career as a Charger. In 1985, James set an NFL record for combined yards. It stood for 15 seasons.

James also caught 86 passes for 1,027 yards and six TD’s that year to go with 516 yards rushing and two TD’s.

 

SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

FB: Joe Perry – The Jet had fantastic speed. He was the first NFL player to post back to back 1,000 yard seasons. Perry played 16 seasons, 14 with the 49ers.

Perry ended up with over 7,200 yards and 58 TD’s, even though he recorded no stats his first two season. His career YPC average was an outstanding 4.8.

 

HONORABLE MENTION:

Tom Rathman was a solid blocker who excelled at catching passes. Rathman played eight seasons in San Francisco and rushed for 1,902 yards, caught 294 passes for 2,296 yards and scored 33 TD’s.

HB: Roger Craig – Craig is the first player in NFL history to have rushed and received 1,000 yards each in one season. Known for his high knee action running style, Craig was a 49er for eight seasons.

Craig rushed for over 7,000 yards with 508 receptions for over 4,400 yards. Craig scored 68 TD’s, was named to four Pro Bowls and was the 1988 NFL Player of the Year.

HONORABLE MENTION:

Hugh McElhenny was known as “The King”. He made five Pro Bowls in his nine seasons as a 49er. Scored 51 TD’s and rushed for over 4,000 yards.

Ken Willard made four Pro Bowls, scored 61 TD’s and ran for over 5,900 yards in his nine year career in San Francisco.

 

SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

FB: John L. Williams – Played eight seasons in Seattle, making two Pro Bowls.

Rushed for over 4,500 yards while catching 471 passes and scoring 33 TD’s.

 

HONORABLE MENTION:

Mack Strong is know for his solid blocking. Undrafted, Strong made two Pro Bowls and played 14 years.

Rushed for five TD’s and caught ten more.

David Sims played three seasons before injuries ended his career. In 1978, Sims rushed for 752 yards and scored an NFL leading 15 TD’s.

HB: Shaun Alexander – He rushed for over 9,400 yards and scored 112 TD’s in his eight years in Seattle. He was the NFL MVP in 2005, and went to three Pro Bowls.

HONORABLE MENTION:

Chris Warren was a fourth round pick from a Division III school and started his career as a kick returner. Warren ran for over 1,000 yards four straight years in his eight seasons in Seattle. He went to three Pro Bowls.

By the end of his stint in Seattle he held the Seahawks’ career rushing record, logging 6,706 total rushing yards, scoring 49 TD’s.

Curt Warner was Rookie of the Year, then blew out his knee his second year. He came back and played seven years in Seattle. He ran for 1,000 yards four seasons, just missing a fifth by 15 yards. He ended up with 6,705 rushing yards with 63 TD’s.

Sherman Smith was the first offensive player ever drafted by the franchise, and led the team in rushing in his first four seasons, eventually amassing 3,429 yards and 28 touchdowns in his seven years with the team. He also caught the ball 210 times for a total of 2,445 yards and 10 touchdowns.

 

TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

FB: James Wilder – Wilder started out as a blocker who could catch passes. Soon he was the featured back. He had consecutive 1,000 yard seasons rushing the ball before injuries befell him.

His best season was 1984. He set career highs in every category and had a then-NFL record 407 rushing attempts. He accrued over 1,500 yards rushing to go with 85 receptions and 685 yards. He scored 13 TD’s, as he was named to his only All Pro team.

He ended his Buc’s career with almost 6,000 yards, 430 receptions, and 47 TD’s.

 

 

HONORABLE MENTION:

Mike Alstott is a bruising blocker who has excellent receiving skills. Alstott is also a threat in short yardage situations. Has spent his 12 year career as a Buc and made six Pro Bowls. Alstott has 5,000 yards rushing, with 305 receptions and a franchise record 71 TD’s.

HB: Ricky Bell – Bell carried the team out of the dark ages, when being an expansion team was much more difficult. Bell was all the Bucs had while Doug Williams developed. Bell was powerful and fast.

In 1979 , Bell enjoyed his finest season, rushing for 1,263 yards and leading the Buccaneers to the NFC Central Division crown. He led the Buccaneers to their first playoff win in franchise history that season by rushing for 142 yards against the Eagles.

Two years later, he was diagnosed with heart disease and died in 1984. Bell gained over 3,000 yards in his Bucs career with 19 TD’s in four seasons.

 

HONORABLE MENTION:

Errict Rhett was a versatile, hard runner who enjoyed brief success in Tampa Bay. Rhett gained over 2,200 yards with 18 TD’s his first two seasons before injuries and contract issues ended his career as a Buccaneer.

Warrick Dunn played six years with the team, and went to two Pro Bowls. He gained 4,986 yards rushing, and scored 28 times.

 

TENNESSEE TITANS

FB: Tim Wilson – Considered one of the best blocking fullbacks to ever play. Wilson was Campbell’s personal escort, and so trusted by Earl that Campbell followed him to New Orleans when he left the Oilers.

A sound technician who also was an excellent receiver. Wilson only carried the ball 388 times in his sixyear career as an Oiler, totaling 1,400 yards. He caught 99 passes for 609 yards and scored nine TD’s.

HB: Earl Campbell – The Tyler Rose led the NFL in rushing three consecutive seasons, becoming just the second player to have accomplished that feat.

Big, strong, and fast. Campbell was virtually impossible to tackle solo and it usually took several players at once to bring him down. Everyone knew he was coming, but couldn’t stop him.

Rushed for over 200 yards in a game four times in 1980, on his way to gaining over 1,900 for the season. A true work horse who averaged over 350 rushing attempts for his first four seasons. That’s 25 carries per game!

He gained over 8,000 yards with 70 TD’s in his 6 1/2 year Oiler career.

 

 

HONORABLE MENTION:

Eddie George was a straight ahead style runner who looked for contact. George rushed for over 10,000 yards in his eight years as a Titan. George also was a good receiver, catching 259 passes. He scored 78 times total.

Charlie Tolar was known as The Human Bowling Ball, and is in the top ten All-Time AFL Rushing Yards. Tolar gained over 3,000 yards with 21 TD’s in his seven year Oiler career.

Lorenzo White rushed for over 4,000 yards and scored 35 TD’s in his seven years with Houston. His best season came in 1992 when he rushed for 1,226 yards and caught 57 passes for 641 yards with eight TD’s.

 

WASHINGTON REDSKINS

FB: Andy Farkas – “Anvil Andy” played both ways, and without a helmet. Farkas hold the NFL record for longest pass reception at 99 yards.

He also returned twokick offs and a punt for a TD in his time with the Redskins. Farkas was known as a pulverizing blocker. He never fumbled the ball with the Redskins.

Farkas is in both Ohio and Michigan’s Halls of Fame – a rare feat. He had over 2,000 yards rushing and over 1,000 yards receiving to go with 34 TD’s.

 

HONORABLE MENTION:

Don “Bull” Bosseler went to one Pro Bowl, was named to the 70 Greatest Redskins Team, and rushed for over 3,000 yards and 23 TD’s in his 8 year career.

HB: John Riggins was with the team nineseasons. He sat out a season in his prime, 1980, over a contract dispute. Riggins ran with speed and power.

The Diesel would wear down opponents by the fourth quarter as the Redskins would control the tempo and clock. He was the 1978 Comeback Player of the Year, as well as MVP of Super Bowl XVII.

Riggins rushed for over 7,600 of his 11,352 career rushing yards, and scored 85 of his career total of 116 TD’s as a Redskin.

 

HONORABLE MENTION:

Larry Brown was an eighth round draft pick whose career was saved by Vince Lombardi installing a hearing device into his helmet. Brown was the 1972 NFL MVP, and went to the Pro Bowl four straight years.

Brown ran with grit and determination. He finished his eight year career with 5,875 rushing yards and 2,500 receiving yards with 55 TD’s.

Cliff Battles is the first NFL running back to gain both 100 and 200 yards in a game. He led the NFL in rushing twice in his six year career, and was named All-NFL five times.

He retired in his prime, after having his best season, because his salary was frozen at $3,000. Rushed for over 3,500 yards and had 31 TD’s.

Mike Thomas was a fifth round pick who went on to be the 1975 Rookie of the Year. He made the 1976 Pro Bowl too. Injuries befell him soon after, as he went on to the Chargers.

He was a shifty receiver too. Thomas rushed for 3,359 yards in his four year Redskin career, as well as catching 131 passes and scoring 26 TD’s.

Terry Allen played three seasons for the Redskins. He gained 3,300 yards with 35 TD’s in that span.

Earnest Byner spent five years in Washington and gained over 3,800 yards with 25 TD’s.

When people think of Charley Taylor, they think of a Hall of Fame wide receiver who retired as the NFL’s All Time Reception leader.

Taylor’s first season was spent as a running back in Washington. He rushed for 800 yards and caught 51 passes for over 800 yards that season, in which he was the 1964 NFL Rookie of the Year.

Taylor was hurt in his second season, thus prompting coach Otto Graham to put Taylor at wide receiver permanently.

You Best Never Forget These NFL Legends

What makes an NFL Legend?

To each observer of the sport, the definition of a legend can differ in various ways.

Just to make a roster in the league is an amazing achievement in itself.

The faces that the National Football League promotes as their poster children can change frequently as the years go by.

The other factor is the memory of the fan, or their interest in the history of the game.

This is a series I brought to b/r shorty after joining not long ago.

The first installment can be found at http://bleacherreport.com/articles/154407-never-forget-these-nfl-legends

The Best Kickoff Return Men in NFL History

There are many excellent return specialists today in Hester, McGee, Cribbs, Carr, Rossum, Davis, Hall, and many more.

Some specialize in returning mainly punts or kickoffs. Some do both.

First we start with the best kickoff AND punt returner in NFL history:

Brian Mitchell

Brian was a college Quarterback who was drafted in the fifth round of the 1990 draft by the Washington Redskins.

He was converted to running back, but did his major work as a return specialist. Brian split return duties with two other players in his rookie season, but did rush for a TD on 15 attempts.

Taking over the full time return duties the next season, Brian led the NFL with 600 punt return yards and two touchdowns. He also averaged 13.3 yards per return, helping the Redskins win Super Bowl XXVI. He was selected to his first All Pro team that year.

He scored on a career long 84 yard punt return the next season.

Brian led the NFL in all purpose yards 4 times from 1994 to 1998.

In 1994, he led the NFL with a career best 14.1 yards per punt return average. He also led the NFL with two punt return touchdowns. Brian also piled up a career high 1,478 kickoff return yards, while averaging 25.5 yards per return. He would then make the All Pro team.

1995 would be Mitchell’s last All Pro season, when he averaged a career best 25.6 yards per kickoff return, and scoring off of a punt return.

He then scored his first kickoff return touchdown in 1997, and he also scored on a punt return. Mitchell scored on a career long 101 yard kickoff return in 1998.

Brian joined the Philadelphia Eagles in 2000. He played 3 seasons with them, and scored a touchdown on both a punt return and kickoff return in 2 of those years. 2003 would be his last NFL season, which he played with the New York Giants.

His 23,330 total yards ranks second All Time.

He averaged 23.1 yards per kick return on 607 returns, scoring 4 times, and also averaged 10.8 yards per punt return on 463 attempts.

Brian Mitchell holds MANY NFL records.

His 19,013 total return yards is a record, as is his 14,014 kickoff return yards, and his 4,999 punt return yards. His 1,070 kick returns are the most ever, and his 9 punt return touchdowns is the second most ever in NFL history.

His 231 fair catches are the most ever, and his 33 in one season is also an NFL record.

Mitchell is one of just four players in NFL history to gain over 2,000 yards four times in his career.

Here is a list of other greats you hopefully haven’t forgotten :

Why Brian Mitchell Is the Best Return Specialist in NFL History

Brian was a college quarterback who was drafted in the 5th round of the 1990 draft by the Washington Redskins.

He was converted to running back, but did his major work as a return specialist in the NFL. Brian split return duties with 2 other players in his rookie season, but did rush for a touchdown on 15 attempts.

Taking over the full time return duties the next season, Brian led the NFL with 600 punt return yards and two touchdowns. He also averaged 13.3 yards per return, helping the Redskins win Super Bowl XXVI. He was selected to his first All Pro team that year.

Mitchell then scored on a career long 84 yard punt return the next season.

Brian led the NFL in all purpose yards 4 times from 1994 to 1998. In 1994, he led the NFL with a career best 14.1 yards per punt return average. He also led the NFL with two punt return touchdowns. Mitchell piled up a career high 1,478 kickoff return yards that year, while averaging 25.5 yards per return, and made the All Pro team.

His last All Pro season was in 1995, when Mitchell averaged a career best 25.6 yards per kickoff return, and scoring off of a punt return. Brian scored his first kickoff return touchdown in 1997, and also scored on a punt return. Mitchell then scored on a career long 101 yard kickoff return in 1998.

Brian joined the Philadelphia Eagles in 2000. He played 3 seasons with them, and scored a touchdown on both a punt return and kickoff return in two of those years. His last NFL season was the 2003 season, which he played with the New York Giants.

Brian ran for 1,967 yards and 12 TD’s at an impressive 5.1 yards per carry average for his career. He also caught 255 passes for 4 TD’s. Brian got to throw 18 passes in his career, completed 7 of them, and tossed a TD on the last pass of his career. He also recovered 20 fumbles on special teams in his 13 year career.

The 23,330 total yards he accumulated ranks second all-time in NFL history.

Not only did he average 23.1 yards per kick return on 607 returns, scoring 4 times, he also averaged 10.8 yards per punt return on 463 attempts in his career.

Brian Mitchell holds MANY NFL records.

His 19,013 total return yards is a record, as is his 14,014 kickoff return yards, as is his 4,999 punt return yards. His 1,070 kick returns are the most ever, and his 9 punt return touchdowns is the second most ever in NFL history.

Brian’s 231 fair catches are the most ever in a career, and his 33 in one season is also an NFL record.

He is one of just four players in NFL history to gain over 2,000 yards four times in a career.

Brian Mitchell BETTER NOT wait long for his induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame!

Crazy Canton Cuts = Ray Guy

Ray Guy
6’3″ 195
Punter
Oakland Raiders
1973 – 1986   (14 Seasons)
207 Games Played
1049 Punts
44,493 Yards
42.4 Yard Average Per Punt
7 Pro Bowls

William Ray Guy was a first round draft pick of the Oakland Raiders in the 1973 draft. He was the 23rd player picked overall.

Ray attended college at the University of Southern Mississippi. There, he set school records in placekicking, punting and as a defensive back.

He finished with a career punting average of 44.7 yards a kick, which is the highest average in NCAA history for punters with 200-249 attempts in their careers.

Guy was the NCAA punting champion in 1972 with a 46.2 average. He averaged 45.3 and 42.9 in his other seasons.

Guy’s 8 interception in one season is still a Golden Eagles record. Guy is second All Time in school history with 18 career interceptions. His 268 interception return yardage is currently the third most in school history.

Guy also set a then NCAA record when he kicked a 61 yard field goal, and still ranks fourth in school history in the most field goals made in a career.

In 1972, he was a member of The Sporting News, Football Writers Association, Walter Camp, Gridiron, Football News, Playboy and Associated Press All-America teams as a Safety and Punter.

Guy was named Most Valuable Player of the 1972 College All-Star game, in which college all-stars played the current Super Bowl champion.

Ray was also outstanding in baseball. He struck out 266 players in 220.2 innings, and threw 14 complete games in 31 total games in his career. He was drafted by Major League Baseball for 3 straight years.

Ray Guy is the first Golden Eagle to ever play in the NFL. He is also the first player to have his jersey retired in school history.

Guy is not only a member of Southern Mississippi’s All Century Team, but he is also a member of the schools Hall of Fame, the Mississippi and Georgia Sports Halls of Fame, and the National High School Sports Hall of Fame.

Guy is also the first punter to ever be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame.

Ray Guy is considered the greatest Punter to have ever played college football, and has a trophy named after him. The Ray Guy Award is given annually to the best collegiate punter in the nation.

Ray Guy is the first punter to ever be drafted in the first round by the NFL. His impact was immediate. He was named to the Pro Bowl as a rookie, when he averaged 45.3 yards per punt.

Guy would be named the Pro Bowl Punter every year up until 1978. At the 1976 Pro Bowl, Ray Guy became the first punter to hit the Louisiana Superdome video screen.

In 1979, he was named to the UPI All Conference Second Team, and the Newspaper Ent. Association All-NFL Second Team. He was named to his final Pro Bowl in 1980 after averaging 43.6 yards per punt. He also booted a career long punt of 77 yards that year.

For some unknown reason, he was not named to the 1981 Pro Bowl, despite punting a career high 96 times and having a 43.7 average. He was named to the UPI All Conference Second Team.

Guy booted the ball over 70 yards in four of his seasons, and kicked five over 60 yards in one season alone. His shortest season long was 57, in the strike shortened 1982 season.

That season also was the only season of his career when he did not average over 40 yards per punt, finishing with a 39.1 average. Guy ended the last three years of his career averaging 90 punts per season, when he retired after the 1986 season.

Ray Guy did more than just punt for the Raiders. He threw 3 career passes, completing 2 for 54 yards. His first career pass was intercepted. Guy also rushed for 43 yards on 11 attempts. In 1976, Guy was asked to kick an extra point, but missed.

Ray only had 3 punts blocked in his entire career, and never had a punt returned for a touchdown. He led the NFL in punting three times also. He also kicked off for aging kicker George Blanda, a Hall of Famer.

Ray Guy was an integral part of the Raiders. He also was on 3 Super Bowl winning teams in Oakland during his career. The highlight of his Super Bowls was in 1983. His punt in Super Bowl XVIII pinned Washington inside their 12 yard line, which led to a Raiders touchdown via a turnover the next play.

Ray was named the punter on the National Football League’s 75th Anniversary Team, the Super Bowl Silver Anniversary Team and as a member of the NFL 1970’s All Century team. He was recently inducted into the Bay Area Sports Hall of Fame.

If you saw Ray Guy, you must be scratching your head right now as to why he isn’t yet in Canton. His punts were legendary. Other teams would test the balls that he punted for helium, due to the heights his punts attained.

I had thought, after seeing Kicker Jan Stenerud inducted in 1991, that the voters were FINALLY recognizing the importance of special teams. In 1994, Guy was the first punter to be nominated, but he still has not been elected.

I find myself often questioning the football knowledge of the voters. Some claim to be “purists”, saying that specialist do not belong because they only get on the field for a few plays each game. Still, isn’t Cantons reason for existence based upon what players do once on the field?

There is NO DOUBT that Ray Guy helped the Raiders win many games. Even if you disregard his statistics, you cannot look past his impact on football at all levels. Wake up the voter in the media that represents your area. Ray Guy deserves his place in the Pro Football Hall of Fame right now!

Notable Players Drafted In 1973  (* Denotes Canton Inductee)

1. John Matuszak, DE, Houston Oilers
2. Bert Jones, QB, Baltimore Colts
3. Jerry Sisemore, OT,Philadelphia
4. John Hannah, G, New England *
5. Dave Butz, DT, Saint Louis Cardinals
6. Charle Young, TE, Philadelphia
8. Wally Chambers, DT, Chicago
9. Otis Armstrong, RB, Denver
10. Joe Ehrmann, DT, Baltimore
11. Sam Cunningham, FB, New England
12. Chuck Foreman, RB, Minnesota
13. Burgess Owens, DB, NY Jets
15. Isaac Curtis, WR, Cincinnati
19. Darryl Stingley, WR, New England
20. Billy Joe Dupree, TE, Dallas
24. J.T. Thomas, DB, Pittsburgh
26. Joe DeLamielleure. G, Buffalo *
28. Guy Morriss, C, Philadelphia
29. Derland Moore, DT, New Orleans
30. Greg Pruitt, RB, Cleveland
31. Cullen Bryant, RB, LA Rams
35. Mike Barnes, DT, Baltimore
36. Barney Chavous, DE, Denver
37. Ron Jaworski, QB, LA Rams
40. Brad Van Pelt, LB, NY Giants
41. Willie Harper, LB, San Francisco
42. Jim Youngblood, LB, LA Rams
49. Monte Johnson, LB, Oakland
53. Harvey Martin, DE, Dallas
54. Paul Howard, G, Denver
55. Randy Logan, DB, Philadelphia
56. Brad Dusek, LB, New England
63. Terry Metcalf, RB, Saint Louis
64. Dan Fouts, QB, San Diego *
71. Jim Laslavic, LB, Detroit
78. Leon Gray, OT, Miami
79. Gregg Bingham, LB, Houston
88. Tom Jackson, LB, Denver
91. Dick Jauron, DB, Detroit
92. Perry Smith, DB, Oakland
93. Andy Dorris, DE, Cleveland
103. Jeff Yeates, DE, Buffalo
106. Dave Reavis, OT, Pittsburgh
107. Allan Ellis, DB, Chicago
109. Tom Brahaney, C, Saint Louis
110. Wallace Francis, WR, Buffalo
111. Don Strock, QB, Miami
115. Cody Jones, DT, LA Rams
118. Brent McClanahan, RB, Minnesota
156. Ed Newman, G, Miami
157. Shelby Jordan, T, Houston
166. John Grant, DT, Denver
189. Ray Oldham, DB, Baltimore
192. Loren Toews, LB, Pittsburgh
217. Lyle Blackwood, DB, Denver
245. Ken Stone, DB, Washington
248. Nick Mike-Mayer, K, Atlanta
249. Lenvil Elliott, RB, Cincinnati
270. Dan Neal, C, Baltimore
281. Carl Barisich, DT, Cleveland
288. Joe Lavender, CB, Philadelphia
289. Paul Orndorff, RB, New Orleans (WWE Hall of Fame)
300. Garry Puetz, G, NY Jets
302. Boobie Clark, RB, Cincinnati
308. Larry McCarren, C, Green Bay
342. Ray Hamilton, DT, New England
353. Brian Kelley, LB, NY Giants
429. Dave Winfield, TE, Minnesota (MLB Hall of Fame)

 

 

My REAL Interview with Edwin Williams of the Washington Redskins

 

The Redskins May Need a Ladder To Escape the NFC East Cellar

The NFC East has been one of the strongest divisions in football, since the 1970’s, from top to bottom. Three teams, the Washington Redskins, Dallas Cowboys, and New York Giants, have each won multiple Super Bowls since then. A fourth, the Philadelphia Eagles, has played in two Super Bowls as well.

The NFC East also used to include the Saint Louis Cardinals. The Cardinals featured many great players, including three Hall of Famers, and were generally always in the thick of the race for the division title. They did win two consecutive division titles in 1974 and 1975, but left the NFC East after the 2001 season. They are now in the NFC West, and have played in Arizona since the 1988 season.

The 2009 NFL season should be more of the same for this division. The Giants will be just two seasons removed from winning a Super Bowl, and the Eagles were within minutes of appearing in last years Super Bowl. Both teams are expected to challenge again this season.

The Cowboys are another team many are looking to challenge for the division crown. Dallas’ core players are mostly still intact, and the team has made significant upgrades on the defensive side of the ball. If the Cowboys start holding their own along the line of scrimmage this year, they have the talent to win the Super Bowl trophy.

The Giants are a veteran team that has most of the players from their Super Bowl XLII winning team still on the roster. They have a stout defense, and are known for having a fierce pass rush. If their young wide receivers step up this season, they have to ability to win it all again behind their excellent offensive line.

Philadelphia is a team many expect to get back to the NFC Championship game. They are led by Donovan McNabb, a quarterback who seemingly has put the franchise on his back throughout most of his career. McNabb is heavily relied upon because the Eagles running attack has been wildly ineffective. He also has some new weapons to enjoy this year, and McNabb might end up setting career high marks in every passing category by seasons end.

The Redskins are a team in flux. They are trying to transition between being a veteran team, and a team trying to rebuild towards the future. Their head coach, Jim Zorn, is in his second year with the team. He inherited a veteran team built for power football, but Zorn wants the team to use the West Coast system. This transition had the Redskins being the 28th ranked offense in the NFL last year.

The defense is also trying to get younger and faster, while relying on the many veterans they have as starters. Washington’s defense was the 6th best in the NFL last year, and is the main reason the team was able to go 8-8 last year.

After signing free agent defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth to a very lucrative contact a few months ago, Washington is hoping their defense can be even better this year. This may need to happen, due to the Redskins inconsistencies on offense.

The key to the Redskins success on offense will be the effectiveness of their blockers. This group is amongst the most talented in the league, but they have not been able to stay healthy as a whole unit the past several years. They are also getting old, and two to three of their starters are not far away from retirement.

Teams always hope they can stay healthy an entire season, and very few ever do. This is the Redskins hope, and well as believing their veterans have another push left in their bodies to fulfill their potential for being champions.

The problem is the NFC East. This is a grueling division that wears down each team in it. Typically, by the time a team from the division reaches the playoffs, the team is spent and running on fumes. Winning the division is a huge task, and is probably the hardest thing to do in the NFC.

The Washington Redskins are considered to have little chance at winning the NFC East by many, but the talent is certainly there to do so. Many good fortunes have to fall their way, as it does for any champion in NFL history, as well as unfortunate moments happening to their division rivals.

It is a long shot, as are the Redskins hope for glory in 2009, but not unfathomable. This is how a Cinderella season occurs. Ask the Arizona Cardinals.

Jim Zorn’s Transition to the West Coast is Still Surfing Choppy Waters

Jim Zorn had a bumpy ride in the 2008 NFL season, his first as head coach of the Washington Redskins. The team finished at 8-8, and Zorn’s highlight was being the first Redskins coach since Hall Of Famer George Allen to win his initial game in Dallas versus the Cowboys.

Zorn being hired as head coach was a surprise in the first place. He has been an assistant coach in the NFL since 1997, but he is best known as the first quarterback in the history of the Seattle Seahawks franchise. He is also a member of the Seahawks Ring Of Honor. 

After his playing career ended in 1987, he immediately went into coaching in Division 1A college football. He coached with three different schools before joining the Seahawks as an assistant coach. That team was coached by Dennis Erickson, a coach who specializes in the spread offense.

After leaving Seattle in 1998, he joined Bobby Ross with the Detroit Lions the next season. He served as the quarterbacks coach, and left the team after the following season to rejoin the Seahawks. There, he coached under Mike Holmgren for seven seasons.

Zorn is said to be a proponent of the West Coast offensive system, which Holmgren had learned under Hall Of Fame coach Bill Walsh in San Francisco. When Zorn played, he spent most of his career playing under head coach Jack Patera. Patera ran an offense that passed the ball most of the time, and to some success.

When Hall Of Fame coach Joe Gibbs suddenly retired before the 2007 season, to concentrate on his personal life, he left behind a roster molded to his style of play. Zorn faced a tremendous challenge of trying to implement his offensive theories with a personnel not familiar with that style of play.

Though the Redskins got off to a fast start, with a 6-2 record, injuries hit the team and ended their hopes.

Redskins starting quarterback Jason Campbell had a set a Redskins record of consecutive passes without an interception to start a season, and just missed the NFL record by forty attempts. He also set career high marks in virtually every passing category.

Campbell was also sacked a career high 38 times, which is not a conducive statistic for success under the West Coast system. Many know that Campbell has had to learn six offensive systems in his last six years of football, which includes college.

This year marks the first time that Jason will play in the same system for two straight years since his sophomore year in college.

That was purported to have almost not have occurred, because the media claimed the Redskins held interests in other quarterbacks. They were said to be a player in the Jay Cutler sweepstakes, before Cutler landed in Chicago.

Washington also supposedly wanted to trade up in the 2009 NFL Draft and grab Mark Sanchez of the University of Southern California. Sanchez ended up being drafted by the New York Jets instead.

Though Zorn has recently stated he wants Campbell to be the Redskins quarterback, these recent moves prove otherwise if they are true. The question remains if the pressure is more on Campbell or Zorn to produce in 2009.

The Redskins current roster has many offensive players built towards the power running game that Gibbs wanted. Clinton Portis is the teams main running back, though he hasn’t been able to stay healthy an entire season since 2005. In order for Portis to be at his best, he requires over twenty carries per game.

The backups are a mix of proven and unproven types. Ladell Betts ran for 1,154 yards in the Redskins 2005 season, but has battled his own injury issues throughout his seven years in the NFL. Betts might be the teams best receiving threat out of the backfield as well.

The rest of the group consists of Rock Cartwright, the teams kick returner, and two free agents. Marcus Mason is a local man who made the team in 2007 for a short time, and has been on the Redskins, Baltimore Ravens, and New York Jets practice squads since.

Anthony Alridge spent his 2008 rookie season on the Denver Broncos injured reserve list. Alridge might fit a West Coast scheme best out of the group, but the diminutive back will have an uphill climb to prove his worth as a receiver and possibly as a return specialist.

The teams main passing weapon the past four seasons has been tight end Chris Cooley. Cooley, a three time Pro Bowler, is the only tight end in NFL history to have at least six touchdown receptions in his four seasons.

Despite all of his success, and the fact he is a fan favorite, the Redskins used a second round draft pick on tight end Fred Davis in 2008. Davis contributed three receptions in his rookie year.

What Zorn’s plans are for Davis is as baffling and unclear as the selection of him in the first place. Cooley is just 26 years old, and appears headed to Canton at his current pace. If the Redskins plan to use Davis more, it has yet to been seen how.

The Redskins main wide receivers are Santana Moss and Antwaan Randle El. Moss is known for good speed, but unreliable hands. Randle El is a small, quick type, and best projects doing his most effective work in the slot. Washington recently signed Roydell Williams, who had been inconsistent in his three years with the Tennessee Titans.

The Redskins also drafted two wide receivers in 2008. Devin Thomas was the teams top draft choice, and showed promise with 15 receptions. The other was Malcolm Kelly. Kelly was only able to give Washington three receptions, and was considered a disappointment by many fans.

The Redskins also drafted Marko Mitchell this year, in the seventh round, but the tall wide receiver is considered a raw prospect with good athleticism.

Though Zorn has obviously drafted some players he feels fits his scheme, none are key members of the team. Thomas has been the only one to show any promise thus far, so the onus will be on Davis and Kelly to step up their games this year to prove Zorn was right about them.

The West Coast scheme is a system that relies on finesse. It appears it will take Zorn years to get those types of players, something hard to fathom his will have with team owner Dan Snyder. Snyder has gone through six coaches in the ten years he has owned the Redskins.

Snyder is obviously gambling that Zorn is going to be another of those shiny acorns that has fallen off of the Bill Walsh tree. The list of successful coaches from that tree is long and legendary. Many have won Super Bowls.

If it doesn’t, the Redskins may have hired themselves another Marty Mornhinweg. Mornhinweg is considered one of the dull acorns that fell of the Walsh tree. He lasted two seasons in Detroit, winning five games total.

There is an expression that a coach needs three years to show whether or not his system fits best for the franchise that employs him. This year, being Zorn’s second, may determine if that theory holds true.

This Should Be The Year The Lions Roar

Most fans of sports are aware of the “Curse Of Babe Ruth”, which loomed over the Boston Red Sox franchise for decades.

Some lived their entire lives believing in its existence.

Those who don’t believe in curses rationalize the reasons for the lack of championships by the Red Sox were either due to teams unlucky, not good enough, or a combination of both.

Regardless to whether curses are real or not, the Red Sox have certainly shoved that myth into the derriere of oblivion the past several years.

Where am I going with this?

Well, it was just over 50 years ago when the Detroit Lions Hall Of Fame Quarterback Bobby Layne was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The story goes that, as Layne was ready to go to Pittsburgh, he told a group of people that the Lions would not win another championship for 50 years.

What has followed in the Lions franchise has circumstances that could have Lions fans believing in the curse laid down by Layne.

From the quarterback carousal that has followed since Layne’s departure, to the numerous #1 draft picks that failed, to the several head coaches that have come and gone without much impact, the Lions have floundered for the better part of the 50 years that have followed.

The past decade, the Lions have the worst record in the NFL, and many Detroit fans lay this blame on the Lions ownership.

But, it is really their incompetence, or “Bobby Layne’s Curse” in effect?

Though “Ruth’s Curse” never had a time-line, nor did the Babe ever utter that he placed a curse on the Red Sox, there can be similarities for Lions fans to draw from for the sake of hope.

It certainly would be better to latch onto the Red Sox curse than the Chicago Cubs curse. At least until the Cubs win another championship.

Neither franchise has suffered as much as the Lions, who have won just one playoff game since Layne’s departure.

The time is ticking on this curse.

If it is true, this indicates the Lions are bound for glory in 2009.

I know this whole idea seems far fetched, but so does the thought that curses are real. Well, at least to some.

So cheer up Lions fans.

Get your 2009 calender ready.

Maybe even buy your Super Bowl tickets early. If this curse is real, it expired at the end of last season. Which it did with an 0-16 flourish.

Then, you can feel that joy Red Sox fans have been feeling the past few years. A joy so grand, that even 100 year old BoSox fans walk around without the need for Viagra.

Detroit Lions fans deserve that joy as well.

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